How to Reach Aurangabad by Train – Complete Railway Travel Guide

Traveling to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) by train is one of the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to reach the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The rail routes pass through the lush Deccan plateau, quiet countryside, and ancient towns of Maharashtra — making it not just a journey, but a cultural experience in itself.

If you’re planning a heritage trip to the caves, this detailed guide on how to reach Aurangabad by train covers all routes, best trains, station details, timings, and practical travel tips to make your rail journey easy and enjoyable.

1. Aurangabad Railway Station Overview

• Station Name: Aurangabad Junction
• Station Code: AWB
• Location: Station Road, Aurangabad City
• Division: Nanded (South Central Railway Zone)

The station is centrally located — just 10 minutes from the city center and easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

Facilities Available:

• Waiting halls & clean restrooms
• Food stalls & book shops
• IRCTC ticket counters & online kiosk
• Prepaid auto and taxi stand
• Cloakroom and retiring rooms

💡 Tip: The railway station is near several hotels — ideal if you arrive at night or plan an early morning cave tour.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Trains to Aurangabad from Major Cities

Aurangabad is well-connected by direct trains from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Manmad. Here are the key routes you can choose based on your starting point:

🚆 A. From Mumbai to Aurangabad

This is the most popular and convenient route.

Train Name	Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Devagiri Express	17057	9:10 PM (CST)	5:25 AM	8 hrs 15 min
Tapovan Express	17617	6:15 AM (CST)	1:15 PM	7 hrs
Nandigram Express	11401	8:50 PM (CST)	5:10 AM	8 hrs 20 min

💰 Fare: INR 400 – INR 1,200 (Sleeper to AC)
💡 Tip: Take the overnight Devagiri Express — you’ll wake up in Aurangabad fresh and ready to explore Ellora.

🚆 B. From Pune to Aurangabad

Train Name	Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Nandigram Express	11402	11:45 PM	6:15 AM	6 hrs 30 min
Pune–Manmad Express	17630	9:30 AM	4:00 PM	6 hrs 30 min

💡 Tip: Nandigram Express is perfect for overnight travel — you’ll arrive early enough to start an Ajanta day trip the same morning.

🚆 C. From Delhi to Aurangabad

Train Name	Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Sachkhand Express	12716	1:10 PM	9:20 AM (next day)	20 hrs 10 min
Karnataka Express	12628	9:15 PM	6:30 PM (next day)	21 hrs 15 min

💡 Tip: While it’s a long journey, the Sachkhand Express is comfortable with clean AC coaches and pantry service.

🚆 D. From Hyderabad to Aurangabad

Train Name	Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Ajanta Express	17063	6:50 PM	7:35 AM	12 hrs 45 min
Nandigram Express	11402	4:00 PM	6:15 AM	14 hrs 15 min

💡 Tip: The Ajanta Express is named after the caves themselves — a fitting way to begin your heritage trip!

🚆 E. From Nagpur to Aurangabad

Train Name	Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Nandigram Express	11402	1:00 PM	6:15 AM	17 hrs 15 min
Nagpur–Aurangabad Express	11401	11:45 PM	5:10 PM	17 hrs 25 min

💡 Tip: These routes pass through central Maharashtra — expect scenic countryside views.

3. From Aurangabad Station to the Caves

Once you reach the city, you can easily travel to both cave sites by car or taxi:

Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Transport Options
Ellora Caves	30 km	45 mins	Cab / Auto / MTDC Bus
Ajanta Caves	100 km	2.5 hrs	Taxi / Tourist Bus

💡 Tip: Book your transport in advance — taxi drivers near the station offer full-day Ajanta–Ellora trips starting ₹4,000.
📍 View on Google Maps

4. Ticket Booking & Reservation Tips

✅ Book Online: Use the official IRCTC website or apps like ConfirmTkt or Trainman.
✅ Advance Booking: Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance (especially Nov–Feb).
✅ Preferred Classes: For long routes, choose 3AC or 2AC for comfort.
✅ Tatkal Tickets: Available one day before travel (limited, higher price).
✅ Seat Confirmation: Always check PNR status online before departure.

💡 Tip: Upper berths are quieter for overnight routes; window seats are great for day travel between Pune and Aurangabad.

5. Best Time to Travel Aurangabad by Train

Season	Experience
November – February (Winter)	Pleasant and comfortable journey
July – September (Monsoon)	Scenic countryside views
April – June (Summer)	Hot but manageable with AC coaches

💡 Tip: For the best scenery, travel during the monsoon — the hills around Nashik and Daulatabad turn green and lush.

6. Local Transport from Station

Once you step out of Aurangabad Junction, you’ll find:

• 🚖 Prepaid taxis: INR 300 – INR 400 to hotels or airport
• 🛺 Auto rickshaws: INR 100 – INR 200 for short rides
• 🚘 Private day rentals: INR 4,000 – INR 5,000 for Ajanta & Ellora combo tour

💡 Tip: You can ask your hotel to arrange pickup — many offer free transfers for guests arriving by train.

7. Sample Train Travel Plan (From Mumbai)

Time	Activity
9:10 PM (Day 1)	Board Devagiri Express from Mumbai CST
5:25 AM (Day 2)	Arrive in Aurangabad
6:00 AM – 6:30 PM	Full-day Ajanta & Ellora Tour
8:30 PM	Return train to Mumbai (Tapovan / Nandigram Express)

💡 Tip: Overnight trains save hotel costs and maximize sightseeing time.

8. Quick Travel Summary

From	Duration	Best Train	Travel Type
Mumbai	7–8 hrs	Devagiri / Tapovan Express	Overnight / Morning
Pune	6–7 hrs	Nandigram Express	Overnight
Delhi	18–20 hrs	Sachkhand Express	Long-distance
Hyderabad	12 hrs	Ajanta Express	Overnight
Nagpur	17 hrs	Nandigram Express	Long-distance

💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, combine your arrival with a pre-booked car and guide — it’s the best way to dive straight into the caves.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Aurangabad
• How to Reach Aurangabad by Flight
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves

❓ FAQ