How To Get From Jaipur To Taj Mahal + The Best Day Trip Tours
Are you looking for how to get from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal? Read on for options including the best tours!
Visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments, is a dream for many travelers. If you’re in Jaipur and planning a day trip to the Taj Mahal, you’re in for a memorable experience. Here’s a guide to help you plan your journey from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal and make the most of your trip.
Jaipur to the Taj Mahal
First it’s important to understand the geography.
Jaipur to Agra: The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, approximately 240 km (150 miles) from Jaipur.
Travel Duration: The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on your mode of transportation.
The Best Day Trips from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal
Many tour operators offer guided day trips from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal, which include transportation, meals, and sometimes entry fees. Here are a couple good options:
Private Sunrise Taj Mahal & Agra Fort from Jaipur by Car
Enjoy a day tour of Agra, departing from Jaipur in the very early morning in order to arrive at the iconic Taj Mahal by sunrise.
Pick-up from hotel or airport in Jaipur at 2:00am, transfer to Agra by air-conditioned car. Arrive in Agra around 6:15am to view Taj Mahal at sunrise. Enter before the crowds to get
Continue to the nearby Red Fort. Then enjoy some free time before breakfast. Finally, start the drive back to Jaipur around noon.
Private Taj Mahal Tour from Jaipur by Car
This full day 12 hour tour can start with your choice of pickup time between 3:00am and 8:00am. You’ll drive the 4 hours and then visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Then enjoy a meal before your journey back to Jaipur.
You can pick how much of the experience is handled for with the below options (the cost varies):
- Car + Guide + Entrances + Meal
- Car Only
- Car + Guide + Entrances
- Car + Guide
If you ask me, India is chaotic enough, I’d go for the first option and have the car, guide, entrances, and meal covered for me. It keeps your day hassle free so all you have to do is enjoy!
Transportation Options for getting from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal
If you don’t want to a guided day trip, then it’s worth exploring the other options for making the trip between Jaipur and Agra: train, bus, or driving.
Train travel from Jaipur and the Taj Mahal
Trains are a comfortable and efficient way to travel. The Shatabdi Express and the Gatimaan Express are the best options because they offer more comfortable air-conditioned coaches.
🚆 Websites like IRCTC or trusted travel agencies: Book in advance to secure your preferred travel date and class. I recommend using MakeMyTrip.com and/or Yatra.com when planning train travel in India.
🚆 Classes of Travel: Options range from the economical Sleeper Class to the more comfortable AC Tier classes.
🚆 Train Selection: The Shatabdi Express and the Gatimaan Express are popular choices, offering speed and additional amenities like meals and air conditioning.
Driving between Jaipur and the Taj Mahal
Renting a car or booking a taxi/private car provides flexibility. The drive is somewhat scenic, passing through rural landscapes and small towns. It takes about 4.5 hours and is 240 kms (150 miles).
🚗 Local Taxi Operators: Jaipur has numerous local taxi services. You can either book a taxi through your hotel or directly contact local taxi operators. They often offer a fixed rate for a one-way trip or a round trip to Agra.
🚗 Tour operators or travel agency: You can use a tour provider but book the ‘car only’ service.
🚗 Online Car Booking Platforms: Platforms like Ola and Uber offer intercity cab services. These apps allow you to book a taxi in advance and provide options for different types of vehicles depending on your budget and preference.
🚗 Renting a Private Car If you prefer driving yourself, renting a private car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can use Zoomcar.com to rent a car. Though, I have had mixed experiences with using Zoomcar. One time the car was not available as per our booking. Also, be warned that unless you have experience with driving in India, I do not recommend this option for international travelers.
Taking a bus between Jaipur and the Taj Mahal
Various government and private buses operate between Jaipur and Agra. They’re more economical but can be less comfortable than trains or cars.
🚍 Purchasing Bus Tickets: The most convenient method is online booking through various platforms such as RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or the official website of the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). These platforms provide a range of options in terms of timing, type of bus (AC, non-AC, deluxe, etc.), and price points.
You can also buy tickets directly at the Jaipur Sindhi Camp bus station, although pre-booking is recommended to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🚍 Bus Stops and Departure Points: In Jaipur, most long-distance buses, including those to Agra, depart from the Sindhi Camp bus station. This station is centrally located and well-connected to other parts of the city by local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. It’s advisable to arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before the departure time to locate your bus and settle in comfortably.
In Agra, the primary bus stop for incoming buses from Jaipur is the Idgah Bus Stand, located near the Agra Cantt Railway Station. This bus stand is a major hub, making it easy to find transport to your hotel or directly to the Taj Mahal.
What is the best way to get from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal?
Considering all the options above- private car, train, bus, or tour operators- I recommend hiring a private car or taking a day tour if you plan to visit the Taj Mahal from Jaipur. While these options are more expensive the cost still isn’t too much and is the most comfortable and flexible option.
Traveling to the Taj Mahal: FAQs
Here are some more answers about visiting the Taj Mahal that may be helpful for planning your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit Taj Mahal?
Timing is crucial for a fulfilling visit to the Taj Mahal. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is generally mild and conducive for sightseeing. The cooler months not only offer pleasant weather but also clearer skies, ideal for photographing the stunning marble monument.
Summers in Agra are extremely hot, and the monsoon season (July to September) can be unpredictable with heavy rainfall.
Is Taj Mahal close to Jaipur?
The Taj Mahal is not very close to Jaipur, but it’s a part of the popular tourist circuit known as the Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
The distance between Jaipur and Agra is approximately 240 kilometers, making it a drive of about 4-5 hours.
Many tourists combine their visit to the Taj Mahal with a trip to Jaipur and Delhi, experiencing a rich blend of culture, history, and architecture.
What is the best way to get to the Taj Mahal?
Reaching the Taj Mahal depends on where you’re starting your journey. If you’re in Delhi, you can take a train, bus, or car to Agra, where the monument is located. The fastest and most convenient way is by train, with several options available, such as the Gatimaan Express or the Shatabdi Express, which take around 2 hours.
For a more scenic route, you can opt for a car journey, which gives you the flexibility to stop at interesting spots along the way. Once in Agra, the Taj Mahal is easily accessible by local transport, including taxis and auto-rickshaws.
How long is the tour of Taj Mahal?
The duration of your visit to the Taj Mahal can vary, but typically, a thorough tour takes about 2 to 3 hours. This time allows you to appreciate the intricate details of the mausoleum, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the serene ambience.
I recommend taking a guided tour for a more insightful experience, as guides offer historical context and point out architectural nuances that you might otherwise miss.
Remember, the Taj Mahal is not just about the main building; the surrounding structures, including the mosque and the guesthouse, are also worth exploring.
Pro Travel Tip: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Do not plan your time in Agra for a Friday.
TL;DR: How to get from Jaipur to Taj Mahal
A day trip from Jaipur to the Taj Mahal is not just about seeing a monument but experiencing the essence of India’s rich history and culture. With proper planning and an early start, you can enjoy a fulfilling and unforgettable visit. Depending on your travel plans, driving, taking a train, or going with a tour operator are all great options for getting between Jaipur and Agra.
If you are traveling elsewhere in Rajasthan, don’t miss the magical cities of Udaipur and Pushkar.