Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves – Ajanta and Ellora Travel Guide

If you’re staying in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) and planning to visit the world-famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you’re already in the perfect location. Both heritage sites are just a few hours away and well connected by road — but the trick lies in choosing the right taxi and transport option based on your time, comfort, and budget.

After trying almost every way to reach the caves — from public buses to private cabs — I’ve put together this easy guide to the best taxi and transport options from Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora Caves, including cost, travel time, and local tips for a smooth journey.

1. Overview – Why Start from Aurangabad?

Aurangabad is the most convenient base for exploring both cave sites. It’s centrally located, tourist-friendly, and offers plenty of hotels, restaurants, and transport services.

Site	Distance from Aurangabad	Travel Time	Route
Ellora Caves	30 km	45 minutes	NH52 (via Daulatabad)
Ajanta Caves	100 km	2.5 hours	NH52 (towards Jalgaon)

💡 Tip: Start early — ideally by 6:00 AM — if you plan to visit both Ajanta and Ellora in one day.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Private Taxi – The Best and Easiest Option

Hiring a private taxi from Aurangabad is the most comfortable and flexible way to visit both caves. You can stop at scenic viewpoints, rest at local eateries, and explore at your own pace.

🚗 Typical Taxi Packages (Round Trip):

Type of Taxi	Capacity	Ajanta Only	Ellora Only	Ajanta + Ellora Combo
Sedan (Dzire, Etios)	4 passengers	INR 3,000	INR 1,500	INR 4,000 – 4,500
SUV (Innova, Ertiga)	6 passengers	INR 3,800	INR 2,000	INR 5,000 – 5,500
Tempo Traveller	10–12 passengers	INR 6,000	INR 4,000	INR 8,000 – 9,500

✅ Inclusions: Driver, fuel, tolls
❌ Exclusions: Entry tickets, meals, guide fees

💡 Tip: Always confirm that your driver has experience doing Ajanta–Ellora runs — local knowledge makes navigation and parking much easier.

3. GetYourGuide and Online Cab Tours

If you want everything organized in advance — pickup, guide, bottled water, parking, and entry coordination — then GetYourGuide tours are an excellent option.

These tours offer private vehicles with licensed guides, ideal for visitors who prefer comfort and storytelling over logistics.

⭐ Popular GetYourGuide Options:

💰 Price Range: ₹3,500–₹6,000 per person (all-inclusive private experience)

💡 Tip: Pre-book online if you’re traveling during winter season — November to February tours sell out quickly.

4. Local Car Rentals (Without Guide)

Several travel agencies in Aurangabad offer self-arranged taxi rentals with driver for a full or half day.

Reliable Operators Include:

• Aurangabad Car Rentals (CIDCO Area)
• Sai Tours & Travels (Railway Station)
• Anand Car Hire (Near Kranti Chowk)

💰 Rates (approximate):

• INR 2,000 – 2,500 for Ellora
• INR 3,000 – 3,500 for Ajanta
• INR 4,500 – 5,000 for combined day trip

💡 Tip: Always clarify if the rate includes tolls and parking — some operators add hidden charges later.

5. MTDC Bus Services (Budget-Friendly)

If you’re traveling solo or on a tight budget, MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism) runs group bus tours that cover both Ajanta and Ellora with guides.

MTDC Ajanta–Ellora Tour Details:

• AC and Non-AC buses available
• Pickup: MTDC Tourist Office, Station Road
• Departure: 6:00 AM
• Duration: 12 hours (Ajanta & Ellora combo)
• Includes: Guide, entry coordination, lunch stop

💰 Price: INR 1,200 – INR 1,800 per person

💡 Tip: Great for budget travelers, but expect a fixed schedule — limited flexibility for photography or longer stays.

6. Public Buses and Shared Transport

For backpackers or solo travelers, public buses are available but require more patience.

• Ajanta: MSRTC buses from Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (depart hourly).
  • Fare: INR 150 – 200 per person
  • Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
• Ellora: Frequent local buses and shared jeeps from Aurangabad or Daulatabad.
  • Fare: INR 50 – 80 per person
  • Travel Time: 45 minutes

💡 Tip: For Ajanta, the last return bus leaves around 4:30 PM — missing it means staying overnight or paying for a taxi back.

7. Self-Drive Car or Bike Rental

If you love flexibility, renting a self-drive car or motorbike is another great way to explore both sites.

Available Services in Aurangabad:

• Zoomcar, Revv (self-drive car apps)
• Local bike rentals near Kranti Chowk

💰 Rates:

• Bikes: ₹700–₹1,200 per day
• Cars: ₹3,000–₹4,500 per day

💡 Tip: Carry offline maps — mobile signal drops in Ajanta hills.

8. Which Option Should You Choose?

Traveler Type	Recommended Option	Why
Comfort-Seeker	Private Taxi or GetYourGuide Tour	Door-to-door convenience and local insights
Budget Traveler	MTDC Bus Tour	Cheapest guided option
Adventurous Traveler	Self-drive car or bike	Freedom to explore at your pace
Photographer / Historian	Private Car + Guide	Customizable timing and angles

💡 Tip: Whatever you choose, start early and plan for at least 3–4 hours per site — both deserve time and patience.

9. Taxi Booking Tips and Local Advice

✅ Always negotiate and confirm fares in writing (or WhatsApp) before departure.
✅ Check fuel and toll inclusion.
✅ Keep small cash ready for parking and entry points.
✅ Avoid traveling after sunset on rural routes — lighting is minimal.
✅ Save your driver’s contact — mobile signal fades near Ajanta hills.

💡 Tip: Many drivers double as local storytellers — a friendly chat often reveals hidden gems and food stops.

10. Sample One-Day Transport Plan (Ajanta + Ellora)

If you’re covering both caves in a day, here’s a simple route:

Time	Route	Mode
6:00 AM	Aurangabad → Ajanta (100 km)	Private taxi
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Explore Ajanta	–
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM	Drive to Ellora	Private taxi
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Explore Ellora	–
6:15 PM	Return to Aurangabad	Private taxi

💡 Tip: Combine with a stop at MTDC Restaurant at Ellora for lunch — it’s convenient and clean.

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• How to Cover Ajanta and Ellora in One Day
• Ellora Caves Facilities for Tourists
• Complete Visitor Guide to Ellora Caves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)