Surat to Jaisalmer

The best route from Surat to Jaisalmer is via Radhanpur, Sanchore, and Barmer on NH68, which is the fastest and most commonly suggested route by Google Maps. It offers a direct highway drive with minimal diversions, making it ideal for covering long distances efficiently.

Recommended Route (Best Option)

Surat → Bharuch → Vadodara → Ahmedabad → Radhanpur → Sanchore → Barmer → Jaisalmer
(via NH48 + NH68)

Key Details:

• Distance: Approximately 780–800 km
• Travel Time: Around 13.5 to 14.5 hours
• Road Quality: Excellent highways till Ahmedabad, followed by good desert roads

Why This Route is Best ?

• Fastest and most direct route as suggested by Google Maps.
• Minimal diversions and easy navigation.
• Suitable for long-distance continuous driving.
• Consistent road conditions across most of the journey.
• Less tiring compared to longer circuit routes.

This is the most preferred route for travelers who want to reach Jaisalmer in the shortest time.

Popular Road Trip Route (via Udaipur & Jodhpur)

Surat → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer

• Distance: Approximately 1030–1050 km
• Total Driving Time: Around 17–18 hours (spread over multiple days)
• Ideal Duration: 4–6 days

Why Choose This Route ?

• Breaks the long journey into a comfortable multi-day road trip.
• Allows you to explore Udaipur and Jodhpur.
• Ideal for travelers who prefer experiences over speed.
• Better suited for planned itineraries.

This is the route followed in the itinerary below, allowing you to explore multiple destinations instead of driving non-stop.

Alternate Routes:
Route via NH62 (Mount Abu / Jodhpur side)

• Longer and slower than NH68.
• Includes more city traffic.
• Suitable only if planning specific stops.

The road conditions on this route are generally good, with a mix of smooth highways across Gujarat and long, open desert roads as you approach Jaisalmer.

Surat → Bharuch → Vadodara → Ahmedabad (NH48)

• Excellent 4–6 lane highway with well-maintained road surface.
• Fast and smooth driving with consistent traffic flow.
• Heavy traffic possible near Bharuch, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.
• Plenty of fuel stations, food courts, and rest stops along the way.

Ahmedabad → Radhanpur → Sanchore (NH68 – Recommended Route)

• Good quality highways with mostly smooth stretches.
• Traffic reduces significantly after Ahmedabad.
• Long, straight roads with minimal interruptions.
• Comfortable driving but with fewer facilities compared to NH48.

Sanchore → Barmer → Jaisalmer

• Open desert roads with good surface quality.
• Very low traffic and wide visibility.
• Some isolated stretches with limited fuel and food options.
• Occasional rough patches, but overall manageable.

Alternate Route: Surat → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer (Itinerary Route)

• Excellent highways till Udaipur, followed by mixed terrain.
• Scenic hill roads near Udaipur (Aravalli section).
• Good highways between Udaipur and Jodhpur.
• Smooth desert roads from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
• Longer route but more varied driving experience.

Alternate Route: via Palanpur → Sirohi → Jodhpur (NH62)

• Mix of highways and regional roads.
• Moderate traffic near towns and cities.
• Some narrower stretches compared to NH68.
• Slightly longer and less direct.

Driving Tips:

• Start early to avoid traffic near Surat and Vadodara.
• Use Ahmedabad bypass to save time.
• Refuel before entering long desert stretches (after Radhanpur/Sanchore).
• Avoid night driving in remote desert areas.
• Carry water and essentials, especially in summer.
• Maintain steady speed to reduce fatigue on long straight roads.

Planning your travel budget for the Surat to Jaisalmer road trip? Here is a realistic cost breakdown to help you estimate your expenses.

Toll Charges:

The estimated toll cost for the Surat to Jaisalmer road trip is around ₹1,000–₹1,600, depending on the route you choose.

• Total toll cost (one way): ₹1,000 to ₹1,500
• Route (via NH48 → NH68 – Recommended): ₹1,100 to ₹1,500
• Route (via Udaipur → Jodhpur – Itinerary route): ₹1,200 to ₹1,600

Toll charges may vary slightly depending on your vehicle type and exact route.

Fuel Cost Estimate:

Fastest Route (via NH68):

• Distance: ~780–820 km
• Fuel cost: ₹5,500 – ₹6,800

Road Trip Route (via Udaipur & Jodhpur):

• Distance: ~1030–1050 km
• Fuel cost: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000

For Petrol Cars:

• Average mileage: 12–15 km/l
• Fuel required:

• NH68 route: ~52–65 liters
• Itinerary route: ~70–85 liters
  • Estimated cost: ₹5,200 – ₹8,500

For Diesel Cars:

• Average mileage: 18–22 km/l
• Fuel required:

• NH68 route: ~37–45 liters
• Itinerary route: ~48–58 liters
  • Estimated cost: ₹3,300 – ₹5,200

How This Is Calculated ?

• Fuel cost = Distance ÷ Mileage × Fuel price
• Petrol price assumed: ~₹100/litre
• Diesel price assumed: ~₹90/litre

Your actual cost may vary based on driving style, traffic conditions, route selection, and AC usage.

Total Estimated Trip Cost (One Way):

• Fastest Route (NH68): ₹6,500 – ₹8,500
• Road Trip Route (via Udaipur & Jodhpur): ₹8,500 – ₹10,500

For round trip, simply double the amount.

This Surat to Jaisalmer road trip is ideal for :

• Travelers starting from Surat or South Gujarat who want to experience Rajasthan fully by road.

• Self-drive planners looking for a long-form desert journey, not just a weekend drive.

• Families and couples who prefer structured driving days with proper city stays.

• Travelers who want to follow a seamless route via the Surat to Udaipur road trip and continue onward to Jaisalmer.

This route is best suited for those who enjoy long highway drives combined with destination-based exploration.

Not recommended if you have less than 4–5 days or prefer non-stop driving, as this trip is designed for a paced, multi-day experience.

The ideal time is October to March, when temperatures are comfortable for both driving and sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot after Udaipur, especially toward Jaisalmer. Monsoon months are manageable but may slow highway speeds.

The Surat to Jaisalmer road trip stands out because it feels gradual. It starts with structured highways, transitions into royal lake cities, moves through blue stone desert gateways, and finally opens into vast golden sandscapes. Each leg feels different, yet connected. By the time you stand at the dunes, you understand the distance you have covered is not just in kilometers, but in terrain and atmosphere.