Travelled both routes multiple times — here's the honest answer.
NH48 (Delhi → Gurgaon → Kotputli → Jaipur)
Distance: ~280 km
Time: 4.5–5.5 hrs
Road quality: Excellent, 6-lane highway
Best for: Speed, comfort, large vehicles
Via Alwar (Delhi → Alwar → Shahpura → Jaipur)
Distance: ~290 km
Time: 5.5–7 hrs
Road quality: Mixed — good stretches, some patches
Best for: Scenic drive, less toll, Alwar sightseeing stopover
Verdict for groups: NH48 wins every time for tempo travellers. Wider lanes, smoother roads, easier on the vehicle, and predictable timing are important when you're managing 10–12 people.
Via Alwar makes sense only if your group wants a relaxed scenic route with an Alwar fort stopover.
If you're already looking at
tempo traveller on rent in Jaipur for local sightseeing after arrival, NH48 gets you there fresh and on time ,which matters more than a scenic detour.