Jodhpur Junction (JU) — Blue City Station Guide
Guide to Jodhpur Junction — Blue City gateway, 6 platforms, Mehrangarh Fort access, desert tourism connections, food, and Rajasthan travel tips.
Jodhpur Junction — station code JU — is the main station for Rajasthan's "Blue City," named for the striking blue-painted houses visible from the ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort. The station is the headquarters of the North Western Railway and a gateway to the Thar Desert, connecting Jodhpur to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and destinations across western Rajasthan.
JU is a well-organized station with good facilities, reflecting its status as a divisional headquarters. The blue city itself — with its massive fort, ornate palaces, and desert culture — begins practically at the station gates.
Station Layout
JU has 6 platforms.
| Platforms | Services |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Premium trains (Mandore Express, Rajdhani via Jaipur) |
| 3–4 | Long-distance express |
| 5–6 | Regional and desert-route trains (Jaisalmer, Barmer) |
Getting To and From JU
By Auto/Taxi
Prepaid auto stand outside. Jodhpur autos are reasonable.- JU to Mehrangarh Fort: ₹50–80
- JU to Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar): ₹20–30
- JU to Umaid Bhawan Palace: ₹60–80
- JU to Jodhpur Airport: ₹150–200
- JU to Osian (Jain temples): ₹500–700 (65 km)
By Bus
RSRTC buses from the main bus stand (near Rai Ka Bagh, 2 km). Services to Jaisalmer (5.5 hours), Udaipur (5 hours), Jaipur (6 hours), and Ajmer (4 hours).Facilities
Waiting Rooms
AC waiting room on the first floor. Confirmed ticket required. Good condition. General waiting area on ground floor.Food
- Platform stalls: Mirchi vada (Jodhpur's signature snack — stuffed fried chilli), samosa, kachori, chai — ₹10–30
- Food court: Rajasthani thali with dal-baati-churma ₹80–120
- Outside: The Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) market area (1 km) has amazing street food. Shahi Samosa (near Clock Tower) for oversized stuffed samosas. Mishrilal Hotel for makhania lassi (saffron lassi) — possibly the best lassi in Rajasthan.
WiFi
RailWire WiFi available.ATMs
SBI, PNB ATMs inside the station.Navigation Tips
Tip 1: Mehrangarh Fort is visible from the station. It's about 2 km away, looming on the cliff above the blue city. An auto takes 10 minutes. The fort is one of India's most magnificent — allow 3–4 hours for a proper visit. Tip 2: Jodhpur is a major stop on the Palace on Wheels luxury train route. If you see an ornate royal train parked at the station, that's likely it. Tip 3: If you're heading to Jaisalmer, the overnight train from Jodhpur (Jaisalmer Express) is the most popular option. Book well in advance — Jaisalmer is a popular tourist circuit stop. Tip 4: Desert temperatures swing wildly. Summer days hit 48°C, winter nights drop to 4°C. Dress in layers during winter and avoid outdoor sightseeing in summer afternoons. Tip 5: The "Desert Triangle" — Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur — is best done by train. Each leg is one overnight journey. Comfortable and efficient.Track trains on IndianRail.app — Jodhpur trains running through the Thar Desert can face sand-related delays during dust storms.
Cloak Room
Near platform 1. Open 6 AM–10 PM. ₹30 per bag.
Nearby Landmarks
- Mehrangarh Fort: 2 km — one of India's largest and most impressive forts
- Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower): 1 km — market area, street food hub
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: 3 km — still a royal residence and heritage hotel
- Jaswant Thada: 2 km — marble cenotaph near the fort
- Mandore Gardens: 9 km — old Marwar capital with temples and cenotaphs
Quick Reference
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Code | JU |
| Platforms | 6 |
| Zone | North Western Railway (HQ here) |
| WiFi | RailWire (free) |
| Mehrangarh Fort Distance | 2 km |
| Jaisalmer Train | Overnight, ~6 hours |