Road Trip Guide Mumbai to Aurangabad – The Scenic Route to Ajanta and Ellora Caves
There’s something magical about driving from Mumbai to Aurangabad — the way the city’s chaos fades into the open countryside, the smell of wet soil after Lonavala’s rain, and the sight of Daulatabad Fort rising from the horizon as you near Aurangabad.
If you love long drives, history, and hidden gems along the way, this road trip guide Mumbai to Aurangabad is for you. It’s a route that beautifully blends Maharashtra’s highways with heritage, food, and stories waiting to be discovered.
1. Overview – Mumbai to Aurangabad by Road
| Distance | Approx. Time | Best Route | Ideal Travel Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 330 km | 6–7 hours | NH160 via Nashik | November – February |
The roads are smooth for most parts, well-marked, and dotted with fuel stations and dhabas.
💡 Tip: Start early (around 5:30–6:00 AM) to enjoy the sunrise and reach Aurangabad before noon — perfect for a relaxed afternoon visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara or Ellora Caves.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. The Best Route: NH160 via Nashik
This is the most popular and scenic route between Mumbai and Aurangabad.
🛣️ Route Overview:
Mumbai → Thane → Igatpuri → Nashik → Sinnar → Vaijapur → Aurangabad
Distance Breakdown:
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai → Nashik | 165 km | 3.5 hrs |
| Nashik → Aurangabad | 165 km | 3 hrs |
| Total | 330 km | 6.5 hrs |
💡 Tip: Stop at Igatpuri for breakfast — the mountain air and local vada pav make for a perfect road trip start.
3. Alternate Route (Faster Highway Option)
If you prefer expressway-style driving:
Mumbai → Pune Expressway → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad (NH753F)
- Distance: 360 km
- Duration: 6–6.5 hrs
- Road Condition: Excellent, 4-lane highway
- Tolls: Slightly higher but smoother drive
💡 Tip: This route is great for those starting from Navi Mumbai or the Pune side of the city.
4. Ideal Itinerary – Mumbai to Aurangabad Road Trip
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Depart from Mumbai via NH160 |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at Manas Resort, Igatpuri (try poha and chai) |
| 10:00 AM | Tea stop near Nashik vineyards |
| 12:30 PM | Arrive in Aurangabad, check-in to hotel |
| 2:30 PM | Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara or Ellora Caves |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at local restaurant (try Naan Qalia) |
💡 Tip: You can easily add a stop at Sula Vineyards in Nashik for wine tasting and scenic photos.
5. Top Attractions Along the Way
1. Igatpuri
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Igatpuri is known for its misty valleys and Vipassana meditation center.
💡 Tip: Stop for breakfast here — it’s one of the most peaceful midpoints on this route.
2. Nashik Vineyards
Home to India’s best-known wine producers like Sula, York, and Grover Zampa.
💡 Tip: Even a short 20-minute break here can turn into a beautiful photo stop and tasting session.
3. Sinnar
This small town near Nashik houses the Gondeshwar Temple, a hidden gem of 12th-century architecture.
💡 Tip: Visit early morning — it’s peaceful, less crowded, and a perfect photography spot.
4. Daulatabad Fort
About 15 km before Aurangabad, you’ll spot this massive hill fort standing tall on the horizon.
💡 Tip: Climb halfway for panoramic photos — or visit next morning if you arrive late.
6. Fuel Stations and Pit Stops
- HP Petrol Pump, Igatpuri: Clean restrooms, air, snacks.
- BPCL COCO Pump near Sinnar: Reliable fuel quality.
- Food Mall near Nashik bypass: Multiple dining options.
💡 Tip: Always refuel at Nashik before heading to Aurangabad — fuel stations are sparse in the rural stretch after Sinnar.
7. Where to Eat on the Route
| Location | Eatery | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Thane / Shahapur | Food Mall Expressway | South Indian breakfast |
| Igatpuri | Manas Resort Café | Poha, filter coffee |
| Nashik | Sula Vineyard Café | Pizza & Chenin Blanc wine |
| Vaijapur | Local Dhabas | Misal Pav, Thali meals |
💡 Tip: Avoid driving post 9 PM — traffic slows after Sinnar and lighting is limited on rural highways.
8. Safety and Road Tips
✅ Drive during daylight for best visibility.
✅ Follow speed limits; police checkpoints are common near Nashik.
✅ Carry some cash — many dhabas and tolls may not accept cards.
✅ Keep your car fuelled and tyre pressure checked before leaving.
✅ If driving in monsoon, watch for fog in Igatpuri ghats.
💡 Tip: Download offline maps — mobile network drops between Nashik and Vaijapur.
9. Best Time for a Mumbai–Aurangabad Road Trip
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Winter) | Ideal weather, cool and clear skies |
| Jul – Sep (Monsoon) | Green valleys, waterfalls, misty ghats |
| Apr – Jun (Summer) | Hot, but less crowded |
💡 Tip: Monsoon drives through Igatpuri are unforgettable — just slow down in foggy sections.
10. Extend Your Trip – Places to Explore After Aurangabad
If you have extra time, here’s where to go next:
- Ajanta Caves – 100 km (2.5 hrs drive north)
- Ellora Caves – 30 km (45 mins drive west)
- Grishneshwar Temple – 35 km (Jyotirlinga shrine near Ellora)
- Lonar Crater Lake – 140 km (3.5 hrs, rare meteor lake)
💡 Tip: Spend two nights in Aurangabad — one for Ellora & Daulatabad, one for Ajanta.
👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Aurangabad by Road
- Road Trip Guide: Pune to Aurangabad
- Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
- Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Aurangabad for History Lovers – Heritage Guide
❓ FAQ
Q: How long does it take to drive from Mumbai to Aurangabad?
A: Around 6–7 hours via Nashik (NH160) with moderate traffic.
Q: Is it safe to drive from Mumbai to Aurangabad at night?
A: It’s safer to drive during the day — avoid post 10 PM for better visibility and facilities.
Q: Are there good food and restroom stops on the way?
A: Yes, Igatpuri and Nashik have excellent restaurants and clean facilities.
Q: Which route is better – via Nashik or Ahmednagar?
A: The Nashik route is more scenic, while the Ahmednagar route is faster and smoother.
Q: Can I combine this road trip with a weekend tour?
A: Definitely! Many travelers do Mumbai–Aurangabad–Ajanta–Ellora over 2–3 days.
