How to Reach Ellora Caves – Complete Travel Guide from Aurangabad and Beyond
The Ellora Caves, located just 30 km from Aurangabad, are one of India’s most extraordinary heritage sites — a living masterpiece of art, faith, and architecture carved between the 6th and 10th centuries. Whether you’re traveling by flight, train, road, or bus, getting here is surprisingly easy.
As a local Aurangabad-based traveler, I often guide visitors who are amazed at how accessible Ellora really is. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and other major cities — with local insights, travel options, and time-saving tips to make your visit effortless.
1. Quick Overview – Where Are Ellora Caves Located?
| Location | Distance from Aurangabad | Nearest Airport | Nearest Railway Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellora Caves, Verul Village, Maharashtra | 30 km | Aurangabad (IXU) | Aurangabad Junction (AWB) |
The Ellora Caves are located in Verul village, about 30 km northwest of Aurangabad. It’s one of India’s best-connected UNESCO World Heritage Sites — easily reachable by car, taxi, or public transport.
💡 Tip: The best way to reach Ellora is by hiring a private taxi or joining a guided tour from Aurangabad — it gives you flexibility and comfort.
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2. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad (Most Popular Route)
🚗 By Car or Taxi
- Distance: 30 km
- Duration: 40–45 minutes
- Route: Aurangabad → Daulatabad → Khuldabad → Ellora (SH60)
- Fare: INR 800 – INR 1,000 (round trip for a sedan)
💡 Tip: Start early — the morning light over the Kailasa Temple is breathtaking, and crowds are lighter before 10 AM.
🚌 By Bus (Budget Option)
- Operator: MSRTC / MTDC
- Departure Point: Aurangabad Central Bus Stand
- Fare: INR 60 – INR 150
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
💡 Tip: The MTDC Heritage Bus includes both Ellora and Daulatabad Fort — great for half-day sightseeing.
🚶 By Bike or Self-Drive
- Duration: 40–45 minutes
- Best Route: Aurangabad → Daulatabad → Ellora
- Bike Rentals: Available near Aurangabad railway station ( INR 600 – INR 800/day)
💡 Tip: Biking to Ellora early morning is an amazing experience — the cool air and countryside roads are refreshing.
3. How to Reach Ellora Caves by Flight
The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (IXU), just 35 km from Ellora.
✈️ Flight Options to Aurangabad:
| From City | Duration | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 1 hr | IndiGo, Air India |
| Delhi | 1 hr 45 mins | IndiGo, Air India |
| Pune | 1 hr | IndiGo |
| Hyderabad | 1 hr 15 mins | IndiGo |
💡 Tip: Choose a morning flight to Aurangabad — you can visit both Ellora and Daulatabad the same day.
From the airport, taxis and private cars are available directly to Ellora ( INR 1,000– INR 1,200 one way).
4. How to Reach Ellora Caves by Train
The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Junction (AWB), located just 28 km away.
🚆 Popular Trains to Aurangabad:
| City | Train Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Devagiri Express (17057) | 8 hrs |
| Pune | Nandigram Express (11401) | 8 hrs 20 mins |
| Delhi | Sachkhand Express (12716) | 17 hrs |
| Hyderabad | Ajanta Express (17063) | 13 hrs |
💡 Tip: Overnight trains are perfect — you’ll reach Aurangabad early morning and can head straight to Ellora.
5. How to Reach Ellora Caves by Road
Ellora is well-connected by road from nearby major cities.
| From City | Distance | Travel Time | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad | 30 km | 45 mins | SH60 |
| Pune | 260 km | 5–6 hrs | NH753F |
| Mumbai | 340 km | 6–7 hrs | NH160 → NH52 |
| Nashik | 180 km | 3.5–4 hrs | NH160 |
| Jalgaon | 160 km | 3.5 hrs | NH753J |
💡 Tip: If you’re on a road trip, add Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar Temple to your Ellora plan — both are en route.
6. How to Reach Ellora Caves by Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)
State and private buses run frequently from Aurangabad and nearby towns.
| Route | Fare (One Way) | Operator | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurangabad → Ellora | INR 60 – INR 100 | MSRTC / MTDC | 1 hr |
| Pune → Aurangabad | INR 900 – INR 1,200 | MSRTC Shivneri | 7 hrs |
| Mumbai → Aurangabad | INR 1,000 – INR 1,400 | Neeta / MSRTC | 8 hrs |
💡 Tip: MTDC’s “Ajanta–Ellora Heritage Bus Tour” is perfect for first-time travelers who prefer an organized itinerary.
7. Parking and Facilities at Ellora Caves
- Car Parking: INR 40 (car), INR 70 (bus)
- Restrooms: Available at entrance and food court
- Restaurants: MTDC cafeteria near main gate
- Shops: Souvenirs and local handicrafts available outside Caves 16 area
💡 Tip: Carry a hat and water bottle — Ellora involves walking under open sunlight between cave clusters.
8. Travel Tips for Visiting Ellora Caves
✅ Ellora is closed on Tuesdays (Ajanta is closed on Mondays).
✅ Start early morning for better light and fewer crowds.
✅ Hire an ASI-certified guide at the site ( INR 500– INR 800).
✅ Combine Ellora with Daulatabad Fort or Grishneshwar Temple nearby.
✅ No flash photography allowed inside caves.
💡 Tip: The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the highlight — explore its upper platform for the best panoramic view.
9. Suggested 1-Day Itinerary (Aurangabad–Ellora Round Trip)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Depart from Aurangabad |
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at Ellora Caves |
| 8:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Explore Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) and other caves |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at MTDC restaurant |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Visit Daulatabad Fort or Grishneshwar Temple |
| 4:00 PM | Return to Aurangabad |
💡 Tip: If you have time, stop at the Khuldabad Dargah or Bhadra Maruti Temple on your way back.
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👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- Complete Visitor Guide to Ellora Caves
- Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit Ellora Caves
- Photography Guide to Ellora Caves
- Ellora Caves Legends and Stories
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How far is Ellora Caves from Aurangabad city?
A: Around 30 km — it takes about 40–45 minutes by car or taxi.
Q: What is the nearest airport to Ellora Caves?
A: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) is the closest, around 35 km away.
Q: Can I visit both Ellora and Ajanta in one day?
A: It’s possible but very tiring — it’s better to dedicate one day to each site.
Q: Are buses available from Aurangabad to Ellora?
A: Yes, MSRTC and MTDC run hourly buses from the central bus stand.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Ellora Caves by taxi or bike?
A: Yes, the roads are excellent and well-patrolled during the day.
