Leaving behind the coastal humidity and chaotic energy of Mumbai for the Deccan Plateau feels like stepping back through the centuries. While Mumbai is defined by its colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, Aurangabad serves as 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.
Whether you are heading to Aurangabad for a weekend of cave exploration or as a stop on a larger Indian odyssey, the route is well-served by a variety of transport options. You can fly across the Western Ghats in an hour, settle into a rhythmic train journey through the countryside, or hop on one of the many buses that ply the highways. For many travelers, the choice comes down to a balance between the speed of a flight and the quintessential Indian experience of a long-distance train ride. You can easily compare these options and book your tickets on GoAsia.cc to ensure your spot on this popular route.
Mumbai to Aurangabad by Flight
For those short on time, flying is undoubtedly the most efficient way to reach Aurangabad. The flight duration is a consistent 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a mere hop compared to the half-day spent on the road or tracks. Prices for economy class seats generally range between $31 and $36, which is surprisingly competitive when compared to the higher-tier train or bus options. Flights typically depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and land at Aurangabad Airport (IXU), which is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. This is the best choice if you want to maximize 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 journey takes between 5 hours 43 minutes and 7 hours 35 minutes, depending on the specific service. It is a scenic route that climbs through the Ghats, providing glimpses of lush valleys and small villages. Prices are highly flexible, starting as low as $5 for a Second Sitting (2S) seat and going up to $29 for the luxury of an AC First Class Sleeper (1A).
Seating and Sleeper Options
If you are traveling during the day, the AC Chair Class (CC) or the premium Extended AC Chair Class (EC) are excellent choices for comfort and views. For evening or overnight journeys, the AC 2-Tier (2A) and 3-Tier (3A or 3E) sleepers provide a bed, allowing you to arrive refreshed. The Sleeper Class (SL) is the most common choice for budget travelers, offering a non-AC bunk experience that is breezy but can be dusty. For the ultimate budget experience, the Second Sitting (2S) is the cheapest way to travel, though it can be quite crowded.
Mumbai to Aurangabad by Bus
Buses offer the most frequent departures, with services running from early morning until late at night. The travel time varies significantly based on traffic and the number of stops, ranging from 6 hours 48 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes. Ticket prices span a wide range from $8 to $63, depending on the level of luxury.
The AC Sleeper buses are the most popular for tourists, featuring individual berths that allow you to lie down comfortably. If you are on a strict budget, Non-AC Seater or Non-AC Sleeper buses are available, though these can be quite warm during the day. Most private buses depart from various hubs in Mumbai, such as Dadar or Borivali, and arrive at the main bus stands or private depots in Aurangabad.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | $31 - $36 | 1h 10min | High |
| Train | $5 - $29 | 5h 43min - 7h 35min | Medium to High |
| Bus | $8 - $63 | 6h 48min - 11h 30min | Medium |
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 early.
- Station Choice: Mumbai has several major stations. Check if your train departs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, or Thane to avoid a long cross-city commute on the day of travel.
- Arrival in Aurangabad: Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, use pre-paid taxi booths or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola to ensure a fair price to your hotel.
- Best Time to Visit: The weather in Aurangabad is best from October to March. During the monsoon months, the surrounding hills are stunningly green, but heavy rain can make exploring the caves more challenging.
- Hydration: Whether on a bus or train, always carry a large bottle of water. While vendors sell snacks and drinks, having your own supply is safer and more convenient.
Timetable
| Flight Mumbai - Aurangabad $ 30.58–34.90 1h 10m | |
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| Bus Mumbai - Aurangabad $ 7.96–61.20 6h 48m – 11h 30m | |
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| Train Mumbai - Aurangabad $ 5.06–28.19 5h 43m – 7h 35m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Mumbai to Aurangabad directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to travel is by train in the Second Sitting (2S) class, which costs approximately $5. Non-AC buses are also a budget-friendly alternative, with prices starting around $8.
The fastest way to reach Aurangabad is by taking a direct flight, which takes only 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is significantly quicker than the 6 to 7 hours required for train or bus travel.
Travel time depends on the mode of transport: flights take 1 hour 10 minutes, trains take between 5 hours 43 minutes and 7 hours 35 minutes, and buses can take anywhere from 6 hours 48 minutes to over 11 hours.
Yes, there are several overnight train and bus services. You can book AC Sleeper buses or AC 2-Tier and 3-Tier train sleepers to save on a night's accommodation and arrive in Aurangabad in the morning.
Trains are generally more comfortable and reliable than buses, especially for longer distances. However, buses offer much more frequent departure times throughout the day and night if train tickets are sold out.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended for flights and trains, as they often reach capacity. For buses, you can usually find seats closer to the departure date, but booking ahead ensures you get a better seat or berth.