How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Pune – Complete Travel Guide for Heritage Travelers
If you’re based in Pune and have always wanted to visit the world-famous Ajanta Caves, you’re in luck — the journey is easy, scenic, and filled with history at every turn. These 2,000-year-old Buddhist rock-cut caves are about 370 km from Pune and can be reached comfortably by road, train, or flight.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a full cultural getaway including Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort, this guide explains exactly how to reach Ajanta Caves from Pune with routes, transport options, fares, and practical tips.
1. Quick Overview – Ajanta Caves from Pune Distance and Route
| From | To | Distance | Travel Time | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pune | Ajanta Caves | 370 km | 7 – 8 hours (by road) | NH753F via Ahmednagar & Aurangabad |
Ajanta lies north of Aurangabad, which is the main base for exploring both Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
💡 Tip: The best way to reach Ajanta from Pune is by road or by train to Aurangabad followed by a short car ride to the
2. By Car or Private Taxi – The Most Flexible Option 🚗
Driving from Pune to Ajanta is the best choice if you enjoy road trips and scenic countryside views.
Route:
Pune → Shirur → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Ajanta (NH753F)
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pune → Aurangabad | 235 km | 5 hrs |
| Aurangabad → Ajanta | 100 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Total | ~335 km | 7 – 8 hrs |
💰 Approx. Taxi Fare (Round Trip):
| Vehicle Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios) | INR 6,000 – INR7,000 |
| SUV (Innova, Ertiga) | INR 8,000 – INR 9,000 |
| Tempo Traveler | INR 10,000+ |
💡 Tip: Start your journey by 5:30 AM — you’ll reach Ajanta before noon and have perfect light for cave photography.
3. By Train – Comfortable and Cost-Effective Option 🚆
If you prefer not to drive, take a train from Pune to Aurangabad, then hire a taxi or take a bus to Ajanta.
Popular Trains from Pune to Aurangabad:
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nandigram Express (11401) | 8:50 PM | 5:10 AM | 8 hrs 20 min |
| Pune–Manmad Express (11025) | 9:30 AM | 5:10 PM | 7 hrs 40 min |
| Aurangabad Jan Shatabdi (12071) | 2:15 PM | 8:45 PM | 6.5 hrs |
Once you arrive at Aurangabad Junction, you can:
- Hire a taxi: INR 3,000 – INR 3,500 (round trip to Ajanta)
- Take MTDC bus: INR 600 – INR 900 (one way)
💡 Tip: Overnight trains are perfect if you want to reach Aurangabad early and head straight to Ajanta.
4. By Flight – Fast but Slightly Costlier ✈️
Though Pune doesn’t have direct flights to Ajanta, you can fly to Aurangabad Airport (IXU) and continue by car.
Route:
Pune → Aurangabad (Flight) → Ajanta (Taxi/Car)
| Segment | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Pune → Aurangabad | 1 hr | IndiGo (Direct flight) |
| Aurangabad → Ajanta | 2.5 hrs | Car / Taxi |
💰 Approx. Fare: INR 6,000–INR 7,000 (flight) + INR 4,000 (cab)
💡 Tip: Morning flights from Pune to Aurangabad are ideal if you want to cover both Ajanta and Ellora in one day.
5. By Bus – Budget-Friendly Option 🚌
There are several MSRTC and private buses from Pune to Aurangabad daily, followed by another bus or taxi to Ajanta.
| Operator | Type | Departure | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRTC Shivneri | AC Volvo | 10:00 PM | 6–7 hrs | ₹900–₹1,200 |
| Neeta / Purple Travels | AC Sleeper | 9:30 PM | 7 hrs | ₹1,000–₹1,400 |
Once you reach Aurangabad, hop on an MTDC bus or hire a local taxi to Ajanta.
💡 Tip: Choose overnight buses to reach Aurangabad by 5–6 AM and head directly to the caves after breakfast.
6. Driving Route Highlights – What to See Along the Way
1. Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple (50 km from Pune)
One of Maharashtra’s Ashtavinayak shrines — a perfect breakfast stop.
💡 Tip: Visit early morning before crowds arrive.
2. Ahmednagar Fort (120 km from Pune)
A historical Mughal fort that once housed Jawaharlal Nehru during British rule.
💡 Tip: Stop here for photos and a quick chai break.
3. Daulatabad Fort (15 km before Aurangabad)
A stunning 12th-century hilltop fort visible from the highway.
💡 Tip: Pause for sunset photos — the fort glows golden at dusk.
📍 View on Google Maps
7. Suggested 2-Day Pune–Ajanta–Ellora Itinerary
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive or train from Pune → Aurangabad → Visit Ajanta Caves (2.5 hrs drive) |
| Day 2 | Explore Ellora Caves, Kailasa Temple, and Grishneshwar Temple → Return to Pune |
💡 Tip: Staying overnight in Aurangabad allows you to explore comfortably and avoid rushing through both sites.
📍 View on Google Maps
8. Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Winter) | Best weather, clear skies, great for sightseeing |
| Jul – Sep (Monsoon) | Lush green scenery, waterfalls near caves |
| Apr – Jun (Summer) | Hot but less crowded and cheaper hotels |
💡 Tip: Visit between 9 AM and 12 PM — the natural sunlight enhances the cave paintings beautifully.
9. Travel Tips for Pune Travelers
✅ Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
✅ Carry water, snacks, hat, and walking shoes — the cave area involves steps.
✅ Flash photography is not allowed inside.
✅ Hire a licensed ASI guide at the entrance (INR 500 – 800).
✅ Keep INR 500 – INR 1,000 cash for parking, shuttle, and entry fees.
💡 Tip: Combine Ajanta with Ellora for a complete Buddhist–Hindu–Jain heritage experience in just two days.
Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours
Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune
- Road Trip Guide Pune to Aurangabad
- Ajanta Caves Travel Guide
- Ajanta and Ellora Tour Packages Explained
❓ FAQ
Q: How far are Ajanta Caves from Pune?
A: Around 370 km — it takes about 7–8 hours by car.
Q: What’s the best way to reach Ajanta Caves from Pune?
A: Take a train or drive to Aurangabad, then hire a taxi to Ajanta (100 km away).
Q: Are there flights from Pune to Aurangabad?
A: Yes, direct flights operate daily (1 hour). From Aurangabad, Ajanta is a 2.5-hour drive.
Q: Can I visit Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Pune?
A: It’s possible by flight, but rushed. A 2-day plan is far more enjoyable.
Q: Are guided tours available from Aurangabad?
A: Yes! GetYourGuide offers private and small-group Ajanta–Ellora tours with hotel pickup and certified guides.
