Aurangabad Railway Station Guide – Your Gateway to Ajanta and Ellora Caves

If you’re arriving in Aurangabad (now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) by train, the city’s main station — Aurangabad Junction (AWB) — is where your heritage journey begins. This is the primary rail hub for travelers visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and it connects Aurangabad to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Nagpur.

I’ve used this station multiple times while exploring the region, and it’s one of the more organized and traveler-friendly stations in Maharashtra. Here’s everything you need to know in this complete Aurangabad Railway Station Guide — from facilities and nearby hotels to transport tips for reaching the caves comfortably.

1. Aurangabad Railway Station Guide Overview – Aurangabad Junction (AWB)

• Station Code: AWB
• Zone: South Central Railway (SCR) – Nanded Division
• Location: Station Road, Aurangabad City (Pin 431005)
• Platforms: 5
• Elevation: 586 meters above sea level
• Opened: 1900s (during Hyderabad–Godavari Valley Railway era)

💡 Tip: The station is centrally located — just 2 km from the city center and about 10 km from the airport.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Station Facilities and Services

Despite being a medium-sized station, Aurangabad Junction has modern amenities for travelers.

Facility	Details
🧳 Cloak Room	Available on Platform 1 for luggage storage
🛏️ Retiring Rooms	AC and Non-AC rooms (₹150–₹400) for short stays
🍱 Food & Tea Stalls	IRCTC cafeteria, local snacks, tea counters
🪙 ATMs	SBI and HDFC ATMs near exit
🚻 Restrooms	Clean and well-maintained on both ends
📶 Wi-Fi	Free RailWire Wi-Fi (login via OTP)
🎟️ Ticket Counters	Computerized reservation + current booking window
🛺 Prepaid Auto & Taxi Stand	Available outside main exit
🚉 Digital Boards	Display real-time train status and platform numbers

💡 Tip: For early morning arrivals, the station cafeteria opens by 5:30 AM — grab chai and vada pav before heading to the caves.

3. Train Connectivity – Major Routes from AWB

Aurangabad Junction is directly connected to several Indian metros.

🚆 Popular Routes:

Destination	Duration	Train Options
Mumbai	7–8 hours	Devagiri, Tapovan, Nandigram Express
Pune	6–7 hours	Nandigram, Pune–Manmad Express
Delhi	18–20 hours	Sachkhand Express, Karnataka Express
Hyderabad	12 hours	Ajanta Express, Nandigram Express
Nagpur	17 hours	Nandigram Express
Manmad	3 hours	Tapovan, Devagiri

💡 Tip: The most frequent routes are from Mumbai and Pune — ideal for overnight travel.

4. How to Reach the Caves from Aurangabad Station

Once you arrive, getting to Ajanta or Ellora is simple.

Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Transport Options
Ellora Caves	30 km	45 mins	Taxi / Auto / MTDC Bus
Ajanta Caves	100 km	2.5 hrs	Taxi / Tourist Bus / Private Car

💰 Taxi Fare (Round Trip):

• Ellora only: INR 1,500 – INR 2,000
• Ajanta only: INR 3,000 – INR 3,500
• Ajanta + Ellora combo: INR 4,000 – INR 4,500

💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, book a GetYourGuide day tour — they offer pickup directly from the railway station with licensed guides.

5. Local Transport Around the Station

🚖 Taxis & Cabs:
Available outside the main gate. Prepaid booths offer fixed rates to hotels and tourist spots.

🛺 Auto Rickshaws:
INR 100 – INR 200 for short city rides; INR 300 – INR 400 to airport.

🚌 City Buses (MSRTC):
Run every 20–30 mins connecting Station Road, Cidco, and Baba Petrol Pump.

💡 Tip: If arriving late at night, prefer prepaid taxis — they’re safer and more reliable than autos.

6. Hotels Near Aurangabad Railway Station

If you’re catching an early train or arriving late, several hotels are within walking distance.

Type	Hotel	Distance	Price Range
🏨 Mid-Range	Hotel Green Olive	0.8 km	INR 2,500 – INR 3,500
🏨 Budget	Treebo Lalaji Executive	0.3 km	INR 1,200 – INR 1,800
🏕️ Hostel / Backpacker	Zostel Aurangabad	1.5 km	INR 800 – INR 1,200
🏨 Luxury	Lemon Tree Hotel	3 km	INR 4,000 – INR 6,000

💡 Tip: Treebo Lalaji Executive is a favorite among solo travelers — right next to the station and offers clean rooms with 24/7 check-in.

7. Food Options Around the Station

Within a 1 km radius, you’ll find:
🍽️ Madhuban Restaurant – South Indian & thalis
☕ Coffee Jar – Café-style breakfast spot
🥘 Hotel Panchavati – North Indian & local meals
🍛 Street Food: Poha, Misal Pav, and Vada Pav near platform entrance

💡 Tip: Try Aurangabad’s signature Naan Qalia dish — available at local eateries like Green Leaf (5 mins from station).

8. Safety and Cleanliness

Aurangabad Junction is considered safe for solo and family travelers.

• Platforms are well-lit and patrolled by RPF.
• CCTV cameras operational.
• Cleanliness levels are above average for mid-tier stations.
• Drinking water and restrooms are hygienic.

💡 Tip: Keep your luggage secured at night trains — use small locks for peace of mind.

9. Tips for First-Time Visitors

✅ Arrive 30–45 mins before your train (boarding platforms can change).
✅ For Ajanta day trips, carry snacks and water — it’s a long ride.
✅ Download offline maps before leaving the station area (network drops on rural roads).
✅ Avoid touts — always use official taxi counters or pre-booked tours.
✅ Keep INR 500 – INR 1,000 in cash for small purchases and parking.

💡 Tip: Use Google Pay or UPI — most small vendors in Aurangabad now accept digital payments.

10. Historical Note – The Heritage Station of Marathwada

Aurangabad’s railway station was established during the Nizam era, linking the city to the Hyderabad–Godavari Valley Railway. It has long been the lifeline for pilgrims, traders, and history enthusiasts visiting Ajanta and Ellora.

Today, it continues to serve as a symbolic gateway to India’s ancient cave heritage, connecting modern travelers to timeless art.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Aurangabad by Train
• Best Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad
• Best Trains from Pune to Aurangabad
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora

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