How to Reach Ellora Caves by Train – Complete Railway Travel Guide for Visitors
If you love scenic journeys, comfortable seats, and watching the countryside roll by, taking a train to reach Ellora Caves is one of the most enjoyable and budget-friendly ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here’s your detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reach Ellora Caves by train, including routes, fares, timings, and local transfer options.
Located near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are about 30 km from Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB). As a local who’s welcomed hundreds of train travelers every week, I can tell you that this is one of the most convenient routes — whether you’re coming from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, or Nagpur.
1. Quick Overview – Nearest Railway Station to Ellora Caves
| Station Name | Code | Distance from Ellora | Travel Time (By Road) | Ideal For Travelers From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad | AWB | 30 km | 40–45 minutes | Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad |
| Jalgaon | JL | 160 km | 3.5–4 hours | Delhi, Indore, Bhopal |
| Manmad | MMR | 120 km | 3 hours | Nashik, Surat, Central India |
💡 Tip: Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) is the best option — it’s closest to Ellora and has excellent taxi and bus connectivity.
2. Major Train Routes to Aurangabad
Whether you’re coming from Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad, Aurangabad is well-connected by Indian Railways.
🚆 Popular Trains to Aurangabad:
| From City | Train Name / No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Devagiri Express (17057) | 9:10 PM | 5:25 AM | 8 hrs 15 min |
| Pune | Nandigram Express (11401) | 8:45 PM | 5:10 AM | 8 hrs 25 min |
| Delhi | Sachkhand Express (12716) | 1:15 PM | 6:15 AM | 17 hrs |
| Hyderabad | Ajanta Express (17063) | 6:50 PM | 8:15 AM | 13 hrs 25 min |
| Nagpur | Nandigram Express (11402) | 6:15 AM | 4:45 PM | 10 hrs 30 min |
💡 Tip: Overnight trains like Devagiri Express or Nandigram Express are perfect — you arrive early and can start your Ellora trip fresh in the morning.
3. From Aurangabad Railway Station to Ellora Caves 🚖
Once you reach Aurangabad Station, getting to Ellora is easy. You can hire a private taxi, join an MTDC tour, or take a local bus.
🚗 Option 1 – Private Taxi (Most Comfortable)
- Distance: 30 km
- Travel Time: 40–45 minutes
- Fare: INR 800 – 1,000 (round trip)
- Route: Aurangabad → Daulatabad → Khuldabad → Ellora
💡 Tip: Hire a driver who knows the local area — they can guide you to nearby attractions like Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar Temple.
🚌 Option 2 – MSRTC / MTDC Bus (Budget Option)
- Fare: INR 60 – 100 (one way)
- Travel Time: ~1 hour
- Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
- Departure Point: Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (2 km from station)
💡 Tip: The MTDC Heritage Bus covers Ellora, Daulatabad, and Grishneshwar Temple — perfect for a half-day trip.
🛵 Option 3 – Bike or Scooter Rentals
- Rental Price: INR 600 – 900 per day
- Fuel Cost: INR 150 – 200 (round trip)
- Duration: 40 minutes
💡 Tip: Biking from Aurangabad to Ellora at sunrise is one of the best travel experiences in Maharashtra — smooth roads and cool morning air.
4. From Jalgaon or Manmad (Alternate Train Options)
If trains to Aurangabad are full, you can also travel via Jalgaon or Manmad, both of which are well-connected junctions.
🚗 Jalgaon → Ellora Caves
- Distance: 160 km
- Travel Time: 3.5–4 hrs
- Taxi Fare: INR 2,500 – 3,000
- Bus Option: MSRTC operates buses every 1–2 hrs
🚗 Manmad → Ellora Caves
- Distance: 120 km
- Travel Time: 3 hrs
- Taxi Fare: INR 2,000 – 2,500
💡 Tip: Both routes are scenic — especially during monsoon when the Deccan plateau turns lush green.
5. Ellora Caves Timings & Entry Info
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 40 |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | INR 600 |
| Video Camera Fee | INR 25 |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed On | Tuesdays |
💡 Tip: Reach early (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds and get the best light for photography.
6. Suggested Itinerary for Train Travelers
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Arrive at Aurangabad Railway Station |
| 6:00 AM | Take taxi or bus to Ellora |
| 7:00 AM | Begin exploring Ellora Caves |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Visit Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) and others |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at MTDC Restaurant |
| 1:30 PM | Optional: Visit Grishneshwar Temple or Daulatabad Fort |
| 3:00 PM | Return to Aurangabad Station |
💡 Tip: Pack light snacks and water — options at the caves are limited but MTDC café offers decent meals.
7. Local Travel Tips
✅ Ellora is closed every Tuesday.
✅ Keep INR 500 – 1,000 cash — small shops often don’t accept cards.
✅ Hire a certified ASI guide (INR 500 – 800) for a deeper understanding.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes — expect walking between cave clusters.
✅ Combine Ellora with Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar Temple for a complete day.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the upper viewpoint behind Kailasa Temple — it offers the best panoramic photo of the entire complex.
Personally Tested Best GetYourGuide Tours
👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves by Bus
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune
- Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
- Tips for First-Time Visitors to Ellora Caves
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which railway station is nearest to Ellora Caves?
A: Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) is the closest, about 30 km from Ellora.
Q: How far is Ellora from Aurangabad Station?
A: Around 30 km — roughly a 40–45 minute drive by taxi or bus.
Q: Are taxis available at Aurangabad Station?
A: Yes, prepaid taxis and private cabs are available at the station exit.
Q: Can I visit Ellora Caves by train, the same day I arrive ?
A: Yes, most overnight trains reach early, giving you a full day to explore.
Q: Are there direct trains to Ellora?
A: No, there’s no railway station at Ellora — the nearest station is Aurangabad.
