How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves — By Air, Train, Bus and Taxi

If you are wondering how to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves, the simplest answer is to base yourself in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). Ellora is about 30 km from the city and Ajanta is roughly 100 to 110 km away. Aurangabad has an airport, a railway station and good road links, and a private taxi is the most comfortable way to reach both sites.

This guide explains how to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by air, train, road, bus and taxi, with distances, travel times and tips for planning your days. Figures are approximate.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves — Quick Overview

Ajanta and Ellora are not next to each other. They lie on opposite sides of Aurangabad, about 100 to 110 km apart, so most people visit them on separate days. Ellora is the closer of the two, while Ajanta is a longer journey north toward Fardapur. Whichever route you use to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves, you will almost always pass through Aurangabad first. For a ready plan, see our Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad guide and our how to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad page.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by Air

The nearest airport is Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) Airport, roughly 10 km from the city centre. From the airport, a taxi takes you to Ellora in about an hour and to Ajanta in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. See our airport taxi Aurangabad page for transfers. If you are flying into Mumbai or Pune instead, you will need to continue by road or rail to Aurangabad.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by Train

Aurangabad Railway Station is the main station for Ellora, about 30 km away, and is also commonly used for Ajanta at roughly 100 km. For Ajanta alone, Jalgaon Junction (roughly 55 to 60 km) and Bhusawal (roughly 60 to 65 km) are closer, which can save time if you are travelling from the north or east. See our Bhusawal to Ajanta Caves distance page and Aurangabad railway station to Ellora Caves distance.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by Road

Both caves are connected by road from Aurangabad. For Ellora, you travel toward Verul, and for Ajanta you go north toward Fardapur. Road conditions are generally good, though traffic around Aurangabad city can add time. From Mumbai, see our Mumbai to Ajanta and Ellora Caves guide.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by Bus

MSRTC buses run from Aurangabad toward Jalgaon and Fardapur for Ajanta, but you may need an auto or a walk from the drop point to the ticket counter and shuttle bus. Ellora runs on a different route, so doing both by bus in a day is hard. See our Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves bus guide.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by Taxi

A private taxi is the most flexible way to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves. It gives you door-to-door pickup, flexible timing and a driver who waits at each stop. See our Ajanta Ellora taxi services page, our taxi for Ajanta Ellora Caves from Aurangabad page and our Aurangabad taxi service page.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves — Routes at a Glance

Note: Distances and times are approximate and vary with traffic and starting point.

Planning Your Days

A two-day plan works best: Ellora on one day and Ajanta on the other. Ajanta is generally closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so check before you finalise your dates. Start early, wear comfortable shoes and carry water. At Ajanta, a local shuttle bus is required for the final stretch. For a ready itinerary, see our Ajanta Ellora caves tour package and our Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour.

How to Reach Ajanta Ellora Caves — FAQs

1. How to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves?

The easiest way to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves is to base yourself in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). Ellora is about 30 km from Aurangabad and Ajanta is roughly 100 to 110 km. You can travel by private taxi, MSRTC bus or tour, and reach Aurangabad by air, train or road.

2. How to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by air?

The nearest airport is Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) Airport, a short drive of roughly 10 km from the city. From there, a taxi can take you to Ellora in about an hour and to Ajanta in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.

3. How to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by train?

Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest major station for Ellora, about 30 km away, and is also used for Ajanta at roughly 100 km. For Ajanta, Jalgaon Junction (roughly 55 to 60 km) and Bhusawal (roughly 60 to 65 km) are closer, especially if you are coming from the north or east.

4. How to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves by road?

Both are connected by road from Aurangabad. Ellora is on the Aurangabad side toward Verul, and Ajanta is reached by going north toward Fardapur. They are in opposite directions, so plan them on separate trips or use a taxi for a long day.

5. Can I visit both Ajanta and Ellora in one day?

It is possible but tiring, since the two sites are about 100 to 110 km apart. Most travellers prefer two days, one for Ellora and one for Ajanta. Ajanta is generally closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so confirm before planning.

6. Which is better to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves, bus or taxi?

MSRTC buses are the cheapest option but follow fixed schedules and often need an extra auto or walk at the end. A private taxi gives flexible timing, door-to-door pickup and lets you combine sites.

7. How much time does it take to reach Ajanta and Ellora from Aurangabad?

Ellora is about 45 to 60 minutes from Aurangabad and Ajanta is about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

8. Can I book a taxi to reach Ajanta Ellora Caves?

Yes. A private taxi can take you from Aurangabad, the airport or the railway station to Ellora, Ajanta or both. Call 9860080525 or WhatsApp to book.