Airport transfers, auto rickshaws, Uber, city buses, and getting between Jaipur's attractions. Complete transport guide for visitors.
Jaipur is spread out — the old walled city is walkable, but forts and palaces require transport. Here's how to get around.
Airport to City
Jaipur International Airport (JAI)
Located 13 km from the city centre. No metro or bus connection.
Prepaid Taxi
Where: Counter inside arrivals hall Cost: ₹400-600 depending on destination Time: 30-45 minutes to central Jaipur
Pay at counter, get receipt, give to driver at destination. Fixed rates, no haggling.
Uber/Ola
Cost: ₹300-500 to central Jaipur Time: 30-45 minutes
You'll need an Indian SIM for OTP verification. Get one at airport counters before booking.
Hotel Pickup
Most hotels offer airport pickup. Costs ₹600-1,000. Convenient but pricier than alternatives.
Railway Station to City
Jaipur Junction Station
Central location — many hotels are walking distance or short auto ride.
Prepaid Auto
Where: Counter outside main exit Cost: ₹100-200 to most destinations Time: 10-20 minutes
Tips
- Ignore drivers who approach you inside the station
- Use prepaid counter or Uber/Ola
- If walking, exit toward MI Road for central hotels
Getting Around the City
Auto Rickshaws
The default transport for short trips. Green-and-yellow three-wheelers everywhere.
How it works:
- Flag down an auto
- State your destination
- Negotiate price BEFORE getting in
- Pay at the end
Approximate fares:
| Route | Fair Price |
|---|---|
| Within old city | ₹50-100 |
| Old city to Amber Fort | ₹200-300 |
| Old city to Nahargarh | ₹150-250 |
| Station to MI Road | ₹80-120 |
Tips:
- Fares are negotiable — start at 50% of first quote
- Carry small notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50)
- Autos at tourist spots charge more — walk away and find another
- Shared autos run fixed routes for ₹10-20
Uber and Ola
Advantages:
- Fixed prices (no negotiating)
- Air-conditioned cars
- GPS tracking
- Card payment option
Typical fares:
- Within city: ₹100-200
- To Amber Fort: ₹200-350
- Full-day rental: ₹2,000-3,000
Uber Auto: Books you an auto at fixed app price. Best of both worlds.
Hiring a Car with Driver
For full-day sightseeing covering multiple forts.
Cost: ₹1,500-2,500 for 8 hours/80 km Book through: Hotel, tour agency, or apps like Savaari
Recommended when:
- Visiting Amber, Jaigarh, and Nahargarh in one day
- Travelling with family or group
- Want commentary (drivers often know history)
Walking
The walled old city is walkable:
- Hawa Mahal to City Palace: 5 minutes
- City Palace to Jantar Mantar: 2 minutes
- Tripolia Bazaar to Johari Bazaar: 10 minutes
Watch for traffic — pedestrians don't have right of way.
City Buses
Cheap (₹10-30) but confusing. No English signage. Crowded. Not recommended for tourists unless you speak Hindi and enjoy adventure.
Cycle Rickshaws
Available in old city for very short distances. Slow, cheap (₹20-50), atmospheric. Good for Bazaar exploration when you're tired.
Transport Between Key Sights
Old City (Walled City)
Everything walkable:
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Albert Hall Museum
- All major bazaars
To Amber Fort
Distance: 11 km from old city Auto: ₹200-300 one way Uber: ₹200-350 one way Return options: Arrange return with same driver or book new ride
Tip: Combine with Jaigarh Fort (same hilltop, shared ticket) and Nahargarh on the way back.
To Nahargarh Fort
Distance: 6 km from old city (uphill) Auto: ₹150-250 one way Best time: Sunset — stunning city views
The scenic route: Some visitors trek up via Jaipur's western hills. Allow 1-2 hours. Not recommended in summer heat.
Three Forts in One Day
The efficient route:
- Start at Amber Fort (morning, 2-3 hours)
- Continue to Jaigarh Fort (30 minutes)
- Drive to Nahargarh Fort (sunset)
- Return to old city
Hiring a car with driver (₹1,500-2,500) makes this comfortable and efficient.
Day Trip Transport
To Pushkar
Distance: 150 km (3 hours by road) Options:
- Bus from Sindhi Camp bus stand (₹150-200)
- Private car hire (₹2,000-3,000 return)
- Shared taxi (₹500-800)
To Ranthambore
Distance: 180 km (3.5 hours by road) Options:
- Train to Sawai Madhopur (2.5 hours)
- Private car hire (₹3,000-4,000 return)
To Ajmer
Distance: 135 km (2.5 hours by road) Options:
- Train (2 hours, ₹100-500)
- Bus (₹150-200)
Practical Tips
Best Practices
- Download Uber/Ola before arriving — you'll need them
- Get Indian SIM for app bookings — OTP verification required
- Carry small notes — autos never have change
- Agree on price before getting in — essential for autos
- Know your destination name in Hindi — helps with drivers
Avoiding Scams
- Ignore drivers who approach you at stations/airports
- Don't trust "your hotel is closed" stories
- If a driver suggests a different destination, decline
- Use prepaid counters or apps
Rush Hours
- Morning: 9-10 AM
- Evening: 5-7 PM
- Avoid auto rides during these times — traffic is heavy
Transport Costs Summary
| Mode | Use Case | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Auto (negotiated) | Short trips | ₹50-300 |
| Uber/Ola | Comfort, fixed price | ₹100-400 |
| Uber Auto | Auto at fixed price | ₹50-250 |
| Car + driver (8 hrs) | Full-day touring | ₹1,500-2,500 |
| Cycle rickshaw | Old city only | ₹20-50 |
For trip planning, see our planning guide.