How to Get from Mumbai to Aurangabad

Leaving behind the coastal humidity and chaotic energy of Mumbai for the Deccan Plateau feels like stepping back through the centuries. Aurangabad, officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,^[1] is the gateway to the ancient world, most notably the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. The journey inland takes you away from the Arabian Sea and into the heart of Maharashtra, where the landscape shifts from urban sprawl to rolling hills and historic fortifications.

You can fly across the Western Ghats in about an hour, settle into a rhythmic train ride through the countryside or take one of the buses that ply the highways. The choice comes down to the speed of a flight against the quintessential Indian experience of a long-distance train. Compare the options and book your tickets on GoAsia.cc.

Mumbai to Aurangabad by Flight

Flying is the most efficient way to reach Aurangabad. IndiGo flies direct, and the flight takes about 1 hour for roughly 273 km as the crow flies. Flights leave Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and land at Aurangabad Airport (IXU), about 10 km from the city center.^[2] That is the best choice if you want to spend your time at the Ellora Caves rather than in transit.

Mumbai to Aurangabad by Train

The Indian Railways network offers a deeply authentic way to travel this route. The line climbs through the Ghats and gives you glimpses of lush valleys and small villages. If you travel by day, the AC Chair Class (CC) is a comfortable choice. For evening or overnight journeys, the AC 2-Tier (2A) and 3-Tier (3A or 3E) sleepers give you a bed, so you arrive refreshed. Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) are the budget options, breezy but often crowded.

Mumbai to Aurangabad by Bus

Buses offer the most frequent departures, with services from early morning until late at night, and the travel time depends heavily on traffic. AC sleeper buses are popular with tourists because you can lie down on an individual berth, while non-AC seater and sleeper buses are the budget choice and can be warm during the day. Many private buses leave from hubs such as Dadar or Borivali.

Tips for Traveling from Mumbai to Aurangabad

• Book trains early: Indian train tickets, especially in AC classes, often sell out weeks in advance. Use GoAsia.cc to check availability and secure your seat.
• Choose your Mumbai station: Check whether your train leaves from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar or Thane, so you avoid a long cross-city ride on the day of travel.
• Arrival in Aurangabad: At the airport or railway station, use the pre-paid taxi booths or a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Ola for a fair price to your hotel.
• Best time to visit: The weather is best from October to March. In the monsoon the surrounding hills are stunningly green, but heavy rain can make exploring the caves harder.
• Carry water: On a bus or train, bring a large bottle of water. Vendors sell snacks and drinks, but your own supply is safer and more convenient.