Aurangabad Airport Guide for Tourists – Gateway to Ajanta and Ellora Caves

If you’re flying into Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) to explore the legendary Ajanta and Ellora Caves, your journey begins at the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport (IXU) — a small but efficient domestic airport that connects this historic city to major Indian metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

Having traveled through this airport multiple times, I can say it’s one of the most convenient entry points for heritage travelers. This complete Aurangabad Airport Guide for tourists covers everything you need to know — from facilities and transfers to pro tips for smooth arrival and sightseeing.

1. Overview – About Aurangabad Airport (IXU)

• Official Name: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport
• IATA Code: IXU
• Location: About 10 km east of Aurangabad city center
• Runway: Single (runway 09/27)
• Managed by: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
• Type: Domestic airport serving tourist and business routes

It’s compact, well-organized, and close to the city — which makes transfers quick and easy after landing.

💡 Tip: Book a window seat on arrival — you’ll spot the Daulatabad Fort and Deccan hills from the air as you descend into Aurangabad.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Airlines and Flight Connectivity

Aurangabad Airport operates regular flights connecting major Indian cities.

✈️ Direct Flights to Aurangabad

From City	Duration	Airlines	Frequency
Mumbai (BOM)	1 hr	IndiGo, Air India	Daily
Delhi (DEL)	1 hr 45 mins	IndiGo, Air India	Daily
Hyderabad (HYD)	1 hr 15 mins	IndiGo	4–5 flights/week
Bangalore (BLR)	2 hrs (via HYD)	IndiGo	Daily (1 stop)
Chennai (MAA)	2 hrs 15 mins (via HYD)	IndiGo	3–4 flights/week

💰 Average Fare: INR 6,000 – INR 7,000 (one-way)

💡 Tip: The Mumbai–Aurangabad flight is the most frequent and budget-friendly — perfect for weekend Ajanta–Ellora travelers.

3. Terminal Facilities and Amenities

The airport has one passenger terminal handling all domestic flights. It’s small but traveler-friendly, offering essential facilities for a comfortable experience.

Facility	Details
🧳 Baggage Belts	2 active conveyor belts (quick turnaround)
🛫 Check-in Counters	IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet
☕ Food & Beverages	Small café near the waiting area (tea, snacks, sandwiches)
🛍️ Shops	Local souvenirs, books, and crafts stalls
🪙 ATM & Currency Exchange	SBI ATM at entrance (no forex desk)
🚻 Restrooms	Clean and regularly maintained
📶 Wi-Fi	Free RailWire Wi-Fi for 30 minutes
🅿️ Parking	Ample car parking – ₹30/hour
🚖 Taxi Counter	Prepaid taxi booth outside arrivals gate

💡 Tip: The café offers good filter coffee and snacks — handy for early morning flyers.

4. Airport Layout (Simple Map Overview)

• 🛫 Departures: Right side of terminal
• 🛬 Arrivals: Left side of terminal
• 🚗 Taxi & Auto Stand: Just outside arrivals
• 🍴 Café & Seating Area: Between gates 1 and 2
• 🧳 Baggage Claim: Behind glass divider near exit

💡 Tip: Because of its small size, the airport is easy to navigate even during busy hours.

5. Getting from Airport to City or Caves

Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Transport Option
City Center (Railway Station)	10 km	20–25 mins	Taxi / Auto / Ola
Ellora Caves	35 km	45–50 mins	Private car / taxi
Ajanta Caves	105 km	2.5 hrs	Taxi / Tourist coach

💰 Taxi Fares (Approx.):

• Airport → City Center: INR 300 – INR 400
• Airport → Ellora: INR 1,500 – INR 2,000 (round trip)
• Airport → Ajanta: INR 3,000 – INR3,500 (round trip)

💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, book a GetYourGuide full-day tour — they’ll pick you up right from the arrivals gate and handle everything else.

6. Transportation Options for Tourists

🚖 Prepaid Taxi Counter: Reliable and available round-the-clock.
🛺 Auto Rickshaws: Budget-friendly but not recommended for long rides.
🚘 Ola / Uber: Easily available via app during day hours.
🚌 MTDC Buses: Budget option to Ellora (limited schedules).
🏨 Hotel Pickup: Many hotels provide complimentary airport transfers.

💡 Tip: If arriving early morning or late night, book a prepaid cab instead of relying on app taxis.

7. Best Hotels Near Aurangabad Airport

Type	Hotel	Distance	Highlights
🏨 Luxury	Welcomhotel Rama International	4 km	Premium stay, pool, heritage décor
🏨 Mid-Range	Lemon Tree Hotel	4.5 km	Modern rooms, airport pickup
🏨 Budget	Treebo Lalaji Executive	8 km	Near railway station, value for money
🏕️ Hostel	Zostel Aurangabad	9 km	Ideal for solo travelers

💡 Tip: Stay near Airport Road or CIDCO area for easy access to Ellora Caves.

8. Nearby Attractions to Visit After Landing

If you arrive early or have a half-day before your return flight, explore these nearby sites:

• 🕍 Bibi Ka Maqbara – 30 mins from airport
• 🧱 Daulatabad Fort – 40 mins drive
• 🕉️ Grishneshwar Temple (Jyotirlinga) – 45 mins drive
• 🪶 Siddharth Garden & Zoo – 20 mins drive (great for families)

💡 Tip: You can easily cover Bibi Ka Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort if you have 4–5 hours between flights.

9. Travel Tips for Tourists Flying to Aurangabad

✅ Arrive at the airport 60–75 minutes before your domestic flight.
✅ Keep INR 500 – 1,000 in cash for taxis — not all accept cards.
✅ Eat light before afternoon flights; café options are limited post-security.
✅ Carry water — Aurangabad’s weather can be warm and dry.
✅ Confirm baggage limit — smaller aircraft may have stricter allowances.

💡 Tip: Morning flights offer fewer crowds and smoother check-ins — ideal if you’re connecting to an early tour.

10. Best Time to Fly to Aurangabad

Season	Experience
Nov – Feb (Winter)	Pleasant weather, clear skies – ideal for sightseeing
Jul – Sep (Monsoon)	Lush greenery, occasional showers
Apr – Jun (Summer)	Hot, but less crowded and cheaper fares

💡 Tip: The winter sunrise from your airplane window while landing in Aurangabad is a sight you’ll never forget.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Aurangabad by Flight
• Flights from Mumbai to Aurangabad
• Flights from Delhi to Aurangabad
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves

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