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

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