Best Trains from Pune to Aurangabad – Scenic, Easy & Budget Travel Guide

If you’re based in Pune and planning a heritage getaway to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, taking the train to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) is one of the most convenient, affordable, and scenic options. The route passes through lush countryside, small heritage towns, and the calm Deccan plains — a perfect start to your cultural escape.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best trains from Pune to Aurangabad, including schedules, fares, journey duration, booking tips, and travel insights from real experience.

1. Why Take the Train from Pune to Aurangabad?

✅ Comfortable and scenic – enjoy views of the Western Ghats and Ahmednagar plains.
✅ Budget-friendly – much cheaper than cabs or flights.
✅ Convenient timings – overnight and day options available.
✅ Direct connectivity – several trains go straight to Aurangabad Junction (AWB).

💡 Tip: Overnight trains are ideal — you’ll reach Aurangabad early morning and can start exploring Ellora or Ajanta the same day.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Quick Route Overview – Pune to Aurangabad

Distance	Travel Time	Frequency	Starting Station	Destination
~235 km	6–7 hours	Daily	Pune Junction (PUNE)	Aurangabad Junction (AWB)

3. Best Trains from Pune to Aurangabad

🚆 1. Nandigram Express (Train No. 11402)

Route: Pune → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Adilabad

• Departure: 11:45 PM (Pune Junction)
• Arrival: 6:15 AM (Aurangabad)
• Duration: 6 hrs 30 mins
• Days: Daily
• Classes: Sleeper (SL), 3AC, 2AC
• Fare: INR 400 – INR 1,000

💡 Why It’s Great: Perfect overnight journey — you sleep comfortably and arrive early morning in Aurangabad, ready to visit the caves.

🚆 2. Pune–Manmad Express (Train No. 17630)

Route: Pune → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Manmad

• Departure: 9:30 AM (Pune Junction)
• Arrival: 4:00 PM (Aurangabad)
• Duration: 6 hrs 30 mins
• Days: Daily
• Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, Chair Car
• Fare: INR 350 – INR 900

💡 Why It’s Great: Best for day travelers who want to reach Aurangabad by afternoon — ideal for same-day Ellora visit.

🚆 3. Daund–Nanded Express (Train No. 17615)

Route: Pune (via Daund) → Aurangabad → Nanded

• Departure: 11:30 PM (Daund Junction, 75 km from Pune)
• Arrival: 6:30 AM (Aurangabad)
• Duration: 7 hrs
• Days: Daily
• Classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC
• Fare: INR 400 – INR 950

💡 Why It’s Great: Good alternative if Nandigram tickets are full — slightly longer but comfortable overnight route.

🚆 4. Tapovan Express (Alternate Option)

If you miss the Pune–Aurangabad direct trains, you can take the Tapovan Express (Mumbai–Aurangabad) from Manmad Junction, which connects easily from Pune by local train.

• Pune to Manmad: 4 hrs (by early morning train)
• Tapovan Express: 6:15 AM → 1:15 PM (Aurangabad)

💡 Why It’s Great: Excellent backup plan with scenic countryside views between Nashik and Aurangabad.

4. Recommended Travel Plan (Pune → Aurangabad → Caves)

Time	Activity
11:45 PM (Day 1)	Board Nandigram Express from Pune Junction
6:15 AM (Day 2)	Arrive at Aurangabad
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Explore Ajanta & Ellora with guided tour
8:30 PM (Day 2)	Return to Pune by overnight train or bus
3:00 AM (Day 3)	Arrive back in Pune

💡 Tip: Use overnight travel both ways — it saves hotel costs and maximizes sightseeing time.

5. Ticket Booking Details

✅ Book Online: IRCTC or trusted apps like ConfirmTkt, Trainman.
✅ Booking Opens: 120 days before journey.
✅ Preferred Classes:

• 3AC ( INR 800): Comfortable and air-conditioned.
• Sleeper ( INR 400): Budget-friendly.
  ✅ Tatkal Option: Available one day before journey (limited seats).

💡 Tip: If traveling during winter weekends, book at least 2 weeks ahead — Nandigram tickets sell fast.

6. Travel Tips for Train Passengers

✅ Arrive 30 minutes early — Pune station can be busy at night.
✅ Carry light snacks, water, and a neck pillow for overnight comfort.
✅ Keep small cash for station autos at Aurangabad.
✅ Download your e-ticket and PNR on phone.
✅ Avoid large luggage — platforms at Aurangabad are narrow during peak hours.

💡 Tip: For the best window views, choose seats on the right side when heading from Pune to Aurangabad.

7. From Aurangabad Station to the Caves

Destination	Distance	Time	Mode
Ellora Caves	30 km	45 min	Taxi / Auto
Ajanta Caves	100 km	2.5 hrs	Private cab / Tour bus

💰 Taxi Cost (Full-Day Tour): INR 4,000 – INR 4,500 (Sedan or SUV)
📍 View on Google Maps

8. Best Time to Travel from Pune to Aurangabad by Train

Season	Experience
Winter (Nov–Feb)	Pleasant, cool mornings at the caves
Monsoon (Jul–Sep)	Beautiful greenery along Ahmednagar route
Summer (Apr–Jun)	Hot outside, but AC coaches are comfortable

💡 Tip: Travel during monsoon for stunning landscapes and waterfalls near Ellora.

9. Alternative Travel Options (If Trains Are Full)

• 🚌 Private Sleeper Buses: 7–8 hours, INR 700 – INR 1,200
• 🚗 Private Taxi: 4.5–5 hours, INR 6,000–INR 7,000
• ✈️ Flight: No direct flights (via Mumbai only)

💡 Tip: Overnight buses are comfortable, but trains offer better legroom and stability.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

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

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