Sardarshahar was founded in the old Bikaner state, and the two towns are still closely tied by family, trade and road. The drive east across the desert is short and easy, and Sardarshahar is a good base for exploring Churu district.
- Distance by road
- About 130–136 km
- Driving time
- About 2 to 2½ hours
- Usual route
- Bikaner → Sri Dungargarh → Sardarshahar
- Highway
- SH-6 runs from Dungargarh through Sardarshahar towards Taranagar and Rajgarh
- By train or bus
- No direct train. Train or bus to Ratangarh, then 48 km by road
- Airport
- Bikaner (Nal) airport is about 150 km from Sardarshahar
- BikanerStart
- Sri Dungargarh
- Sardarshahar≈ 133 kmJay Mahal is here
The route
Leave Bikaner eastwards towards Sri Dungargarh. From Dungargarh, SH-6 heads north-east across open desert to Sardarshahar. It is a quiet two-lane road through sand country, khejri trees and small villages.
Another way is to stay on the main highway to Ratangarh and turn north on SH-7 for the last 48 km. It is a little longer, but it suits you if you have something to do in Ratangarh, or if you want to arrive on the Ratangarh side of town, where Ichhapuran Balaji Mandir and Jay Mahal Hotel & Resort are.
By train or bus
There is no direct train from Bikaner to Sardarshahar. Trains run from Bikaner to Ratangarh Junction, and from there it is about 48 km by road. RSRTC buses also run between Bikaner and Ratangarh, with onward buses and taxis to Sardarshahar. Check timings on NTES/IRCTC or at the bus stand.
Tips
- The Dungargarh road has long empty stretches. Carry water and fill up in Bikaner or Dungargarh.
- Winter nights in this belt can drop close to freezing. IMD records for nearby Churu go down to −4.6 °C.
- Driving onward to Hanumangarh or Ganganagar? Sardarshahar is where you join the SH-7 Mega Highway north.
Staying in Sardarshahar
Sardarshahar is a good base for a family function, for darshan at Ichhapuran Balaji, or for day trips to Tal Chhapar and Salasar.
Distances, travel times and timings are approximate and can change. Please check before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sardarshahar from Bikaner?
About 130–136 km by road, usually via Sri Dungargarh. The drive takes roughly 2 to 2½ hours.
Is there a train from Bikaner to Sardarshahar?
Not directly. Take a train from Bikaner to Ratangarh Junction and travel about 48 km by road to Sardarshahar.
Which is the nearest airport to Sardarshahar?
Bikaner airport is about 150 km away. Jaipur International Airport is about 267 km away and has more flights.
Where can I stay in Sardarshahar?
Jay Mahal Hotel & Resort is on the Ganganagar–Jaipur Highway, about 400 m from Ichhapuran Balaji Mandir, with rooms, an AC restaurant, rooftop dining and parking. Call +91 78919 99993.
Sources
