How to Reach Ellora Caves by Bus – Complete Budget Travel Guide for Visitors
As someone who lives in Aurangabad, I often meet backpackers, students, and solo travelers who prefer buses for their affordability and simplicity. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to reach Ellora Caves by bus, including routes, schedules, fares, and insider tips for a smooth journey.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and easy way to reach Ellora Caves, traveling by bus is one of the most convenient options. The roads to Ellora are well-connected from major cities like Aurangabad, Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, and Jalgaon, and the ride itself gives you a glimpse of the rural charm and landscapes of Maharashtra.
1. Quick Overview – Bus Connectivity to Ellora Caves
| From City | Distance | Travel Time | Bus Type | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad | 30 km | 45 mins – 1 hr | MSRTC / MTDC | SH60 via Daulatabad |
| Pune | 260 km | 6–7 hrs | Shivneri AC Volvo | NH753F → NH52 |
| Mumbai | 340 km | 8–9 hrs | MSRTC / Neeta / Purple | NH160 → NH52 |
| Nashik | 180 km | 4–5 hrs | MSRTC | NH160 |
| Jalgaon | 160 km | 3.5–4 hrs | MSRTC | NH753J |
💡 Tip: The most convenient base for reaching Ellora caves by bus is Aurangabad — from there, frequent local and tourist buses go directly to the caves.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. From Aurangabad to Ellora Caves by Bus (Most Popular Route) 🚌
The Aurangabad–Ellora route is the shortest and most convenient for all travelers.
🚌 Bus Details:
- Operator: MSRTC & MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism)
- Distance: 30 km
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
- Fare: ₹60 – ₹100 (one way)
📍 Departure Points:
- Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (main city terminal)
- Aurangabad Railway Station Area (smaller pickup stops)
💡 Tip: The MTDC Heritage Bus covers Ellora, Daulatabad Fort, and Grishneshwar Temple — perfect if you want an organized day trip with a guide.
3. From Pune to Ellora Caves by Bus 🚍
If you’re coming from Pune, multiple daily buses run to Aurangabad, from where you can catch a local bus to Ellora.
🚌 Pune → Aurangabad Buses:
| Operator | Type | Departure (Pune) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRTC Shivneri | AC Volvo | 9:30 PM | 4:00 AM | ₹900 – ₹1,200 |
| Neeta Travels | AC Sleeper | 10:00 PM | 5:30 AM | ₹1,000 – ₹1,400 |
| Purple Travels | Semi-Sleeper | 10:15 PM | 5:30 AM | ₹900 – ₹1,200 |
Then take an MSRTC local bus or MTDC heritage bus from Aurangabad to Ellora (₹60–₹100).
💡 Tip: Overnight buses save both time and hotel costs — you’ll arrive early morning and can head straight to Ellora.
4. From Mumbai to Ellora Caves by Bus 🚐
For travelers from Mumbai, frequent overnight buses connect to Aurangabad, followed by a short local bus to Ellora.
🚌 Mumbai → Aurangabad Buses:
| 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 | 9:45 PM | 6:15 AM | ₹1,100 – ₹1,500 |
| Hans Travels | AC Sleeper | 10:30 PM | 6:30 AM | ₹1,200 – ₹1,600 |
From Aurangabad Bus Stand, board any local bus to Ellora (Verul).
💡 Tip: Choose Shivneri or Neeta Volvo for extra comfort — and book online via redBus.in.
5. From Nashik or Jalgaon to Ellora Caves by Bus 🚏
Both Nashik and Jalgaon have regular bus connections to Aurangabad and Ellora.
🚍 Nashik → Aurangabad
- Distance: 180 km
- Duration: 4–5 hrs
- Fare: ₹400 – ₹600
- Operator: MSRTC, Neeta
🚍 Jalgaon → Ellora
- Distance: 160 km
- Duration: 3.5–4 hrs
- Fare: ₹400 – ₹700
- Operator: MSRTC (frequent services)
💡 Tip: Jalgaon route is scenic and passes through peaceful countryside — ideal for day travelers.
6. Shuttle Service – Ellora Parking to Caves 🚌
All buses and cars stop at the Ellora Tourist Parking Area, around 1.5 km from the caves. You must take a short shuttle ride operated by Maharashtra Tourism to reach the entrance.
| Service | Fare | Duration | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Shuttle Bus | ₹20 (one way) | 10–15 min | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
💡 Tip: Keep your ticket safe — it’s valid for your return trip from the caves to the parking lot.
7. Ellora Caves Entry and Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹40 |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹600 |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed On | Tuesdays |
| Parking Fee | ₹40 (car), ₹70 (bus) |
💡 Tip: The MTDC restaurant near the parking serves good thalis and snacks — perfect for lunch after sightseeing.
8. Suggested Bus Travel Itinerary
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Arrive in Aurangabad by overnight bus |
| 6:00 AM | Freshen up at bus stand / local café |
| 7:00 AM | Take MSRTC or MTDC bus to Ellora |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Explore Ellora Caves (Caves 10–29) |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at MTDC Restaurant |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Visit Grishneshwar Temple & Daulatabad Fort |
| 4:00 PM | Return to Aurangabad Bus Stand |
💡 Tip: Morning buses are the most reliable — evening services are often delayed during monsoon months.
9. Local Tips for Bus Travelers
✅ Ellora is closed on Tuesdays.
✅ Carry small change for bus tickets and shuttle fares.
✅ Keep a hat, water bottle, and light clothing — there’s some walking involved.
✅ Try to grab a window seat — the countryside views near Daulatabad are lovely.
✅ Buses are safe, but avoid late-night departures unless it’s a Shivneri or MTDC service.
💡 Tip: For the most enjoyable journey, take the morning bus from Aurangabad — you’ll reach Ellora before the rush and in perfect lighting for photography.
👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves by Train
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune
- Best Temples and Monasteries to See in Ellora Caves
- Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there direct buses to Ellora Caves?
A: Yes, from Aurangabad Central Bus Stand — MSRTC and MTDC buses operate every 30–45 minutes.
Q: How long is the bus journey from Aurangabad to Ellora?
A: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Q: Can I book bus tickets online?
A: Yes, through MSRTC.in or apps like RedBus for private operators.
Q: Are there direct buses from Pune or Mumbai to Ellora?
A: No direct buses — travel to Aurangabad first, then take a local bus to Ellora.
Q: Which bus is best for tourists visiting Ellora?
A: The MTDC Heritage Bus — it includes a guide, AC comfort, and covers Ellora, Daulatabad, and Grishneshwar.
