How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai – Complete Travel Guide by Flight, Train, Road, and Bus
If you’re based in Mumbai and planning a heritage getaway, visiting the Ellora Caves from mumbai is one of the most rewarding weekend trips you can take. Located near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in Maharashtra, Ellora is about 340 km from Mumbai — easily reachable by flight, train, road, or bus.
As someone who lives in Aurangabad and helps travelers plan their trips every week, I can assure you — the journey from Mumbai to Ellora is smooth, scenic, and filled with cultural stops along the way. Here’s your complete local guide on how to reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai — including routes, fares, timings, and travel tips for every transport option.
1. Quick Overview – Distance & Travel Summary
| Route Type | Distance | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Mumbai → Aurangabad → Ellora) | 340 km total | 1 hr flight + 45 min drive | Fastest & most convenient |
| Train (Mumbai → Aurangabad → Ellora) | 340 km | 7.5 – 9 hrs | Comfortable & scenic |
| Road Trip (Mumbai → Ellora) | 340 km | 6.5 – 8 hrs | Perfect weekend drive |
| Bus (Mumbai → Aurangabad → Ellora) | 340 km | 8 – 10 hrs | Budget-friendly option |
💡 Tip: The Mumbai–Aurangabad corridor is one of Maharashtra’s best-connected routes — so you can choose based on time, comfort, or budget.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai by Flight ✈️
The fastest way to reach Ellora from Mumbai is by air. Take a direct flight to Aurangabad Airport (IXU), and from there, it’s just a 30 km / 45-minute drive to Ellora.
✈️ Flight Details:
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India
- Duration: 1 hour
- Average Fare: ₹3,000 – ₹5,500 (one way)
- Frequency: 2–3 flights daily
🛬 From Aurangabad Airport to Ellora Caves:
- Distance: 35 km
- Travel Time: 45 minutes
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 (one way)
💡 Tip: Choose an early morning flight — you can land by 8:00 AM, visit Ellora by 9:00 AM, and return to Mumbai the same evening.
3. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai by Train 🚆
A train journey from Mumbai to Aurangabad is comfortable and scenic — especially if you love overnight travel.
🚉 Popular Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad:
| Train Name | Departure (Mumbai) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Duration | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devagiri Express (17057) | 9:10 PM | 5:25 AM | 8 hrs 15 min | Daily |
| Tapovan Express (17617) | 6:15 AM | 1:15 PM | 7 hrs | Daily |
| Nandigram Express (11401) | 8:45 PM | 5:10 AM | 8 hrs 25 min | Daily |
From Aurangabad Railway Station, Ellora is only 30 km away and easily reachable by taxi or bus.
💰 Taxi Fare: ₹800 – ₹1,000 (round trip)
🕒 Bus Fare: ₹60 – ₹100 (one way, MSRTC bus)
4. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai by Road 🚗
If you love road trips, driving from Mumbai to Ellora is an amazing experience — wide highways, scenic ghats, and stops at Nashik or Shirdi along the way.
🚙 Route Details:
- Distance: 340 km
- Duration: 7 – 8 hours
- Best Route: Mumbai → Thane → Nashik → Aurangabad → Ellora
- Highways: NH160 → NH52
- Toll Cost: ₹500 – ₹700
🚘 Best Stopovers:
- Igatpuri Hills: Perfect breakfast break with valley views
- Nashik: Famous for Sula Vineyards and Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Daulatabad Fort: En route to Ellora, excellent for photography
💡 Tip: Leave Mumbai by 5:30 AM to avoid Thane traffic and reach Ellora by lunchtime.
5. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai by Bus 🚌
Several state and private buses run from Mumbai to Aurangabad, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to Ellora.
🚌 Popular Options:
| Operator | Type | Departure (Mumbai) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRTC Shivneri | AC Volvo | 10:00 PM | 6:00 AM | ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 |
| Neeta Travels | AC Sleeper | 9:30 PM | 6:30 AM | ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 |
| Purple Travels | Semi-Sleeper | 10:15 PM | 6:45 AM | ₹1,000 – ₹1,400 |
Once you reach Aurangabad Central Bus Stand, local MSRTC buses and taxis to Ellora are available all day.
💡 Tip: If you’re traveling solo, bus + local cab is the most affordable and comfortable option.
6. Ellora Caves Entry & Parking Info
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking Fee | ₹40 (Car), ₹70 (Bus) |
| Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹40 |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹600 |
| Camera Fee | ₹25 (Video) |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed On | Tuesdays |
💡 Tip: Keep small change ready for tickets and parking; card machines don’t always work at the gate.
7. Best Time to Visit Ellora from Mumbai
| Season | Weather | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Winter) | Pleasant, 15–25°C | Best season for sightseeing |
| Jul – Sep (Monsoon) | Green hills & waterfalls | Roads are scenic but slippery |
| Apr – Jun (Summer) | Hot, 30–38°C | Visit early morning to avoid heat |
💡 Tip: For the best experience, plan a weekend trip between November and February — the weather is ideal for both Ajanta and Ellora.
[Add image: Lush green Ellora caves during monsoon season]
8. Suggested 2-Day Mumbai–Ellora Itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart Mumbai early morning → Arrive Aurangabad → Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara & Daulatabad Fort |
| Day 2 | Visit Ellora Caves (morning) → Grishneshwar Temple (noon) → Return to Mumbai (evening flight/train) |
💡 Tip: Stay overnight in Aurangabad near the airport or city center for easy access to Ellora the next morning.
9. Travel Tips from Locals
✅ Ellora is closed on Tuesdays.
✅ Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat — there’s walking under open sun.
✅ Hire an ASI-certified guide for in-depth history (₹500–₹800).
✅ Combine Ellora with Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar Temple for a full heritage experience.
✅ Book taxis or tours in advance — last-minute prices near the airport can be higher.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the view from behind Kailasa Temple — it’s one of the most underrated photography spots in Ellora.
Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours
Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves by Train
- Best Temples and Monasteries to See in Ellora Caves
- Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
- Ellora Caves Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far are Ellora Caves from Mumbai?
A: About 340 km — it takes around 7–8 hours by road or 1 hour by flight.
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Ellora from Mumbai?
A: Take a direct flight to Aurangabad (1 hour) and then a 45-minute taxi ride to Ellora.
Q: Are there direct trains from Mumbai to Ellora?
A: No, but trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad (like Devagiri Express) are frequent and comfortable.
Q: Can I do a same-day trip to Ellora from Mumbai?
A: Yes, with an early flight to Aurangabad and an evening return — ideal for short trips.
Q: Are guided tours available from Mumbai to Ellora?
A: Yes, several GetYourGuide tours include transport, entry tickets, and local guides for 1–2 day packages.
