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

As a local Aurangabad-based travel expert, I often meet visitors who start their trip at Ajanta and then continue to Ellora — a beautiful 2.5-hour drive through rural Maharashtra, dotted with small temples, farms, and hills. In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to reach Ellora Caves from Ajanta Caves, including routes, transport options, costs, and local travel tips.

If you’re planning to visit both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you’re about to experience one of the most fascinating heritage routes in India. These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, located about 110 km apart, together tell the story of India’s ancient art, architecture, and spirituality.

1. Quick Overview – Distance and Route

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

💡 Tip: Start early from Ajanta around 7:00 AM — the morning drive is peaceful, and you’ll reach Ellora before the crowds arrive.
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2. By Car or Private Taxi (Most Recommended Option) 🚗

Hiring a private taxi or GetYourGuide tour car is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel between Ajanta and Ellora.

Route Details:

• Ajanta → Sillod → Fardapur → Daulatabad → Ellora (NH52)
• Distance: 110 km
• Travel Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Road Condition: Smooth 4-lane highway with occasional village stretches

Taxi Fare (One Way):

Car Type	Fare	Ideal For
Sedan (Dzire, Etios)	INR 3,000 – 3,500	Couples / Small Families
SUV (Innova, Ertiga)	INR 4,500 – 5,000	Families / Groups
Tempo Traveler	INR 6,000+	Large Groups

💡 Tip: Ask your driver to stop briefly at Daulatabad Fort for photos — it’s right on the way to Ellora and worth the view.

3. By Bus (Budget Option) 🚌

There’s no direct bus from Ajanta to Ellora, but you can easily travel with a change at Aurangabad.

Option 1: Ajanta → Aurangabad → Ellora

• Ajanta to Aurangabad: MSRTC or MTDC bus (2.5 hrs, INR 250 – 400)
• Aurangabad to Ellora: MSRTC local bus (1 hr, INR 60 – 100)

💡 Tip: The first bus from Ajanta leaves around 8:00 AM — plan to catch an 11:00 AM Ellora bus from Aurangabad.

Option 2: MTDC Heritage Tour

If you prefer an organized option, MTDC operates guided day trips covering both Ajanta and Ellora Caves (starting from Aurangabad).

• Includes: AC Bus, Guide, Entry Coordination
• Fare: INR 700 – 1,000 per person
• Duration: Full Day (6:30 AM – 6:30 PM)

💡 Tip: Book your MTDC heritage bus a day in advance — it often sells out during weekends and holidays.

4. By Self-Drive or Rental Car 🚙

If you love driving, the route from Ajanta to Ellora is a treat — wide highways, scenic countryside, and small towns with authentic Maharashtrian snacks.

• Driving Distance: 110 km
• Fuel Cost: INR 800 – 1,000 (one way)
• Tolls: INR 80 – 120
• Car Rentals in Aurangabad: Zoomcar, Savaari, or local agencies

5. Train Connection (Alternate Route) 🚆

There’s no direct train between Ajanta and Ellora, but travelers can combine short road and train journeys for convenience.

Segment	Mode	Duration
Ajanta → Jalgaon	Taxi (60 km)	1.5 hrs
Jalgaon → Aurangabad	Train	3 hrs
Aurangabad → Ellora	Taxi / Bus	45 min

💡 Tip: This route suits long-distance travelers continuing toward Nashik or Mumbai after visiting Ellora.

6. Route Highlights Between Ajanta and Ellora

Your drive connects two of India’s greatest monuments, but there’s plenty to see along the way:

🏰 Daulatabad Fort

Visible from the highway — a striking conical fort rising from the plains. Perfect for a short photo stop.

🌿 Sillod Town

Midway point between Ajanta and Ellora — stop for chai, misal pav, or a quick stretch break.

🕉️ Grishneshwar Temple

Located 2 km before Ellora — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a peaceful spiritual stop.

💡 Tip: Carry snacks and water — eateries are limited between Sillod and Ellora.

7. Suggested Itinerary – Ajanta to Ellora One-Day Route

Time	Activity
6:30 AM	Depart from Ajanta Caves
9:00 AM	Tea stop at Sillod
10:30 AM	Arrive at Ellora Caves
10:45 AM – 1:30 PM	Explore Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) and nearby caves
1:30 PM	Lunch at MTDC Restaurant
2:30 PM	Optional visit to Grishneshwar Temple
3:30 PM	Continue to Aurangabad or return to Ajanta hotel

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to visit both sites in one day, prioritize Ellora second — the lighting and shadows look stunning in the afternoon.

8. Travel Tips for Visitors

✅ Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays, and Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
✅ Carry water, snacks, and light cotton clothing.
✅ Roads are safe during daylight hours — avoid late-night travel.
✅ Hire a certified local guide at Ellora (INR 500 – 800) for detailed insights.
✅ Keep INR 500 – 1,000 cash for tolls, snacks, and parking.

💡 Tip: Plan your travel so that you spend one day each at Ajanta and Ellora — both deserve your full attention.
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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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)