How to Reach Udaipur from Delhi: Flight, Overnight Train & Road Trip Route

Introduction: Traveling from Delhi to Udaipur

Known as the City of Lakes and the Venice of the East, Udaipur sits approximately 660 kilometres southwest of New Delhi, nestled in the southern pocket of the Aravali Range in Rajasthan. With its gleaming marble palaces, romantic lakefronts, and rich Mewari heritage, Udaipur is a premier destination for luxury escapes, royal weddings, and cultural holidays. Thanks to upgraded transport infrastructure—including daily non-stop flights, reliable overnight express trains, and high-speed expressway corridors—traveling from Delhi to Udaipur is straightforward and versatile.

Whether you are planning to witness traditional folk dances at Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur, stay at opulent royal residences, or gaze out at panoramic views from the scenic heights of Bahubali Hills near Udaipur, selecting the right transit mode depends on your available time, budget, and travel style. This guide breaks down the three primary ways to reach Udaipur from Delhi: direct flights, overnight trains, and a comprehensive self-drive road trip itinerary.

Option 1: Delhi to Udaipur by Flight (The Fastest Route)

Flying is by far the most time-efficient way to travel between Delhi and Udaipur, making quick weekend getaways completely feasible.

• Flight Route: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL, Terminal 2 or 3) to Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR).
• Airlines Operating: IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara offer multiple daily direct flights.
• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes non-stop.
• Airfare: Economy fares generally range from ₹3,000 to ₹6,500 one-way when booked 3 to 6 weeks in advance. Peak holiday periods (Diwali, New Year) can see fares climb to ₹9,000+.
• Airport to City Transfer: Maharana Pratap Airport is located at Dabok, roughly 22 km east of the Old City and Lake Pichola. Pre-paid airport taxis, Uber, and Ola charge between ₹600 and ₹900 for a 35-to-45-minute drive into the city center.

If you are booking a palatial waterfront getaway, many of the best lakefront luxury hotels in Udaipur provide private chauffeur airport transfers, ensuring you arrive at Lake Pichola or Fateh Sagar in ultimate comfort.

Option 2: Delhi to Udaipur by Train (Overnight Sleeper Comfort)

For travelers who prefer waking up fresh in Rajasthan without losing daylight hours to transit, Indian Railways operates two exceptional overnight trains connecting Delhi to Udaipur City Railway Station (station code: UDZ).

Key Trains from Delhi to Udaipur

The Mewar Express is widely considered the gold standard for this route. It leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin in the early evening, glides past Mathura, Bharatpur, Kota, and Chittorgarh, and pulls into Udaipur right after sunrise. The Chetak Express is equally popular, departing from Delhi Sarai Rohilla with stops at Delhi Cantt and Gurgaon before heading through Rewari, Ringas, Ajmer, and Bhilwara. Both trains drop you directly at Udaipur City station, situated less than 3 km from the heritage boutique properties and best heritage havelis in Old Udaipur.

Option 3: Delhi to Udaipur by Road (10-11 Hour Highway Drive)

Driving from Delhi to Udaipur is one of North India's classic road trips, taking you through vibrant Rajasthani landscapes, expansive 6-lane toll corridors, and dramatic Aravali hill cuttings.

Recommended Driving Route via Delhi-Mumbai Expressway & NH48

The most efficient highway routing combines the new expressway with the golden quad corridor:

1. Delhi to Dausa (NE4 Expressway): Start via Sohna onto NE4, driving 220 km of smooth 8-lane expressway to the Dausa interchange (2.5 hours).
2. Dausa to Jaipur Southern Bypass (NH21 to Ring Road): Take the Jaipur Ring Road to seamlessly bypass the city without entering inner municipal congestion (45 mins).
3. Jaipur to Kishangarh & Ajmer (NH48): Drive the 6-lane GVK expressway section through Kishangarh (home of the famous marble dumping yard) (1.5 hours).
4. Kishangarh to Bhilwara & Chittorgarh (NH48 / NH58): Cruise south on the smooth 4-to-6-lane highway past Nasirabad, Bhilwara, and the towering fortress city of Chittorgarh (3.5 hours).
5. Chittorgarh to Udaipur (NH27 / NH48 6-Lane): The final 115 km stretch is a pristine four-lane highway cutting through Aravali rolling hills, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.

Road Trip Overview & Toll Estimates

• Total Distance: ~660 km
• Total Driving Time: 10 to 11.5 hours (excluding breaks)
• Tolls: Approximately ₹900 to ₹1,150 one-way across NE4 and NH48 toll plazas via Fastag.
• Recommended Halts: Midway breaks at Highway King (Kishangarh) or Hotel Meera (Chittorgarh) for authentic Rajasthani dal baati churma and pyaaz kachoris.

Transit Comparison: Time, Cost & Convenience

Exploring Udaipur Upon Arrival

Once settled into your stay, you can explore royal cenotaphs at the historical Ahar Cenotaphs in Udaipur, take a sunset boat ride across Lake Pichola, or hike the lush Aravali trails. To pick the perfect season for clear skies and pleasant boating breezes, consult our comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Udaipur.

Pro Tips for Your Delhi to Udaipur Journey

• Train Booking Window: 2AC and 3AC tickets on Mewar Express and Chetak Express book out 30 to 45 days in advance during the peak October-March winter season.
• Morning Fog Advisory: In December and January, flights and road journeys may face morning fog delays; train schedules remain relatively more dependable.
• Chittorgarh Detour: If driving, allocate a 2-hour detour at Chittorgarh to explore Vijay Stambha and the historic fort before covering the final stretch to Udaipur.
• Inner City Navigation: The heritage lanes around Lake Pichola (Lal Ghat, Gangaur Ghat) are too narrow for standard cars; arrange for auto-rickshaw or hotel luggage buggy assistance from the outer parking areas.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the swift 80-minute flight for a spontaneous weekend holiday, the relaxing rhythmic comfort of the overnight Mewar Express, or an exhilarating 11-hour road trip down the Aravalis, reaching Udaipur from Delhi is smooth and rewarding. Match your choice to your budget and travel pace, and get ready to experience the timeless royal grace, sunset boat cruises, and architectural wonders of Mewar's glorious capital.