How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune – Complete Travel Guide by Road, Train, Flight & Bus
As a local from Aurangabad, I’ve seen countless travelers from Pune make this trip — it’s one of the most popular weekend getaways in Maharashtra. Here’s your complete, step-by-step guide on how to reach Ellora Caves from Pune, including the best routes, transport options, fares, and insider tips.
If you’re planning a heritage trip from Pune, the magnificent Ellora Caves near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) are just a few hours away — and the journey is as beautiful as the destination. Located around 260 km from Pune, Ellora is one of India’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for the incredible Kailasa Temple, rock-cut monasteries, and intricate sculptures carved into basalt cliffs.
1. Quick Overview – Distance and Routes
| Route Type | Distance | Duration | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road (NH753F) | 260 km | 5.5 – 6 hrs | Road trips / Family travel |
| By Train | 265 km | 6 – 8 hrs | Budget & comfortable option |
| By Bus | 260 km | 6.5 – 8 hrs | Convenient & economical |
| By Flight (via Aurangabad) | 1 hr flight + 45 min taxi | Fastest & most comfortable |
💡 Tip: If you enjoy scenic drives and flexibility, the road trip from Pune to Ellora via Ahmednagar is the best choice.
📍 View on Google Maps
2. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune by Road 🚗
Driving from Pune to Ellora is one of the best weekend road trips you can take — smooth highways, scenic countryside, and plenty of great stopovers.
🚙 Route Details:
- Distance: 260 km
- Travel Time: 5.5 – 6 hours
- Best Route: Pune → Ahmednagar → Aurangabad → Ellora (via NH753F)
- Toll Cost: ₹400 – ₹600 (one way)
🚘 Driving Tips:
- Roads are well-maintained and safe for self-drive.
- Start early around 5:30 AM to avoid city traffic.
- Ideal stopovers: Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple, Ahmednagar Fort, and Daulatabad Fort.
💡 Tip: Fill your tank in Pune or Ahmednagar — fuel stations near Ellora close early.
3. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune by Train 🚆
Taking a train from Pune to Aurangabad Railway Station is a comfortable and affordable way to travel.
🚉 Popular Trains from Pune to Aurangabad:
| Train Name | Departure (Pune) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Duration | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nandigram Express (11401) | 8:45 PM | 5:10 AM | 8 hrs 25 min | Daily |
| Pune–Amravati Express (11405) | 9:15 PM | 5:45 AM | 8 hrs 30 min | Daily |
| Pune–Hazur Sahib Nanded Express (17613) | 9:00 AM | 4:15 PM | 7 hrs 15 min | Tue, Thu, Sat |
From Aurangabad Station, Ellora is only 30 km (45 min) away by taxi or bus.
💰 Taxi Fare: ₹800 – ₹1,000 (round trip)
💺 Bus Fare: ₹60 – ₹100 (MSRTC local bus)
💡 Tip: Overnight trains like Nandigram Express are perfect for weekend plans — you’ll reach early and have a full day for sightseeing.
4. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune by Bus 🚌
If you prefer budget travel with minimal planning, buses from Pune to Aurangabad are a great option.
🚌 Popular Bus Operators:
| Operator | Bus Type | Departure (Pune) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRTC Shivneri | AC Volvo | 9:30 PM | 4:00 AM | ₹900 – ₹1,200 |
| Neeta Travels | AC Sleeper | 10:15 PM | 5:30 AM | ₹1,000 – ₹1,400 |
| Purple Travels | Semi-Sleeper | 10:00 PM | 5:15 AM | ₹900 – ₹1,200 |
Once you arrive at Aurangabad Central Bus Stand, local MSRTC buses and taxis to Ellora are available every 30–45 minutes.
💡 Tip: If you arrive early, take the MTDC Heritage Bus from Aurangabad — it covers Ellora, Daulatabad, and Grishneshwar Temple in one trip.
5. How to Reach Ellora Caves from Pune by Flight ✈️
There are no direct flights between Pune and Ellora, but you can fly from Pune (PNQ) to Aurangabad (IXU) — a short 1-hour flight — and then take a taxi to Ellora.
✈️ Flight Details:
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Duration: 1 hr
- Average Fare: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000
- Frequency: 4–5 flights per week
🛬 Aurangabad Airport → Ellora Caves:
- Distance: 35 km
- Travel Time: 45 minutes
- Taxi Fare: ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 (one way)
💡 Tip: Take an early morning flight and a same-day evening return — perfect for short trips or business travelers who want to add Ellora to their itinerary.
6. Ellora Caves Entry and Parking Info
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking Fee | ₹40 (car), ₹70 (bus) |
| Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹40 |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹600 |
| Video Camera Fee | ₹25 |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed On | Tuesdays |
💡 Tip: Buy tickets online or carry small change for faster entry; card machines are not always functional.
7. Suggested Weekend Itinerary – Pune to Ellora
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart Pune early morning → Stop at Ahmednagar for breakfast → Arrive Aurangabad by noon → Visit Daulatabad Fort & Bibi Ka Maqbara |
| Day 2 | Visit Ellora Caves (morning) → Grishneshwar Temple → Lunch at MTDC Restaurant → Return to Pune by evening |
💡 Tip: Stay overnight in Aurangabad — it breaks the journey and lets you explore at a relaxed pace.
8. Local Travel Tips
✅ Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
✅ Carry a hat, water, and comfortable shoes — there’s plenty of walking.
✅ Hire an ASI-certified guide at Ellora for ₹500–₹800 to understand its art and history better.
✅ Combine Ellora with Daulatabad Fort or Grishneshwar Temple — both are nearby.
✅ Start early — morning light enhances the carvings beautifully.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss climbing to the top viewpoint behind Kailasa Temple for an incredible photo angle of the complex.
👉 Related Posts You Might Like:
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Aurangabad
- How to Reach Ellora Caves from Mumbai
- Best Temples and Monasteries to See in Ellora Caves
- Kailasa Temple Ellora – History and Travel Tips
- Tips for First-Time Visitors to Ellora Caves
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How far are Ellora Caves from Pune?
A: The distance is approximately 260 km, and it takes about 6 hours by road.
Q: What is the best way to reach Ellora Caves from Pune?
A: Driving or taking an overnight bus/train to Aurangabad, then continuing to Ellora, are the best options.
Q: Can I do a one-day trip from Pune to Ellora?
A: It’s possible but tiring — better to stay overnight in Aurangabad for a relaxed trip.
Q: Are there flights between Pune and Aurangabad?
A: Yes, IndiGo operates short 1-hour flights a few times per week.
Q: Is it safe to drive from Pune to Ellora?
A: Yes, the NH753F highway is safe, well-maintained, and scenic — just avoid night driving.
