How to Reach Ajanta Caves by Flight – Complete Air Travel Guide for Visitors
If you’re short on time or simply prefer comfort over long journeys, the best way to visit the Ajanta Caves by flights. Located near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in Maharashtra, Ajanta is easily accessible by air from India’s major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
As someone based in Aurangabad, I often recommend this option to travelers who want a quick and easy way to explore both Ajanta and Ellora Caves. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to reach Ajanta Caves by flight — routes, airlines, fares, travel tips, and what to expect when you land.
1. Quick Overview – Ajanta Caves by Flight Route
| Nearest Airport | Distance from Ajanta Caves | Travel Time (By Road) | Airport Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport) | 105 km | 2.5 – 3 hours | IXU |
Ajanta Caves don’t have an airport nearby — the nearest one is Aurangabad (IXU), which serves as the main gateway to both Ajanta and Ellora. Once you land, you can reach Ajanta comfortably by taxi or pre-booked guided tour.
💡 Tip: Choose a morning flight to Aurangabad so you can reach Ajanta before noon when the cave interiors are well lit by natural light.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. Major Cities Connected to Aurangabad by Flight
Aurangabad has good flight connectivity with most major Indian cities.
| From City | Duration | Airlines Operating | Flights Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai (BOM) | 1 hour | IndiGo, Air India | 2–3 |
| Delhi (DEL) | 1 hr 45 mins | IndiGo, Air India | 2 |
| Pune (PNQ) | 1 hr | IndiGo | 1 |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | 1 hr 15 mins | IndiGo | 3–4 per week |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | 2 hrs (via HYD) | IndiGo, SpiceJet | 1 (1-stop) |
| Chennai (MAA) | 2 hrs 15 mins (via HYD) | IndiGo | 1 (1-stop) |
💰 Average Airfare: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 (one way)
💡 Tip: Mumbai and Delhi offer the most frequent and budget-friendly flights to Aurangabad — ideal if you’re visiting from North or West India.
3. Flight Options from Major Cities
✈️ From Mumbai to Aurangabad
| Airline | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo (6E-6532) | 6:15 AM | 7:20 AM | 1 hr 05 min |
| Air India (AI-441) | 8:30 AM | 9:40 AM | 1 hr 10 min |
💡 Tip: The early morning flight from Mumbai is perfect for a same-day Ajanta and Ellora tour.
✈️ From Delhi to Aurangabad
| Airline | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo (6E-6352) | 5:30 AM | 7:15 AM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Air India (AI-441) | 1:00 PM | 2:50 PM | 1 hr 50 min |
💡 Tip: IndiGo’s morning flight gives you enough time to reach Ajanta by mid-morning.
✈️ From Pune to Aurangabad
| Airline | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo (6E-7734) | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 1 hr |
💡 Tip: The short flight from Pune is great for weekend trips to Ajanta and Ellora.
4. From Aurangabad Airport to Ajanta Caves
Once you land at Aurangabad Airport (IXU), the rest of the journey to Ajanta is by road.
🚗 Route Details:
- Distance: 105 km
- Travel Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Best Route: Aurangabad → Fardapur → Ajanta (NH52)
- Road Condition: Excellent 4-lane highway
💰 Taxi Fare (Round Trip):
| Vehicle | Fare |
|---|---|
| Sedan | INR 3,000 – INR 3,500 |
| SUV | INR 4,500 – INR 5,000 |
| Tempo Traveler | INR 6,000+ |
💡 Tip: Pre-book a taxi or GetYourGuide tour before landing — it saves time and avoids airport haggling.
5. Flight + Tour Combo Option (Most Time-Efficient)
If you’re planning a one-day or weekend trip, flight + private tour combos are perfect.
These packages include:
- Airport pickup & drop-off
- AC car with driver
- Licensed local guide
- Entry coordination
- Optional lunch stop
💰 Approx. Cost: INR 12,000 – 17,500 per person
💡 Tip: GetYourGuide’s private tours are ideal if you land in the morning and want to cover both Ajanta and Ellora the same day.
📍 View on Google Maps
[Add image: Tourist taxi parked near Ajanta viewpoint]
[Add GYG tour suggestion here – e.g., “Ajanta & Ellora 1-Day Private Heritage Tour with Airport Pickup”]
6. Suggested Itinerary – Fly to Ajanta in One Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Fly from Delhi or Mumbai to Aurangabad |
| 7:45 AM | Land at Aurangabad Airport |
| 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Drive to Ajanta Caves |
| 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Explore Caves 1, 2, 10, and 26 |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch at MTDC Restaurant near Ajanta parking |
| 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Return to Aurangabad |
| 6:00 PM | Optional evening visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara or Ellora |
💡 Tip: This itinerary works beautifully with early morning flights — you can explore Ajanta and return to your hotel before evening.
7. Facilities at Aurangabad Airport
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧳 Baggage Belts | 2 – Quick turnaround |
| ☕ Cafeteria | Tea, coffee, and light snacks |
| 💺 Waiting Lounge | Comfortable seating area |
| 🛍️ Shops | Books, souvenirs, and local crafts |
| 🚖 Taxi Counter | Prepaid and private taxis available |
| 🅿️ Parking | Spacious lot near terminal |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free (RailWire network) |
💡 Tip: Grab a quick breakfast at the airport before your drive — food options near Ajanta are limited.
8. Travel Tips for Air Travelers
✅ Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
✅ Keep your return flight after 7 PM if visiting Ajanta and Ellora in one day.
✅ Carry water and light snacks for the drive.
✅ Hire a licensed ASI guide (INR 2500–3000) for better understanding of the murals.
✅ Keep ₹500–₹1,000 cash for shuttle and entry fees.
💡 Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, bring a hat and sunscreen — the cave approach can get sunny after 11 AM.
Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours
👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ajanta Caves by Train
- Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Ajanta Caves Travel Guide
- Ajanta and Ellora Tour Packages Explained
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which is the nearest airport to Ajanta Caves?
A: Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport – IXU) is the nearest airport, about 105 km away.
Q: How long is the drive from Aurangabad Airport to Ajanta Caves?
A: It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
Q: Are flights available daily to Aurangabad?
A: Yes, daily flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune; other cities have connecting options.
Q: Can I visit both Ellora Caves and Ajanta Caves by flight in one day?
A: Yes, if you take the early morning flight and book a private guided tour with transport.
Q: Are airport transfers included in Ajanta tour packages?
A: Most GetYourGuide and MTDC tours include airport pickup and drop-off for convenience.
