Aurangabad moves at a relaxed pace that surprises travelers who arrive expecting the chaos of bigger Indian cities. The streets here are wide in places and narrow in others, lined with the crumbling grandeur of Mughal-era gates and dotted with modern shops, but you will rarely feel swallowed by the kind of relentless traffic you find in Mumbai or Delhi. This is a city built around its history, with the bulbous dome of the Bibi Ka Maqbara peeking out above rooftops and the call to prayer drifting across neighborhoods named for the long-dead nobles who once ruled here.
Most travelers come to Aurangabad as a base for the UNESCO World Heritage caves at Ajanta and Ellora, so getting around means two very different things: navigating the compact city itself, and making the longer journeys out to the rock-cut temples and Buddhist monasteries in the surrounding countryside. Within the city, the auto-rickshaw is king, buzzing down every lane and ready to take you almost anywhere for a handful of rupees. For the day trips, you will want a proper car or a tour.
There is no metro, no skytrain, and no slick stored-value card system here. Aurangabad is firmly a place of cash, bargaining, and three-wheelers, with ride-hailing apps slowly making inroads. Once you understand the rhythm, getting around is cheap, straightforward, and part of the adventure.
Getting Around Aurangabad by Auto-Rickshaw
The auto-rickshaw is the workhorse of Aurangabad and the way most travelers will cover short and medium distances around town. These yellow-and-black three-wheelers are everywhere, idling at street corners, outside hotels, and near every major landmark, and you will rarely wait more than a minute to flag one down.
The catch is that almost no driver will use the meter, even though one is fitted by law. For tourists this means agreeing on a fare before you climb in. A short hop across the city center typically costs around 40 to 80 rupees, while a longer ride from one side of town to the other might run roughly 100 to 200 rupees. Settle the price firmly before you depart, and have small notes ready, as drivers love to claim they have no change.
Auto-rickshaws are open to the air, so expect dust, noise, and the occasional thrilling weave through traffic. They comfortably seat two, three at a squeeze. For sightseeing within the city, hiring an auto for a half or full day is a popular and economical option, with drivers often quoting around 600 to 1000 rupees for a full day covering sights like Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Panchakki water mill, and Aurangabad Caves. Negotiate the route and price clearly in advance.
Getting Around Aurangabad by Taxi and Private Car
For longer distances, day trips, and comfort, a private taxi is the go-to choice. These are not metered street cabs that you hail; instead you book a car through your hotel, a local travel desk, or by calling a taxi operator. You can compare transport options for the region on GoAsia.cc to get a sense of fair rates before you commit.
A full day with a car and driver typically costs around 2000 to 3500 rupees depending on the distance and the vehicle. This is by far the most practical way to reach the Ellora Caves, about 30 kilometers away, or the more distant Ajanta Caves, roughly 100 kilometers from the city. Air-conditioned sedans and SUVs are widely available, which matters in the hot months.
For airport pickups and one-way transfers, agree on the fare upfront. Drivers are generally honest in Aurangabad compared with some larger tourist cities, but it pays to confirm whether tolls, parking, and waiting time are included in the quote.
Getting Around Aurangabad by Ride-Hailing Apps
Ola, India's homegrown ride-hailing service, operates in Aurangabad and is the most reliable app-based option. Uber has a thinner presence and you may struggle to find cars, especially outside the central areas. Ola offers both auto-rickshaws and cars through the app, with the major advantage that the fare is calculated automatically and shown before you book, removing the need to haggle.
App availability can be patchy during peak times or in quieter neighborhoods, and you may sometimes wait longer than expected for a driver to accept. Payment can be made in cash or by linking a card or UPI wallet. For visitors who dislike negotiating, booking an Ola auto can be a calmer experience than flagging one down on the street, though prices are broadly similar once you account for surge pricing.
Getting Around Aurangabad by City Bus
Aurangabad has a public bus network run by the state transport corporation, with both standard buses and a smarter city bus service connecting key areas. Buses are extremely cheap, with fares typically just 10 to 30 rupees, but they are crowded, can be slow, and routes are not signposted in English, making them tricky for first-time visitors.
That said, there is a useful tourist-oriented bus service that runs between the city and the Ellora Caves, as well as long-distance state buses heading to Ajanta from the central bus stand. For travelers on a tight budget who do not mind a slower, more local experience, the bus to Ellora is a genuine bargain compared with a private car. For getting around the city center itself, however, most travelers find auto-rickshaws far more convenient.
Getting Around Aurangabad on Foot
Aurangabad is not a especially walkable city in the way a compact old town might be, as its sights are spread out and the heat can be punishing for much of the year. However, certain pockets reward exploration on foot. The bustling Gulmandi and City Chowk market areas, the lanes around the old gates, and the immediate surroundings of a single monument are all best appreciated by walking.
Pavements are inconsistent, so watch your footing, and be prepared to share the road with rickshaws and motorbikes. Carry water, wear a hat in the dry season, and aim to do your walking in the cooler early morning or late afternoon. For getting between major attractions, though, you will want wheels.
Getting Around Aurangabad by Rented Two-Wheeler
Independent travelers comfortable on two wheels can rent a scooter or motorbike to explore the city and even venture out to the caves. A few rental outfits and some hotels can arrange this, with daily rates typically around 400 to 700 rupees plus fuel. A scooter gives you total freedom to stop at small temples, viewpoints, and roadside dhabas at your own pace.
That freedom comes with responsibility. Indian traffic moves to its own logic, helmets are essential and legally required, and you will need a valid license and an international driving permit. The road to Ellora is reasonable, but the longer haul to Ajanta is best left to a hired driver unless you are an experienced rider. Always inspect the brakes and tires before setting off.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Typical Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-rickshaw | 40 to 200 rupees per trip | Short to medium hops | Quick city travel and sightseeing |
| Private taxi or car | 2000 to 3500 rupees per day | Half or full day | Day trips to Ajanta and Ellora |
| Ola ride-hailing | Similar to auto and taxi rates | On demand | Fixed fares without haggling |
| City bus | 10 to 30 rupees | Slow, frequent stops | Budget travel and the Ellora route |
| Walking | Free | As you go | Markets and single landmarks |
| Rented scooter | 400 to 700 rupees per day | Flexible | Independent exploration |
Practical Tips for Getting Around Aurangabad
A little preparation goes a long way in Aurangabad. The single most useful habit is carrying small denomination notes, because drivers and small vendors rarely have change for large bills, and a 2000 rupee note will be met with a sigh.
- Download Ola for app-based rides and Google Maps for navigation, which works well across the city and surrounding routes.
- Set up a UPI payment app like Google Pay or PhonePe if you have an Indian SIM and bank account, as digital payments are increasingly accepted even by rickshaw drivers.
- Always agree the auto-rickshaw fare before getting in, and do not be afraid to walk away if the quote feels inflated, as another driver will appear quickly.
- The hottest months from March to June make midday travel exhausting; plan sightseeing for early morning and rest in the afternoon.
- Rush hours around 9 to 10 in the morning and 6 to 8 in the evening clog the city center, so factor in extra time near markets and the railway station.
- Keep your hotel's name and address written down, ideally in Hindi or Marathi script, to show drivers if there is any confusion.
Scams are relatively rare here compared with major tourist hubs, but the usual caution applies. Some drivers will claim a sight is closed and try to steer you toward shops where they earn commission, so verify opening hours yourself. Always confirm whether a quoted day rate for the caves includes the return journey, as some drivers leave you stranded after drop-off.
Aurangabad is generally a safe city, and women travelers report feeling comfortable using rickshaws during the day. At night, stick to booked taxis or Ola rather than flagging down random autos, especially if you are traveling alone, and ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver for late arrivals or early departures.
Popular Routes and Destinations
The Ellora Caves, around 30 kilometers from the city, are the most popular day trip and are easily reached by hired car in roughly 45 minutes to an hour, or by the budget tourist bus. The Ajanta Caves lie much farther out, about 100 kilometers away, and a private car is strongly recommended for the two to two and a half hour journey each way; many travelers combine the trip with an early start to make the most of the day.
Within the city, the auto-rickshaw handles everything from the railway station to Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Panchakki water mill, and the Aurangabad Caves on the northern hillside. For the airport, located a short distance east of the center, a prearranged taxi or an Ola is the simplest option, with the ride into town typically taking 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book trains, buses, taxis, and local transport in Aurangabad directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
For travel within the city, auto-rickshaws are the most convenient and affordable option, available almost everywhere. For day trips to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, hiring a private car with a driver for the day is the best choice. Ola also operates here if you prefer fixed app-based fares.
Auto-rickshaw trips around the city typically cost between 40 and 200 rupees depending on distance, while city buses are far cheaper at 10 to 30 rupees. A full day with a private car and driver usually runs around 2000 to 3500 rupees, making it the priciest but most comfortable option for longer journeys.
Yes, Aurangabad is generally a safe and relaxed city for travelers. Auto-rickshaws and buses are safe during the day, and scams are less common than in bigger tourist hubs. At night, it is wiser to use a booked taxi or an Ola rather than flagging down a rickshaw, especially if traveling alone.
Ola is the most reliable ride-hailing app in Aurangabad and offers both autos and cars with upfront pricing, which removes the need to haggle. Uber has a much weaker presence and cars can be hard to find. App availability may be patchy during peak hours or in quieter areas.
Most auto-rickshaw drivers will not use the meter for tourists, so you should agree on a fare before getting in. Always negotiate firmly, carry small notes for change, and feel free to walk away if a quote seems too high, as another driver will be along shortly.
Ellora, about 30 kilometers away, can be reached by hired car in around 45 minutes to an hour or by a budget tourist bus. Ajanta is farther, roughly 100 kilometers out, and is best reached by a private car for the two to two and a half hour journey, so an early start is recommended.
Aurangabad is not a highly walkable city overall, as its main sights are spread out and the heat can be intense. However, market areas like Gulmandi and the lanes around the old gates are pleasant to explore on foot, ideally in the cooler morning or evening hours.