How to Reach Aurangabad – Complete Travel Guide to India’s Heritage City

If you’re planning to visit the legendary Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you’ll almost certainly pass through Aurangabad — now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Often called the Gateway to Maharashtra’s Heritage, Aurangabad is the best base for exploring UNESCO sites, Mughal-era monuments, and ancient rock-cut wonders.

Whether you’re coming from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, or even other states in India, getting here is easy and well-connected by air, train, and road. This detailed guide on how to reach Aurangabad covers every route, option, and insider tip to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

1. Overview – Why Aurangabad is the Gateway to the Caves

Aurangabad sits in the heart of Maharashtra and serves as the ideal base for exploring:

• 🕉️ Ellora Caves – 30 km away (45 mins drive)
• 🪷 Ajanta Caves – 100 km away (2.5-hour drive)
• 🕌 Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and Grishneshwar Temple – all within short drives

It’s also one of the few Indian cities where ancient history, Mughal architecture, and Buddhist heritage blend seamlessly.

💡 Tip: Stay at least 2 nights in Aurangabad if you want to explore both Ajanta and Ellora at a relaxed pace.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. How to Reach Aurangabad by Flight (Fastest Option)

The Aurangabad Airport (IXU) — now called Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport — connects directly to major Indian cities.

✈️ Popular Flight Routes to Aurangabad:

City	Duration	Airlines
Mumbai	1 hour	IndiGo, Air India
Delhi	1 hour 45 mins	IndiGo, Air India
Pune	55 mins (via Mumbai)	IndiGo
Hyderabad	1 hour 15 mins	IndiGo
Bangalore / Chennai	2–2.5 hours (with one stop)	Multiple carriers

💰 Average Fare: INR 3,000 – INR 7,000 (one-way, depending on season)

Airport Location: ~10 km east of the city (around 20 minutes by car).

• Taxis and autos are available at the terminal.
• Prepaid cabs cost INR 300 – INR 400 to the city center.

💡 Tip: Choose morning or evening flights — the golden light over the Deccan plateau during landing is breathtaking.

3. How to Reach Aurangabad by Train (Scenic and Budget-Friendly)

Aurangabad has a major railway station connecting it to Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and other Indian cities. Trains are frequent, affordable, and scenic — especially along the Nashik–Manmad–Aurangabad stretch.

🚆 Popular Train Routes to Aurangabad:

Route	Duration	Best Trains
Mumbai → Aurangabad	7–8 hrs	Devagiri Express, Tapovan Express
Pune → Aurangabad	6–7 hrs	Nandigram Express, Pune–Manmad Express
Delhi → Aurangabad	17–19 hrs	Sachkhand Express, Karnataka Express
Hyderabad → Aurangabad	10–11 hrs	Ajanta Express
Nagpur → Aurangabad	10 hrs	Nandigram Express

💰 Average Fare: INR 400 – INR 1,500 (Sleeper to AC)

💡 Tip: For overnight travel, the Tapovan Express (from Mumbai) and Nandigram Express (from Pune) are the most comfortable options.
📍 View on Google Maps

4. How to Reach Aurangabad by Road (Perfect for Road Trips)

Aurangabad is well-connected via national highways, making it an excellent road trip destination. The routes are scenic, passing through hills, vineyards, and historical towns.

🚗 Driving Distances & Routes:

From	Distance	Approx. Time	Highway
Mumbai	330 km	6–7 hrs	NH160 via Nashik
Pune	235 km	4.5–5 hrs	NH753F via Ahmednagar
Nashik	180 km	3.5 hrs	NH160
Hyderabad	480 km	8–9 hrs	NH65 & NH52
Nagpur	470 km	8 hrs	NH53

💡 Tip: The Pune–Aurangabad route via Ahmednagar has several dhabas serving delicious misal pav and thalis — perfect for a breakfast stop.

5. How to Reach Aurangabad from Major Cities

From Mumbai:

• ✈️ Flight: 1 hour (best option)
• 🚆 Train: 7–8 hours (Devagiri or Tapovan Express)
• 🚗 Drive: 6–7 hours via Nashik

💡 Tip: Combine with a weekend getaway — visit Ajanta on Day 1 and Ellora on Day 2.

From Pune:

• 🚗 Drive: 4.5–5 hours via Ahmednagar
• 🚆 Train: 6–7 hours
• ✈️ No direct flight (take via Mumbai)

💡 Tip: The Pune–Aurangabad road trip is one of Maharashtra’s best — smooth highways and plenty of heritage detours.

From Delhi:

• ✈️ Flight: 1 hour 45 mins (non-stop IndiGo/Air India)
• 🚆 Train: 18–20 hours (Sachkhand Express)

💡 Tip: Book a GetYourGuide tour that includes round-trip flights and pickup from Aurangabad Airport for a seamless one-day experience.

From Hyderabad:

• ✈️ Flight: 1 hour 15 mins (direct)
• 🚆 Train: 10 hours (Ajanta Express)
• 🚗 Drive: 8–9 hours via Nanded

💡 Tip: Early morning flights from Hyderabad are convenient for same-day Ajanta–Ellora tours.

6. Local Transport in Aurangabad

Once you arrive, getting around is easy:

• 🚖 Private Cabs: ₹2,500–₹4,000 per day (best for full-day tours)
• 🚘 Car Rentals: Available at station/airport
• 🛺 Auto Rickshaws: ₹100–₹300 for short distances
• 🚌 MTDC Bus Tours: Budget-friendly option with guides

💡 Tip: For Ajanta–Ellora sightseeing, always book a car or guided tour — buses are time-restricted and less flexible.
[Add image of local taxi near Ellora entrance]

7. Best Time to Visit Aurangabad

Season	Months	Experience
Winter	Nov–Feb	Pleasant, ideal for exploring outdoors
Monsoon	Jul–Sep	Green landscapes and fewer crowds
Summer	Apr–Jun	Hot but manageable with early starts

💡 Tip: Winter mornings at Ajanta and Ellora are magical — cool breeze, golden light, and fewer tourists.

8. Travel Tips for Reaching Aurangabad Smoothly

✅ Book flights or trains at least 2–3 weeks in advance (especially winter).
✅ Keep your ID handy — airport and hotel check-ins require it.
✅ Carry snacks and water for long drives.
✅ Download offline maps — signal drops in remote areas.
✅ Avoid travel on Ajanta’s closed day (Monday) if you plan a combo visit.

💡 Tip: For ultimate comfort, pair your arrival with a pre-booked tour that picks you up straight from the airport or station.

9. Where to Stay in Aurangabad

Whether you’re on a budget or seeking comfort, the city has great stay options:

Type	Area	Examples
🏨 Luxury	Airport Road	Vivanta, WelcomHotel Rama International
🏕️ Mid-Range	Station Road / CIDCO	Lemon Tree, Ambassador Ajanta
🛏️ Budget	Near Central Bus Stand	Treebo, Hotel Sparkling Pearl

💡 Tip: Stay near Airport Road if you want quick access to Ellora; near Station Road for Ajanta trips.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Ajanta Caves
• How to Reach Ellora Caves
• Ajanta and Ellora Day Trips
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves

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