How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Delhi – Complete Travel Guide for Visitors

If you’re planning to visit the Ajanta Caves from Delhi, you’ll be happy to know that reaching this UNESCO World Heritage Site is simple and convenient. Most travelers fly or take an overnight train to Aurangabad, the main city near Ajanta, and then continue by road through the peaceful countryside of Maharashtra.

As a local based in Aurangabad, I often meet travelers arriving from Delhi — and most are surprised at how smooth and scenic the journey is once you know the best routes. Here’s my complete guide on how to reach Ajanta Caves from Delhi, with local tips, routes, transport options, and everything you should know before your trip.

1. Quick Overview – Distance, Time & Route

From	To	Distance	Travel Time	Best Route
Delhi	Ajanta Caves	1,150 km	5–6 hours (by air + road)	Delhi → Aurangabad → Ajanta

The Ajanta Caves are located about 100 km north of Aurangabad. The fastest way to reach is by flight from Delhi to Aurangabad, followed by a 2.5-hour drive through scenic rural roads to the cave site.

💡 Tip: Choose a morning flight from Delhi — it allows you to reach Ajanta by late morning when the light inside the caves is perfect for photography.
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2. By Flight – The Fastest and Most Comfortable Option ✈️

Flying is the easiest and quickest way to travel from Delhi to Ajanta Caves.

Route: Delhi → Aurangabad (Flight) → Ajanta (Car/Taxi)

Segment	Duration	Mode
Delhi → Aurangabad	1 hr 45 min	IndiGo / Air India
Aurangabad → Ajanta	2.5 hrs	Taxi / Private Car

💰 Total Cost (Approx.): INR 10,000–INR 15,000 (flight + taxi)

Direct Flights from Delhi to Aurangabad:

Airline	Departure	Arrival
IndiGo	6:00 AM	7:45 AM
Air India	1:00 PM	2:45 PM

From Aurangabad Airport (IXU), the drive to Ajanta is straightforward and scenic — passing through fields, small temples, and rural villages.

💡 Tip: Book your taxi in advance from Aurangabad. Many hotels also provide drivers familiar with Ajanta’s parking and shuttle system.

3. By Train – Convenient and Budget-Friendly 🚆

Several trains connect Delhi with Aurangabad and Jalgaon, both of which are close to Ajanta.

Option 1: Delhi → Aurangabad (Recommended)

Train	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Sachkhand Express (12716)	1:15 PM	6:15 AM	~17 hrs
Nizamuddin–Aurangabad Express (17622)	11:30 PM	5:30 PM	~18 hrs

Once in Aurangabad, you can take:

• Taxi: INR 3,000 – INR 3,500 (round trip)
• MTDC Heritage Bus: INR 600 – INR 900

💡 Tip: Overnight trains are best — you save a hotel night and reach fresh for sightseeing next morning.

Option 2: Delhi → Jalgaon (Closer to Ajanta)

If you prefer to base yourself near Ajanta, Jalgaon Junction is even closer.

Train	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Punjab Mail (12138)	7:35 AM	4:30 AM (next day)	~21 hrs
Goa Express (12780)	3:00 PM	11:00 AM (next day)	~20 hrs

From Jalgaon, hire a taxi (INR 2,500– INR 4,000) for the 60 km / 1.5-hour drive to Ajanta.

4. By Road – Scenic but Long Drive 🚗

If you’re a road trip lover, you can drive all the way from Delhi to Ajanta — though it’s a long one!

Route: Delhi → Agra → Indore → Aurangabad → Ajanta

• Distance: ~1,150 km
• Travel Time: 18–20 hours (split across 2 days)
• Best Season: November to February

💡 Tip: Break your journey overnight at Indore or Nashik — both cities have good hotels and food options.

5. By Bus – Budget Option for Long-Distance Travelers 🚌

There’s no direct Delhi–Aurangabad bus, but you can take:

• Delhi → Indore (overnight bus) → Aurangabad (morning bus connection).
• Total Travel Time: ~22 hours
• Approx. Fare: INR 2,200– INR 2,500

💡 Tip: For comfort and time efficiency, buses are best for shorter routes within Maharashtra — not from Delhi.

6. Drive from Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves

Once you reach Aurangabad, it’s a beautiful 2.5-hour journey to the caves.

Route: Aurangabad → Phardapur → Ajanta (NH52)

• Distance: 100 km
• Road Condition: Smooth 4-lane highway
• Parking: Official parking area at Ajanta (T-point)
• Shuttle Bus: ₹20 per person (one way, 10 min ride to caves)

💡 Tip: Private vehicles aren’t allowed near the cave entrance — you’ll need to park at the tourism area and take the eco-shuttle bus.

7. Ideal 2-Day Itinerary (Delhi → Ajanta → Ellora)

Day	Itinerary
Day 1	Morning flight Delhi → Aurangabad → Drive to Ajanta (2.5 hrs) → Explore Caves (Caves 1, 2, 10, 26)
Day 2	Visit Ellora Caves, Kailasa Temple & Grishneshwar Temple → Return flight to Delhi (evening)

💡 Tip: Ajanta and Ellora deserve at least one full day each — don’t rush both on the same day if you can avoid it.

8. Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves

Season	Experience
Nov – Feb (Winter)	Perfect weather and bright daylight inside caves
Jul – Sep (Monsoon)	Green hills, small waterfalls, and dramatic scenery
Apr – Jun (Summer)	Warm but less crowded, great for photography

💡 Tip: Visit between 9 AM and 12 PM — the morning light beautifully illuminates Ajanta’s painted interiors.

9. Local Travel Tips for Visitors from Delhi

✅ Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays (Ellora on Tuesdays).
✅ Carry light clothes, walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
✅ No flash photography inside — the paintings are delicate.
✅ Hire a certified guide (INR 1000– INR 1200) for rich historical context.
✅ Keep INR 500– INR 1,000 cash for shuttles, tickets, and refreshments.

💡 Tip: Try local snacks at Phardapur before entering Ajanta — fresh poha and chai are traveler favorites here.

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Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad
• How to Reach Ellora Caves from Delhi
• Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Aurangabad
• Ajanta Caves Travel Guide
• Ajanta Caves Paintings You Should Not Miss

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