How to Reach Aurangabad by Flight – Complete Air Travel Guide to the Heritage City

If you’re planning to explore the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the fastest and most comfortable way to reach them is by flying to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) — Maharashtra’s heritage capital. With direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, Aurangabad Airport serves as the ideal entry point for travelers heading to the region’s UNESCO World Heritage wonders.

Here’s your complete, experience-based guide on how to reach Aurangabad by flight, including routes, airlines, airport details, local transfers, and insider tips to make your arrival seamless.

1. Aurangabad Airport Overview

• Official Name: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport
• IATA Code: IXU
• Location: About 10 km east of Aurangabad city center
• Type: Domestic airport (limited charter & cargo flights)
• Managed by: Airports Authority of India (AAI)

The airport is compact, efficient, and known for its clean facilities and quick check-ins — perfect for both business travelers and heritage tourists.

💡 Tip: Book a window seat — the aerial view of Daulatabad Fort and Deccan plateau during descent is stunning!
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2. Major Cities Connected to Aurangabad by Flight

Aurangabad is well connected to several Indian metros. Flights are short, frequent, and ideal for same-day Ajanta–Ellora trips.

✈️ Direct Flights to Aurangabad

From City	Duration	Airlines	Frequency
Mumbai (BOM)	1 hour	IndiGo, Air India	Daily
Delhi (DEL)	1 hr 45 mins	IndiGo, Air India	Daily
Hyderabad (HYD)	1 hr 15 mins	IndiGo	4–5 flights/week
Bangalore (BLR)	2 hrs (1 stop)	IndiGo, SpiceJet	Daily via HYD
Chennai (MAA)	2 hrs 15 mins (1 stop)	IndiGo	3–4 flights/week
Pune (PNQ)	55 mins (via BOM)	IndiGo	Daily

💰 Average One-Way Fare: INR 6,000 – INR 7,000 depending on city and season.

💡 Tip: Book at least 3 weeks in advance — fares rise quickly during winter (peak tourist season).

3. Flight Duration & Timing Summary

Route	Earliest Flight	Last Flight	Duration
Mumbai → Aurangabad	6:15 AM	8:30 PM	1 hr
Delhi → Aurangabad	5:30 AM	8:00 PM	1 hr 45 min
Hyderabad → Aurangabad	7:00 AM	6:30 PM	1 hr 15 min
Bangalore / Chennai (via HYD)	5:00 AM	7:30 PM	2–2.5 hrs

💡 Tip: Morning flights are best if you plan to start your Ajanta–Ellora sightseeing the same day.

4. Airlines Operating to Aurangabad (IXU)

✈️ IndiGo Airlines – Most frequent carrier, reliable timings, clean aircraft.
✈️ Air India – Offers full-service experience with meals and luggage included.
✈️ SpiceJet – Budget option with connecting flights via Hyderabad or Mumbai.

💡 Tip: For early morning arrivals, IndiGo’s Mumbai–Aurangabad route (6:15 AM departure) is perfect for a same-day cave tour.

5. Getting from Aurangabad Airport to the City

The airport is only 20 minutes from the city center, with plenty of local transport options.

Mode	Duration	Cost	Notes
Prepaid Taxi	20–25 mins	INR 300 – INR 400	Available 24/7 outside terminal
Auto Rickshaw	25–30 mins	INR 200 – INR 250	Budget option for solo travelers
Ola / Uber	20 mins	INR 250 – INR 400	Convenient and digital payment-friendly
Hotel Pickup	20 mins	Usually complimentary at mid-range hotels

💡 Tip: If you arrive before 7 AM, book a prepaid taxi in advance — app cabs may take longer at that hour.

6. From the Airport to Ajanta and Ellora Caves

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

💡 Tip: Start with Ajanta in the morning and Ellora in the afternoon if you plan both on the same day.

7. Suggested Itinerary for Fly-In Travelers

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Arrive at Aurangabad Airport (morning flight from Mumbai/Delhi)
6:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Drive to Ajanta Caves
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Explore Ajanta’s paintings and monasteries
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM	Drive back with lunch stop
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Explore Ellora Caves & Kailasa Temple
6:30 PM	Return to city or evening flight back

💡 Tip: GetYourGuide’s full-day private tours are designed exactly around this timeline.

8. Facilities at Aurangabad Airport

Facility	Details
🧳 Baggage Claim Belts	2 belts, quick delivery
🍴 Snack Counters	Coffee shop & small café in departure area
🛍️ Shops	Souvenirs, books, local crafts
💺 Lounge Access	Air India Lounge (for premium travelers)
🚻 Restrooms	Clean and accessible
🅿️ Parking	Spacious, ₹30/hour for cars
🚖 Taxi Booths	Prepaid taxi counter near exit

💡 Tip: The airport has limited food options — eat before or after your flight if traveling during odd hours.

9. Airlines’ Weekly Flight Frequency to Aurangabad

Airline	Flights per Week	Major Routes
IndiGo	~25	Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad
Air India	~15	Mumbai, Delhi
SpiceJet	~10	Hyderabad, Chennai (via stop)

💡 Tip: IndiGo usually has the best on-time record for Aurangabad routes.

10. Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers to Aurangabad

✅ Book morning arrivals for maximum sightseeing time.
✅ Avoid evening flights during monsoon (occasional delays).
✅ Keep INR 500– 1,000 cash for taxis (some drivers don’t accept cards).
✅ Download offline maps before landing (weak mobile signal near Ajanta hills).
✅ Confirm baggage limits — smaller aircraft may have stricter allowances.

💡 Tip: If your flight lands before 7 AM, you can complete both Ajanta and Ellora in a single day comfortably.

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👉 Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Reach Aurangabad
• How to Reach Aurangabad by Train
• Taxi and Transport Options from Aurangabad to Caves
• Ajanta and Ellora Day Trips
• Guided Tour Options for Ajanta and Ellora

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