Flights from Mumbai to Aurangabad – Fastest Route to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

If you’re based in Mumbai and planning to visit the iconic Ajanta and Ellora Caves, taking a direct flight to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) is by far the quickest and most convenient way to start your journey. The flight takes barely an hour — ideal for a weekend getaway or even a same-day heritage trip.

Here’s your complete travel guide to flights from Mumbai to Aurangabad, including updated timings, airlines, fares, airport details, and travel tips to make your trip seamless.

1. Why Fly from Mumbai to Aurangabad?

✅ Fastest Option: Only 60–70 minutes of flight time.
✅ Multiple Daily Flights: Frequent departures from morning to evening.
✅ Perfect for Short Trips: Great for 1–2 day Ajanta–Ellora visits.
✅ Affordable: Budget-friendly fares compared to long drives.

💡 Tip: A morning flight lets you reach Aurangabad before 8 AM — ideal for exploring both Ajanta and Ellora on the same day.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. Mumbai to Aurangabad Flight Details (Direct Flights)

✈️ Daily Non-Stop Flights

Airline	Flight No.	Departure (Mumbai)	Arrival (Aurangabad)	Duration	Frequency
IndiGo Airlines	6E-6532	6:15 AM	7:20 AM	1 hr 05 min	Daily
Air India	AI-441	8:30 AM	9:40 AM	1 hr 10 min	Daily
IndiGo Airlines	6E-7173	7:55 PM	9:00 PM	1 hr 05 min	Daily

💰 Average Fare: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 (one-way, economy class)

💡 Tip: Morning flights are best for day trips; evening flights are perfect if you’re staying overnight and returning next day.

3. Airlines Operating on the Route

✈️ IndiGo Airlines – Reliable, punctual, and the most frequent carrier on this route.
✈️ Air India – Ideal for travelers who prefer full-service flights with meals and extra luggage.

💡 Tip: IndiGo’s 6:15 AM departure from Mumbai is the most popular flight — it lands just in time for breakfast and an early Ajanta start.

4. Mumbai to Aurangabad Flight Duration and Distance

• Aerial Distance: ~330 km
• Average Flight Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Travel Time (including airport transfer): 2–2.5 hours

💡 Tip: The window seat view as you approach Aurangabad is spectacular — you can spot Daulatabad Fort and green ridges near Ellora.

5. Flight Schedule Summary (Typical Timings)

Airline	Flight Type	Departure	Arrival	Ideal For
IndiGo 6E-6532	Direct	6:15 AM	7:20 AM	Same-day cave tours
Air India AI-441	Direct	8:30 AM	9:40 AM	Morning arrivals
IndiGo 6E-7173	Direct	7:55 PM	9:00 PM	Evening arrivals

💡 Tip: Morning flights are more scenic and usually more punctual; evening flights are convenient for weekend returns.

6. Connecting Flights (Backup Options)

If direct flights are sold out, you can take:

• SpiceJet / Air India via Hyderabad (~4.5 hours)
• IndiGo via Pune (~4 hours)

💡 Tip: Connecting flights are rarely needed since direct options are frequent and affordable.

7. Arrival at Aurangabad Airport (IXU)

The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport (IXU) is small, efficient, and only 10 km from city center — around a 20-minute drive.

Facilities:

• Prepaid taxi counter at arrival gate
• Small café and snack kiosk
• Clean restrooms and waiting area
• Free RailWire Wi-Fi

💡 Tip: Cabs and autos are always available outside the terminal — but for early flights, pre-book your transfer.

8. Airport Transfer Options in Aurangabad

Mode	Duration	Fare	Notes
Prepaid Taxi	20–25 mins	INR 300 – INR 400	24/7 availability
Auto Rickshaw	25–30 mins	INR 200 – INR 250	Budget-friendly
Ola / Uber	20 mins	INR 250 – INR 400	Digital payment accepted
Hotel Pickup	20 mins	Free at some hotels

💡 Tip: Book a GetYourGuide full-day tour with pickup — your driver will meet you right at the arrivals gate.

9. From Aurangabad Airport to Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Route
Ellora Caves	35 km	45–50 mins	Via NH52 (Daulatabad route)
Ajanta Caves	105 km	2.5 hrs	Via NH52 (toward Jalgaon)

💡 Tip: Visit Ajanta in the morning for best light, and Ellora in the afternoon for golden-hour photography.

10. Suggested Day Trip Plan (Mumbai → Aurangabad → Caves)

Time	Activity
6:15 AM	Flight from Mumbai (IndiGo 6E-6532)
7:20 AM	Arrive at Aurangabad Airport
7:45 – 10:15 AM	Drive to Ajanta Caves
10:15 AM – 12:30 PM	Explore Ajanta highlights (Caves 1, 2, 10, 26)
12:45 – 2:15 PM	Lunch + drive to Ellora
2:30 – 5:30 PM	Explore Ellora (Caves 16, 10, 32)
6:00 PM	Return to airport
7:55 PM	Evening flight back to Mumbai

💡 Tip: This exact schedule works beautifully with the IndiGo morning and evening flights — perfect one-day plan.

11. Flight Fare Trends

Booking Time	Approx. Fare (One-way)
2–3 weeks early	INR 4,000 – INR 4,500
Last minute (1–3 days)	INR 6,500 – INR 8,000
Peak season (Nov–Feb)	INR 7,000 – INR 9,500

💡 Tip: Fares are lowest on mid-week flights (Tuesday–Thursday). Book early for weekend trips.

12. Travel Tips for Mumbai–Aurangabad Flyers

✅ Arrive at Mumbai Airport (T1) at least 90 minutes early — domestic security can be busy in mornings.
✅ Keep small bills for taxis in Aurangabad (₹100–₹500 notes).
✅ Carry a refillable water bottle — Aurangabad’s weather can be dry.
✅ Avoid heavy luggage if you’re doing same-day return trips.
✅ Download offline maps — mobile signal drops on Ajanta route.

💡 Tip: The early flight gives you enough time to see both caves and return the same night — it’s one of India’s best short cultural trips.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

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

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