How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Ellora Caves – Complete Route, Transport & Travel Tips

If you’re exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, traveling between the two is one of the most memorable drives in Maharashtra. The route winds through rural farmlands, small temples, and green hills, connecting two of India’s most magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Ajanta, famous for its Buddhist paintings, and Ellora, known for its massive rock-cut temples like the Kailasa Temple.

This guide will help you understand exactly how to reach Ajanta Caves from Ellora Caves, whether you’re self-driving, hiring a cab, or booking a guided tour — plus travel times, costs, and local tips to make the most of your heritage adventure.

1. Quick Overview – Ellora to Ajanta Route

From	To	Distance	Travel Time	Best Route
Ellora Caves	Ajanta Caves	110 km	2.5 – 3 hours	NH52 via Fardapur

Both sites lie in Aurangabad district — roughly two and a half hours apart by road. The drive is comfortable, scenic, and ideal for a day trip or part of a combined heritage tour.

💡 Tip: Start early (around 6:00 AM) if you’re doing both on the same day — Ajanta’s paintings look best in the morning light.
📍 View on Google Maps

2. By Car or Taxi (Most Recommended Option)

The easiest and most popular way to travel from Ellora to Ajanta is by car or private taxi.

🚗 Route Details:

Ellora → Verul → Phardapur → Ajanta (NH52)

• Distance: 110 km
• Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Road Condition: Good, mostly 4-lane highway
• Toll: INR 80 – 120

💰 Approx. Taxi Fare (One Way):

Vehicle Type	Fare
Sedan (Dzire, Etios)	INR 3,000 – 3,500
SUV (Innova, Ertiga)	INR 4,000 – 4,500
Tempo Traveler (Group)	INR 6,000+

💡 Tip: Book your car from Aurangabad city, as rates from Ellora directly can be higher. Most hotels can arrange day-trip taxis easily.

3. By Bus (Budget Option)

Buses connect Aurangabad city with both Ellora and Ajanta, but there’s no direct bus between the two caves. You’ll need to change at Aurangabad or Sillod.

🚌 Option 1: Via Aurangabad

• Ellora → Aurangabad (30 km / 45 min)
  • Local MSRTC buses or auto available.
• Aurangabad → Ajanta (100 km / 2.5 hrs)
  • MTDC or MSRTC buses run daily.

💰 Total Cost: ₹400–₹600 (one way)
💡 Tip: Take the 6 AM MTDC heritage bus from Aurangabad if you plan both sites in one day.

📍 View on Google Maps
[Add image of MTDC tour bus near Ellora entrance]

🚌 Option 2: Via Sillod

• Ellora → Sillod (50 km) – local bus or shared jeep (~1 hour)
• Sillod → Ajanta (60 km) – frequent MSRTC buses (~1.5 hours)

💰 Total Fare: INR 300 – 400
💡 Tip: This option is for seasoned travelers comfortable with local transport; not ideal for tourists in a hurry.

4. By Self-Drive or Rental Car

If you love road trips, driving from Ellora to Ajanta is pure joy. The highway offers wide, well-maintained lanes and stunning rural scenery.

• Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Fuel Cost: INR 700 – 900 (one way)
• Route: NH52 → Phardapur → Ajanta Tourist Parking

💡 Tip: Refuel in Aurangabad before leaving Ellora — there are few fuel stations between Sillod and Ajanta.

5. By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free Option)

If you prefer a comfortable, informative, and time-efficient trip — book a guided heritage tour covering both sites.

🚐 Ajanta & Ellora Combo Tours Include:

• Private AC car with driver
• Licensed local guide
• Hotel/airport pickup & drop-off
• Entry coordination
• Optional lunch stop

💰 Approx. Cost: INR 5,000 – 7,500 per person (private)

💡 Tip: GetYourGuide and MTDC both offer full-day combo tours ideal for first-time visitors.

6. Route Highlights and Scenic Stops

While driving from Ellora to Ajanta, make time for these quick photo or chai stops:

📍 1. Daulatabad Fort (15 km from Ellora)

A towering hill fort with breathtaking views — visible from the highway.
💡 Tip: Stop for 30 minutes if you leave early from Ellora.

📍 2. Sillod Town

A bustling mid-point for chai, snacks, or refueling. Try the local misal pav!

📍 3. Phardapur Village

The gateway to Ajanta. From here, follow signs to the Ajanta Tourist Parking Zone (T-point).

7. Parking & Shuttle to Ajanta Caves

Cars and tour buses must park at the official Ajanta Tourist Parking Area (T-point), about 4 km from the caves. From there, take a government-run eco-shuttle bus to the site.

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

💡 Tip: Keep your parking receipt and shuttle ticket for the return trip.

8. Suggested Itinerary – Ellora to Ajanta (1-Day Trip)

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Depart Ellora after early breakfast
8:30 AM	Arrive at Ajanta Caves (via Phardapur)
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Explore Ajanta (Caves 1, 2, 10 & 26 are must-see)
1:00 PM	Lunch at MTDC Restaurant near parking
2:00 – 5:00 PM	Drive back to Aurangabad / hotel
6:00 PM	Optional evening visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara

💡 Tip: If you want a more relaxed visit, stay overnight in Aurangabad and split Ajanta & Ellora across two days.

9. Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

✅ Both sites are closed one day a week (Ajanta on Monday, Ellora on Tuesday).
✅ Carry water, hat, and comfortable shoes — both involve walking and stairs.
✅ Hire ASI-certified guides for in-depth insights.
✅ No flash photography allowed in Ajanta’s paintings hall.
✅ Start early and avoid noon heat (especially in summer months).

💡 Tip: Visit Ajanta in the morning and Ellora in the afternoon for perfect natural light and fewer crowds.

Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours

👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad
• How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
• Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• Ajanta and Ellora Tour Packages Explained
• Tips for Planning an Ajanta and Ellora Day Trip

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