If you’ve got a layover in Bikaner, don’t let it go to waste sitting at BKB. The city, in India, is within easy reach — roughly 70 minutes by Taxi / Auto-rickshaw. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Bikaner, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for India vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Bikaner is roughly 70 minutes from BKB via Taxi / Auto-rickshaw. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Nal Airport into town:
- Taxi / Auto-rickshaw: About 70 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 90 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at BKB may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Bikaner’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Bikaner layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$5 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$20 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Bikaner, here are two things worth checking out:
Junagarh Fort is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BKB, you can spend time at General Waiting Area or try Local Handicraft & Souvenir Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop and Heeralal’s Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Bikaner.
- At the airport: Airport Multi-Cuisine Food Counter and Airport Tea & Coffee Stall will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and BKB is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Bikaner and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BKB, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Bikaner genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.