Ajanta Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut caves in Maharashtra, India. These caves are famous for their beautiful paintings and sculptures, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history and art lovers.

But planning how to get there can be confusing. With so many routes and travel options, it’s hard to know which one is best. That’s why we’ve created this easy guide to help you find the best and most comfortable way to reach Ajanta Caves.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best routes from major cities, travel tips, and which transport is most convenient. Whether you’re coming by train, car, or flight, we’ve got you covered.

By Road

Reaching Ajanta Caves by road is easy and scenic, especially if you’re coming from nearby cities like Aurangabad, Mumbai, or Pune. Roads are well-connected, and you can travel by car, taxi, or government/private buses.

Distance from major cities:

• Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves – approx. 100 km (2.5 hours)
  
• Pune to Ajanta Caves – approx. 330 km (7 hours)
  
• Mumbai to Ajanta Caves – approx. 450 km (9–10 hours)

Budget

Traveling to Ajanta Caves by road is a good option if you want flexibility and comfort. The total cost will depend on your starting city, the type of vehicle, and fuel or fare costs.

Here is a simple breakdown of the average budget for traveling by road from major cities like Aurangabad, Pune, and Mumbai:

City	Travel Option	One-Way Cost (INR)	Fuel/Taxi Fare	Toll Charges	Total Approx. Cost (INR)
Aurangabad	Private Car	₹1000 – ₹1500	₹700 – ₹1000	₹100 – ₹200	₹1000 – ₹1500
Aurangabad	Shared Taxi/Bus	₹200 – ₹500	Bus/Taxi fare	Included	₹200 – ₹500
Pune	Private Car	₹2500 – ₹3500	₹1800 – ₹2500	₹300 – ₹500	₹2500 – ₹3500
Pune	Government/Private Bus	₹500 – ₹900	Bus fare	Included	₹500 – ₹900
Mumbai	Private Car	₹3500 – ₹5000	₹3000 – ₹4000	₹500 – ₹800	₹3500 – ₹5000
Mumbai	Government/Private Bus	₹700 – ₹1200	Bus fare	Included	₹700 – ₹1200

By Train

Traveling to Ajanta Caves by train is one of the cheapest and most convenient options. The nearest railway station is Jalgaon or Aurangabad, and from there, you can take a taxi or bus to the caves.

Useful Train Info:

• Nearest Stations: Aurangabad (100 km) and Jalgaon (60 km)
  
• Train Fare: ₹150 – ₹1000 (depending on class)
  
• Local Transport: Taxis and buses are available at the station to reach the caves

Budget 

Traveling to Ajanta Caves by train is a budget-friendly choice for most travelers. The cost depends on your starting point, train class, and local transport after reaching the nearest station.

Here is a simple table showing the average budget for a one-way journey by train to Aurangabad or Jalgaon, and the cost to reach Ajanta Caves from there:

From City	Nearest Station	Train Fare (INR)	Local Transport to Caves (INR)	Total Approx. Cost (INR)
Mumbai	Aurangabad	₹200 – ₹1000	₹300 – ₹500 (bus/taxi)	₹500 – ₹1500
Pune	Aurangabad	₹150 – ₹800	₹300 – ₹500	₹450 – ₹1300
Delhi	Jalgaon	₹400 – ₹1500	₹400 – ₹600	₹800 – ₹2100
Hyderabad	Aurangabad	₹300 – ₹1200	₹300 – ₹500	₹600 – ₹1700
Nagpur	Jalgaon	₹200 – ₹800	₹400 – ₹600	₹600 – ₹1400

Train travel is a great way to save money, especially for long-distance trips. Booking tickets early and choosing sleeper or second class can reduce costs even more.

By Air

The nearest airport to Ajanta Caves is Aurangabad Airport, which is well-connected to major Indian cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the caves.

Quick Air Travel Info:

• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (Approx. 100 km from Ajanta Caves)
  
• Flight Options: Available from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune
  
• Local Transport: Taxi fare from airport to caves is ₹1500 – ₹2500
  
• Travel Time: Around 2–3 hours by road from the airport

Budget

Traveling by air is the fastest way to reach Ajanta Caves, but it is also the most expensive. Your total cost includes the flight ticket and transport from the airport to the caves.

Below is a table showing the average one-way flight cost to Aurangabad Airport from major cities, plus local travel costs to reach Ajanta Caves:

From City	Flight Fare (INR)	Taxi/Bus to Caves (INR)	Total Approx. Cost (INR)
Mumbai	₹2000 – ₹4000	₹1500 – ₹2500 (taxi/bus)	₹3500 – ₹6500
Delhi	₹3000 – ₹6000	₹1500 – ₹2500	₹4500 – ₹8500
Hyderabad	₹2500 – ₹4500	₹1500 – ₹2500	₹4000 – ₹7000
Pune	₹2000 – ₹3500	₹1500 – ₹2500	₹3500 – ₹6000
Bangalore	₹3000 – ₹5500	₹1500 – ₹2500	₹4500 – ₹8000

Flying saves time, especially for travelers coming from far cities. Booking early and choosing budget airlines can help reduce your overall travel cost.

Best Option To Reach Ajanta Caves

The best option to reach Ajanta Caves depends on your starting point and travel style. If you want comfort and speed, flying to Aurangabad and then taking a taxi is ideal.

For budget travelers, taking a train to Aurangabad or Jalgaon followed by a bus or taxi is cheaper and still convenient. Traveling by road from nearby cities in a private car or bus is great if you prefer a flexible schedule.

Travel Tips

Here are some easy travel tips to make your trip to Ajanta Caves smooth and enjoyable. Following these tips will help you save time and money while having a great experience.

• Avoid crowds and heat by visiting early in the morning
  
• Carry water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes
  
• Hire a local guide for better understanding of the caves
  
• Check weather and transportation schedules in advance
  
• Carry cash as ATMs may be limited near the caves

Conclusion

Visiting Ajanta Caves is an amazing experience full of history and beauty. With the right travel plan, getting there can be easy and stress-free.

By choosing the best way to reach Ajanta Caves, you save time and enjoy your trip more. Whether you travel by train, road, or air, a little planning goes a long way.

FAQs

What is the nearest airport to Ajanta Caves?
The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, about 100 km away from Ajanta Caves.

Can I reach Ajanta Caves by train?
Yes, the closest railway stations are Aurangabad and Jalgaon, both connected by taxis and buses to the caves.

Is there a bus service to Ajanta Caves from major cities?
Yes, government and private buses run regularly from cities like Aurangabad, Mumbai, and Pune.

How much does it cost to enter Ajanta Caves?
Entry fees are around ₹40 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign tourists.

What is the best time to visit Ajanta Caves?
The best time is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant.