How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad – Complete Traveler’s Guide

If you’re planning a trip to the Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad, the best starting point is Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) — the gateway city to Maharashtra’s world-famous heritage sites, Ajanta and Ellora. Located about 100 km from Aurangabad, the Ajanta Caves can be easily reached by car, taxi, or bus through scenic countryside roads lined with farms and small villages.

This detailed guide will walk you through every route, travel option, and local tip to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and filled with beautiful sights.

1. Quick Overview – Ajanta Caves Distance and Route

From	Distance	Travel Time	Best Route
Aurangabad	100 km	2.5 – 3 hours	NH52 via Fardapur

• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (IXU)
• Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Junction (AWB)
• Road Condition: Excellent, mostly smooth highways
• Best Travel Mode: Private car or guided tour

💡 Tip: Leave early morning (around 6:00 AM) to reach Ajanta by 8:30 AM — the morning light inside the caves is magical.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. By Car or Private Taxi (Most Recommended Option)

This is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad.

🚗 Route Details:

Aurangabad → Phardapur → Ajanta Caves (NH52)

• Distance: 100 km
• Travel Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Toll Roads: Yes (INR 80– 120 total)
• Road Quality: 4-lane smooth highway

💰 Taxi Fare (Round Trip):

Vehicle Type	Price (Approx.)
Sedan (Dzire, Etios)	INR 3,000 – 3,500
SUV (Innova, Ertiga)	INR 4,500 – 5,000
Tempo Traveler	INR 6,000 – 7,000

💡 Tip: Book a full-day taxi so you can comfortably explore Ajanta and return by evening without rushing.

3. By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)

If you’re a solo or budget traveler, government and private buses are great alternatives.

🚌 Bus Details:

• Operator: MSRTC and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism)
• Departure Point: Aurangabad Central Bus Stand
• Travel Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
• Ticket Price: INR 400 – INR 800 (one way)
• Bus Timings: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM
• Return Buses: 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM

💡 Tip: The MTDC day tour bus covers both Ajanta and Ellora Caves with a professional guide — ideal for one-day heritage trips.

4. By Train (Partial Option)

There’s no direct train to Ajanta, but you can travel to Jalgaon or Bhusawal and then take a short road trip to the caves.

Station	Distance to Ajanta	Travel Time	Taxi Fare
Aurangabad Junction	100 km	2.5 hrs (road only)	INR 3,000
Jalgaon Junction	60 km	1.5 hrs	INR 1,500 – 2,000

💡 Tip: Trains are useful if you’re arriving in Aurangabad from other cities (like Mumbai or Pune) and plan to hire a taxi afterward.

5. By Air (For Long-Distance Travelers)

If you’re flying in from another Indian city:

• Take a flight to Aurangabad Airport (IXU).
• From there, hire a taxi to Ajanta (2.5 hrs drive).

✈️ Popular Flight Routes:

City	Duration	Airlines
Mumbai	1 hr	IndiGo, Air India
Delhi	1 hr 45 mins	IndiGo, Air India
Hyderabad	1 hr 15 mins	IndiGo

💡 Tip: The 6:15 AM flight from Mumbai lands in Aurangabad early enough for a same-day Ajanta visit.

6. Entry, Parking, and Shuttle Details at Ajanta

Cars and buses are not allowed right up to the caves — you’ll need to park at the Ajanta Tourist Parking Area (T-Point) and take a shuttle bus run by the Maharashtra Tourism Department.

• Shuttle Fare: INR 20 (one way)
• Travel Time: 10–15 minutes
• Parking Fee: INR 40 for cars, INR 70 for buses
• Timing: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

💡 Tip: Keep your ticket safe — it’s required for the return shuttle too.

7. Road Conditions and Scenic Stops En Route

The highway from Aurangabad to Ajanta is scenic and full of local experiences.

🏞️ Best Stops Along the Way:

1. Phardapur Village – Gateway to Ajanta, good for snacks & chai.
2. Sillod Town – Try local Maharashtrian breakfast.
3. Small Farms & Sugarcane Fields – Great photo spots during monsoon.

💡 Tip: Carry your camera — the drive is peaceful with rural charm and green hills in the background.

8. Suggested Day Plan for Visiting Ajanta from Aurangabad

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Depart from Aurangabad
8:30 AM	Arrive at Ajanta Parking & take shuttle
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Explore Ajanta Caves (Caves 1, 2, 10, 26 are must-see)
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Lunch at MTDC Restaurant near parking
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Drive back to Aurangabad or stop at Sillod for chai
5:30 PM	Return to hotel / evening leisure

💡 Tip: Don’t rush through the caves — take time to appreciate the art and stories carved into every wall.

9. Travel Tips for Visiting Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad

✅ Ajanta is closed on Mondays.
✅ Carry water, hat, and sunscreen — there’s some walking uphill.
✅ No flash photography allowed inside caves.
✅ Hire an ASI-certified guide (₹500–₹700) — worth every rupee.
✅ Avoid visiting between 12–2 PM (harsh sunlight).

💡 Tip: Monsoon months (July–September) bring small waterfalls around the cave cliffs — a photographer’s delight.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
• Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip from Aurangabad
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• Ajanta Caves Travel Guide
• Ajanta Caves Paintings You Should Not Miss

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