Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves Distance — Complete Travel Guide
Planning a trip for Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves? This is one of the most popular historical journeys in Maharashtra. If you’re planning a trip from Mumbai to explore these UNESCO World Heritage sites, this complete guide covers distance, route, travel options, itinerary, and the best time to visit Aurangabad.
Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves is a journey favoured by history enthusiasts, photographers, and spiritual travellers alike, given the region’s dense concentration of ancient rock-cut architecture and religious significance across multiple faiths.
For a smooth and comfortable journey, you can book a reliable Mumbai to Ajanta Ellora taxi service or choose a professional Aurangabad taxi service to explore all major attractions conveniently.
Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves — Distance Overview
| Leg | Distance |
|---|---|
| Mumbai to Aurangabad | ~330 km |
| Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves | ~100 km |
| Aurangabad to Ellora Caves | ~30 km |
| Total (Mumbai to Ajanta via Aurangabad) | ~430–450 km |
Given this distance, most travellers doing Ajanta Ellora from Mumbai use Aurangabad as their base, since it sits just 30 km from Ellora and roughly 100 km from Ajanta — far more manageable than covering the full Mumbai distance to each site separately. For exact distance figures once you’ve reached the region, see our Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora Caves distance guide, or our Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour page for tour-specific options.
Mumbai to Ellora Caves Distance — Quick Reference
If you’re specifically interested in Ellora Caves Mumbai travel rather than the full Ajanta-Ellora circuit, the Mumbai to Ellora Caves distance is approximately 360 km one way (Mumbai to Aurangabad ~330 km, plus Aurangabad to Ellora ~30 km), typically covered in 7 to 8 hours by road.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| One-Way Distance | ~360 km |
| Travel Time (One Way) | 7 to 8 hours |
| Route | Mumbai → Nashik → Aurangabad → Ellora Caves |
Since Ellora Caves alone sits considerably closer to Aurangabad than Ajanta does, travellers focused only on Ellora Caves Mumbai trips can often complete the outbound journey in less time than the full Ajanta-Ellora circuit, making a single very long day trip theoretically possible, though an overnight stay in Aurangabad remains the more comfortable option for most visitors.
Route Details & Travel Time
Best Route: Mumbai → Nashik → Aurangabad → Ajanta / Ellora
- Smooth highways for most of the journey
- Scenic drive through the Nashik region
- Multiple food stops available en route
| Mode | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| By Car | 8–10 hours |
| By Train + Taxi | 10–12 hours |
| By Bus | 10–12 hours |
How to Reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Mumbai
There are three main ways to plan Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves travel, each suited to different budgets and time constraints.
1. By Road (Best Option)
The best and most flexible way to cover Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves is by road. You can book a taxi or drive your own car.
- ✔ Comfortable
- ✔ Flexible stops
- ✔ Direct access to caves
Recommended services: Mumbai to Ajanta Ellora Taxi Service, Ajanta Ellora Taxi Service, or our Taxi for Ajanta Ellora Caves from Aurangabad page once you’ve reached the region.
2. By Train
Take a Mumbai to Aurangabad train, then book a local taxi to the caves. See our Aurangabad Taxi Service page for onward booking.
3. By Flight
Fly Mumbai → Aurangabad Airport, then take a taxi to the caves. See our Aurangabad Airport Taxi Service page for details.
Ajanta vs Ellora — What’s the Difference?
A common question when planning Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves is understanding what sets the two sites apart, since they’re often mentioned together but offer quite different experiences.
| Detail | Ajanta Caves | Ellora Caves |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Traditions | Buddhist only | Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain |
| Best Known For | Ancient painted murals | Kailasa Temple, rock-cut architecture |
| Period | From the 2nd century BCE | 6th to 10th centuries CE |
| Distance from Aurangabad | ~100 km | ~30 km |
Given these differences, most travellers planning Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves find that visiting both offers a fuller picture of India’s rock-cut heritage than either site alone, since Ajanta’s painted narrative art and Ellora’s architectural monuments represent genuinely distinct artistic traditions.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March offers the best weather
- Monsoon season brings green scenery, for those who prefer that look
- Avoid peak summer given the region’s high daytime temperatures
Timing your Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves trip around the cooler months also makes the drive itself considerably more comfortable, particularly given the 8 to 10 hour journey involved.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Mumbai → Aurangabad
- Visit Ellora Caves
- Visit Grishneshwar Temple
Day 2:
- Ajanta Caves — full day
- Return to Mumbai or extend your stay
See our Ellora Ajanta Aurangabad 3-day itinerary guide for a more detailed day-by-day plan, our Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad guide for distance and route details once you’ve reached the region, or our how to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad guide for step-by-step visiting tips.
Travel Cost Estimate
| Mode | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Taxi | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Train | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Flight | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
See our Taxi Booking Aurangabad page for exact taxi quotes based on your vehicle preference.
Why Taxi Is the Best Option?
- ✔ Door-to-door service
- ✔ Time-saving compared to train or bus connections
- ✔ Comfortable for families and groups
- ✔ Covers both Ajanta and Ellora easily in one trip
For most travellers, a private taxi remains the single most practical way to complete Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves travel, given the flexibility to set your own schedule and make stops along the way without depending on fixed train or bus timings.
See our Mumbai to Aurangabad Taxi Service page for booking details.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Daulatabad Fort
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
See our Aurangabad Tourist Places guide for the full sightseeing circuit.
Important Travel Tips
- Start early morning to make the most of daylight hours
- Carry water and snacks for the long drive
- Wear comfortable shoes given the walking involved at both cave complexes
- Hire a guide at Ajanta Caves to better understand the historical context of the paintings
Conclusion
Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves is a perfect combination of history, spirituality, and scenic travel. Whether you’re a solo traveller, family, or group, planning your trip properly will make the experience unforgettable. With multiple travel options available — taxi, train, and flight connectivity — planning this trip has become easier than ever.
Whether you approach this journey by road, rail, or air, Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves remains one of Maharashtra’s most rewarding heritage trips, combining centuries of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture within a single well-planned itinerary.
📞 Book your cab now: Call Now — 9860080525 | WhatsApp Booking
FAQs — Ajanta Ellora from Mumbai
1. What is the distance for Ajanta Ellora from Mumbai?
The total distance from Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves is approximately 430 to 450 km.
2. What is the Mumbai to Ellora Caves distance specifically?
The Mumbai to Ellora Caves distance is approximately 360 km one way, typically covered in 7 to 8 hours by road via Nashik and Aurangabad — shorter than the full Ajanta-Ellora circuit since Ellora alone doesn’t require the additional 100 km leg from Aurangabad to Ajanta.
3. What is the best route from Mumbai to Ajanta Ellora?
The best route is Mumbai → Nashik → Aurangabad, which offers smooth roads and scenic views.
4. How much time does it take to travel Ajanta Ellora from Mumbai?
It takes around 8 to 10 hours by road, depending on traffic and stops.
5. Can Ajanta and Ellora caves be covered in one day?
No, it’s recommended to plan at least a 2-day trip to explore both properly.
6. Why are Ajanta Caves famous?
Ajanta Caves are famous for their ancient Buddhist paintings and murals.
7. Why are Ellora Caves famous?
Ellora Caves are known for their rock-cut architecture and the famous Kailasa Temple.
8. What is the best travel option from Mumbai to Ajanta Ellora?
A taxi is the most comfortable and flexible travel option for this journey.
9. Are there trains available from Mumbai to Aurangabad?
Yes, several trains run between Mumbai and Aurangabad.
10. Can I travel by flight for Ajanta Ellora from Mumbai?
Yes, you can fly to Aurangabad and then hire a taxi to reach the caves.
11. What is the distance between Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
The distance between Ajanta and Ellora Caves is approximately 100 km.
12. What is the best time to visit Ajanta Ellora?
The best time to visit is from October to March.
13. Which day is Ajanta Caves closed?
Ajanta Caves remain closed on Mondays.
14. Which day is Ellora Caves closed?
Ellora Caves remain closed on Tuesdays.
15. Is Ajanta Ellora suitable for family trips?
Yes, it’s a well-suited destination for family and group trips.
16. What is the taxi cost from Mumbai to Ajanta Ellora?
The taxi cost can range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the vehicle type.
17. Should I hire a guide at Ajanta Caves?
Yes, hiring a guide helps you understand the historical context and details of the paintings better.
18. How many caves are there in Ellora?
There are a total of 34 caves at Ellora.
19. How many caves are there in Ajanta?
There are a total of 30 caves at Ajanta.
20. What other places can I visit during this trip?
You can visit Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
21. How can I book a taxi for the Ajanta Ellora trip?
You can book a taxi online or through a trusted travel service like Siya Travels for a smooth journey — call or WhatsApp 9860080525.