How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Mumbai – Complete Travel Guide for Heritage Lovers
If you’re based in Mumbai and dreaming of exploring the breathtaking Ajanta Caves, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The journey from Mumbai to Ajanta is a mix of scenic drives, cultural stops, and smooth connectivity — whether you choose to fly, drive, or take the train.
These 2,000-year-old Buddhist caves are among India’s greatest treasures, and reaching them from Mumbai is easier than you might think. Here’s your detailed guide on how to reach Ajanta Caves from Mumbai, covering every mode of travel — flight, train, bus, and car — with insider tips for a comfortable and enriching trip.
1. Quick Overview – Mumbai to Ajanta Distance and Route
| From | To | Distance | Travel Time | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Ajanta Caves | 420 km | 7–8 hours (by road) | NH160 via Nashik & Aurangabad |
The Ajanta Caves lie near the small village of Fardapur, about 100 km north of Aurangabad. Mumbai offers multiple travel options — by air, rail, or car — making it one of the most accessible starting points for heritage travelers.
💡 Tip: The fastest and most comfortable way is to fly from Mumbai to Aurangabad and then take a 2.5-hour drive to Ajanta.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. By Flight – Fastest & Easiest Option ✈️
Route: Mumbai → Aurangabad (Flight) → Ajanta Caves (Car)
| Segment | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai → Aurangabad | 1 hour | IndiGo / Air India |
| Aurangabad → Ajanta | 2.5 hours | Car / Taxi |
💰 Approx. Total Cost: ₹4,500–₹7,000 (flight) + ₹3,000 (cab)
Recommended Flights (Daily Options):
| Airline | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo Airlines | 6E-6532 | 6:15 AM | 7:20 AM |
| Air India | AI-441 | 8:30 AM | 9:40 AM |
| IndiGo | 6E-7173 | 7:55 PM | 9:00 PM |
💡 Tip: The early morning IndiGo flight lands before 8 AM, letting you head straight to Ajanta and explore before noon crowds arrive.
3. By Train – Comfortable and Scenic Option 🚆
Several trains connect Mumbai to Aurangabad and Jalgaon — both of which are convenient gateways to Ajanta.
Option 1: Mumbai → Aurangabad (Direct Train)
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devagiri Express (17057) | 9:10 PM | 5:25 AM | 8 hrs 15 min |
| Tapovan Express (17617) | 6:15 AM | 1:15 PM | 7 hrs |
| Nandigram Express (11401) | 8:50 PM | 5:10 AM | 8 hrs 20 min |
Then take a taxi or bus from Aurangabad to Ajanta (100 km / 2.5 hrs).
💡 Tip: Overnight trains are great if you prefer saving a night’s hotel cost — you’ll wake up in Aurangabad fresh and ready to visit Ajanta.
Option 2: Mumbai → Jalgaon (Closer to Ajanta)
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashi Express (15017) | 12:20 PM | 11:45 PM | 11 hrs 25 min |
| Bhusaval Passenger (51153) | 11:05 PM | 8:00 AM | 9 hrs |
From Jalgaon, take a taxi or local bus to Ajanta (60 km / 1.5 hrs).
💡 Tip: Jalgaon is a smart option if you’re traveling from north Mumbai — the drive to Ajanta is shorter and less crowded than from Aurangabad.
4. By Road – Scenic Highway Drive 🚗
If you love road trips, the Mumbai to Ajanta drive is one of the best long drives in Maharashtra.
Route:
Mumbai → Thane → Igatpuri → Nashik → Aurangabad → Ajanta
| Distance | Duration | Road Type |
|---|---|---|
| 420 km | 7–8 hours | NH160 (4-lane highway) |
Highlights on Route:
- Igatpuri: Mountain ghats and misty views (great breakfast stop).
- Nashik: Vineyards and temples — ideal for a lunch break.
- Daulatabad Fort: A great photo stop before Aurangabad.
💰 Toll Charges: INR 500–INR 600 (one way)
💡 Tip: Refuel at Nashik and plan a short detour to Sula Vineyards if you’re not in a hurry.
5. By Bus – Budget-Friendly Option 🚌
Government and private buses connect Mumbai to Aurangabad daily.
| Operator | Type | Departure | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRTC | Semi-Luxury | 9:00 PM | 8 hrs | INR 700 – INR 1,000 |
| Neeta / VRL / Purple | AC Sleeper | 10:30 PM | 7.5 hrs | INR 1,000 – INR 1,300 |
Once in Aurangabad, take an MSRTC or MTDC bus to Ajanta (2.5 hrs).
💡 Tip: Overnight buses are comfortable and reach Aurangabad early morning — perfect timing for an Ajanta visit.
6. Best Combined Itinerary (Mumbai → Ajanta → Ellora)
If you’re visiting both heritage sites, here’s an easy 2-day itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly/train from Mumbai → Aurangabad → Visit Ajanta Caves (2.5 hrs drive) |
| Day 2 | Explore Ellora Caves, Kailasa Temple & Grishneshwar Temple → Return to Mumbai (evening train or flight) |
💡 Tip: Stay overnight in Aurangabad — hotels near the city center or airport offer easy access to both caves.
7. Best Time to Visit Ajanta Caves
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Winter) | Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing |
| Jul – Sep (Monsoon) | Lush landscapes and waterfalls near caves |
| Apr – Jun (Summer) | Hot, but less crowded and clear visibility |
💡 Tip: Start your cave visit by 9 AM — the sunlight perfectly illuminates Ajanta’s ancient murals.
8. Practical Tips for Mumbai Travelers
✅ Book flights or trains at least 2–3 weeks in advance (winter is peak season).
✅ Carry light cotton clothes, hat, and water.
✅ Ajanta is closed on Mondays; Ellora on Tuesdays.
✅ Hire a licensed guide for the best experience (₹500–₹800).
✅ Avoid flash photography — the murals are fragile.
💡 Tip: Combine Ajanta and Ellora with Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara for a complete Aurangabad experience.
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Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai
- Road Trip Guide Mumbai to Aurangabad
- Ajanta Caves Travel Guide
- Best Day Trip Itinerary for Ajanta and Ellora Caves
❓ FAQ
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Ajanta Caves from Mumbai?
A: Take a flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad (1 hr) and a 2.5-hour taxi ride to Ajanta.
Q: Can I visit Ajanta and Ellora in one day from Mumbai?
A: It’s possible by taking the 6:15 AM flight, but it’s a long day — staying overnight in Aurangabad is better.
Q: Are trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad comfortable?
A: Yes, overnight trains like Devagiri and Nandigram Express are clean, safe, and time-efficient.
Q: How much does a Mumbai to Ajanta trip cost?
A: INR 6,000– INR 9,000 on average (including flight, taxi, and entry fees).
Q: Are tours available from Mumbai?
A: Yes, GetYourGuide and MTDC offer multi-day tours covering Ajanta, Ellora, and Aurangabad city.
