Best Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad – Comfortable & Scenic Rail Journey Guide

If you love slow travel and want to enjoy a classic Indian train experience, taking the train from Mumbai to Aurangabad is one of the best ways to start your Ajanta–Ellora adventure. The route passes through the green Nashik plains, old towns, and rocky ridges of the Deccan plateau — making it scenic, affordable, and surprisingly comfortable.

Here’s your complete, experience-based guide to the best trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad, including timings, duration, fares, booking tips, and a few insider hacks for smooth travel.

1. Why Take the Train Instead of a Flight?

While flying is faster, the train offers:
✅ A relaxed, scenic route through Maharashtra’s heartland
✅ Overnight options (save one night’s hotel stay)
✅ Budget-friendly fares
✅ Direct city-center arrival — no airport taxi needed

💡 Tip: If you’re heading straight to Ellora or Ajanta, trains are perfect because you arrive early morning in Aurangabad — ready to start sightseeing.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Quick Overview – Mumbai to Aurangabad Train Route

Distance	Travel Time	Frequency	Starting Station	Ending Station
~330 km	7–8 hours	Daily	Mumbai CST / Dadar	Aurangabad Junction (AWB)

This route is well-served by several express and superfast trains that run daily or multiple times a week.

3. Best Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad

🚆 1. Devagiri Express (Train No. 17057)

Mumbai CST → Aurangabad → Secunderabad

• Departure: 9:10 PM (Mumbai CST)
• Arrival: 5:25 AM (Next Morning, Aurangabad)
• Duration: 8 hrs 15 mins
• Days: Daily
• Classes: Sleeper (SL), 3AC, 2AC
• Fare: INR 400 – INR 1,100

💡 Why It’s Great: Perfect overnight option — clean coaches, punctual, and you wake up right in Aurangabad ready for your cave trip.

🚆 2. Tapovan Express (Train No. 17617)

Mumbai CST → Aurangabad → Nanded

• Departure: 6:15 AM (Mumbai CST)
• Arrival: 1:15 PM (Aurangabad)
• Duration: 7 hrs
• Days: Daily
• Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, Chair Car
• Fare: INR 350 – INR 900

💡 Why It’s Great: Ideal for morning travelers who want to reach Aurangabad by afternoon — perfect if you’re planning Ellora first and Ajanta the next day.

🚆 3. Nandigram Express (Train No. 11401)

Mumbai CST → Aurangabad → Adilabad

• Departure: 8:50 PM (Mumbai CST)
• Arrival: 5:10 AM (Aurangabad)
• Duration: 8 hrs 20 mins
• Days: Daily
• Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC
• Fare: INR 380 – INR 1,000

💡 Why It’s Great: Another solid overnight option with slightly different arrival timing — great if you prefer a later evening departure.

🚆 4. Ajanta Express (Train No. 17063)

Manmad → Aurangabad → Secunderabad

• Connection from Mumbai: Local train or overnight bus to Manmad (4 hrs), then take Ajanta Express
• Departure: 6:35 AM (Manmad)
• Arrival: 9:35 AM (Aurangabad)
• Duration: 3 hrs
• Days: Daily
• Fare: INR 200 – INR 600

💡 Why It’s Great: Perfect for those who want to travel from Mumbai late at night and switch at Manmad early morning — scenic route and less crowded.

4. Recommended Itinerary (Using Trains from Mumbai)

Time	Plan
9:10 PM (Day 1)	Board Devagiri or Nandigram Express from Mumbai CST
5:30 AM (Day 2)	Arrive in Aurangabad
6:00 AM – 6:30 PM	Full-day Ajanta & Ellora Tour
8:30 PM (Day 2)	Return by Tapovan Express or overnight bus
3:00 AM (Day 3)	Arrive back in Mumbai

💡 Tip: Overnight trains are best — you save hotel cost and arrive fresh for sightseeing.

5. How to Book Train Tickets

✅ Online Booking:
Use IRCTC, or apps like ConfirmTkt / Trainman.

✅ Booking Window:
Opens 120 days before the journey.

✅ Preferred Classes:

• 3AC: Comfortable and affordable ( ~ INR 800)
• 2AC: Spacious and quieter ( ~ INR 1,100)
• SL: Budget-friendly ( ~ INR 400)

💡 Tip: Always check the train’s running status before boarding — Tapovan and Devagiri are usually punctual, but monsoon delays can happen.

6. Insider Tips for a Smooth Journey

✅ Carry light snacks and bottled water (though trains have vendors).
✅ Bring a light jacket — coaches get cold at night.
✅ Keep power bank and offline maps ready.
✅ Window seats are great for watching Nashik vineyards and Deccan hills.
✅ Arrive at Mumbai CST 30–40 minutes before departure.

💡 Tip: For overnight trains, choose an upper berth for uninterrupted sleep.

7. From Aurangabad Station to the Caves

Once you arrive, taxis and autos are easily available:

Destination	Distance	Travel Time
Ellora Caves	30 km	45 mins
Ajanta Caves	100 km	2.5 hrs

💰 Taxi Cost: INR 4,000 – INR 4,500 for a full-day Ajanta–Ellora trip.
📍 View on Google Maps

8. Alternative Option – Overnight Bus (If Trains Are Full)

If tickets are unavailable, private sleeper buses also connect Mumbai and Aurangabad.

• Operators: Neeta, VRL, MSRTC
• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Fare: INR 700 – INR 1,200
• Boarding Points: Dadar, Andheri, Borivali

💡 Tip: Buses are convenient last-minute options, but trains offer better comfort for long-distance travel.

9. Best Time to Travel by Train

Season	Experience
Nov – Feb (Winter)	Cool, comfortable journey
Jul – Sep (Monsoon)	Lush landscapes along Nashik route
Apr – Jun (Summer)	Hot outside, but AC coaches are pleasant

💡 Tip: Book monsoon journeys for beautiful countryside views — the Deccan turns emerald green.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

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

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