How to Reach Ellora Caves by Flight – Fastest and Easiest Travel Guide for Visitors
As a local travel blogger from Aurangabad, I often recommend flying for those short on time — it’s hassle-free, scenic, and lets you start exploring within an hour of landing. Here’s your complete guide on how to reach Ellora Caves by flight, including airlines, routes, airport details, and transport options from the airport to the caves.
If you want to reach Ellora Caves quickly and comfortably, taking a flight to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport) is the best and fastest option. Located just 35 km away from the caves, Aurangabad is the nearest airport to Ellora, with regular direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad.
1. Quick Overview – Nearest Airport to Ellora Caves
| Airport Name | Code | Distance from Ellora Caves | Travel Time | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport) | IXU | 35 km | 45–50 minutes | Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
💡 Tip: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) is small but efficient — located about 6 km from the city center and directly connected to India’s major cities.
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2. Major Cities with Direct Flights to Aurangabad (IXU) ✈️
Aurangabad Airport is well connected to several Indian metros.
| From City | Airline | Duration | Frequency | Average Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Air India | 1 hr 45 min | Daily | INR 5,500 – 6,000 |
| Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India | 1 hr | 2–3 flights daily | INR 5,000 – 6,000 |
| Pune (PNQ) | IndiGo | 1 hr | 4–5 flights per week | INR 5,000 – 6,500 |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo | 1 hr 20 min | 3–4 flights per week | INR 5,500 – 4,500 |
💡 Tip: Book early morning or late-night flights — Aurangabad Airport is less crowded and taxis are easily available during those hours.
3. From Aurangabad Airport to Ellora Caves
Once you land, getting to Ellora Caves is simple and quick. You can hire a taxi, book a private transfer, or even join a guided day tour.
🚖 Option 1: Private Taxi / Cab
- Distance: 35 km
- Travel Time: 45–50 minutes
- Fare: INR 1,000 – INR 1,200 (one way)
- Route: Airport → Daulatabad → Khuldabad → Ellora
💡 Tip: Prepaid taxis are available right outside the terminal — or book an Ola/Uber for slightly lower fares.
🚌 Option 2: Airport → Aurangabad Bus Stand → Ellora
If you prefer budget travel:
- Take a city auto/taxi (INR 150 – 200) from the airport to Aurangabad Central Bus Stand.
- From there, take an MSRTC or MTDC bus to Ellora (INR 60 – 100).
- Total cost: ₹250–₹300 | Total time: 1.5 hrs.
💡 Tip: The MTDC Heritage Bus departs every morning around 8 AM and includes Ellora, Daulatabad, and Grishneshwar Temple — perfect for tourists.
4. Flight Connections via Mumbai or Hyderabad (If No Direct Flights)
If you’re traveling from smaller cities, you can easily connect to Aurangabad via Mumbai or Hyderabad.
| Route | Duration (with layover) | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata → Mumbai → Aurangabad | 3.5 – 4 hrs | 4.5 – 5 hrs |
| Chennai → Hyderabad → Aurangabad | 3 hrs | 4 hrs |
| Bangalore → Mumbai → Aurangabad | 3.5 hrs | 4.5 hrs |
💡 Tip: Mumbai and Hyderabad both have excellent flight connectivity to Aurangabad — and flights are frequent and affordable.
5. Airport Facilities at Aurangabad (IXU)
Aurangabad Airport is compact but traveler-friendly, offering all essential amenities for domestic flyers.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | IXU |
| Location | Chikalthana, 6 km from city center |
| Shops & Cafés | Coffee shop, snacks, souvenir stalls |
| Taxi Counter | Prepaid & Ola/Uber available |
| Baggage Claim | Efficient, 15–20 minutes average |
| Wi-Fi & Waiting Area | Available inside terminal |
💡 Tip: For quick transfers, ask your driver to meet you near the exit gate; the airport has a single terminal for arrivals and departures.
6. Suggested Itinerary for Flight Travelers
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at Aurangabad Airport |
| 8:30 AM | Depart for Ellora Caves by taxi |
| 9:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Explore Kailasa Temple and nearby caves |
| 12:45 PM | Lunch at MTDC Restaurant near Ellora entrance |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Visit Grishneshwar Temple and Daulatabad Fort |
| 3:30 PM | Return to Aurangabad Airport or Hotel |
💡 Tip: If you have a late evening flight, you can easily explore Ellora and still make it back to the airport by 6 PM.
7. Best Time to Visit Ellora Caves
| Season | Weather | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Winter) | Pleasant (15–25°C) | Perfect for sightseeing |
| Jul – Sep (Monsoon) | Lush & scenic | Green landscapes, waterfalls |
| Mar – Jun (Summer) | Hot (30–38°C) | Early mornings recommended |
💡 Tip: Winter mornings are ideal — the sunlight enhances the carvings beautifully and temperatures remain cool.
8. Local Tips for Air Travelers
✅ Book round-trip flights early for better fares.
✅ Ellora is closed every Tuesday — plan accordingly.
✅ Prebook your taxi to avoid long waits at the airport.
✅ Keep ₹500–₹1,000 cash for entry tickets and parking.
✅ Combine Ellora with Daulatabad Fort or Bibi Ka Maqbara for a full-day itinerary.
💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, you can book a half-day guided tour directly from Aurangabad Airport — perfect for weekend flyers.
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👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Delhi
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves by Train
- Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
- Ellora Caves Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which airport is closest to Ellora Caves?
A: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) is the closest, just 35 km from Ellora Caves.
Q: How long does it take to reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad Airport?
A: About 45 minutes by taxi via the Daulatabad–Khuldabad route.
Q: Are taxis available at the airport?
A: Yes, prepaid taxis, Ola, and Uber are available outside the terminal.
Q: Can I visit Ellora the same day I land in Aurangabad?
A: Absolutely! Morning flights from Delhi or Mumbai arrive early enough to explore Ellora and nearby sites the same day.
Q: Are there flights from Pune or Hyderabad to Aurangabad?
A: Yes, IndiGo operates regular short-haul flights from both Pune and Hyderabad.
