Aurangabad, a historic city in Maharashtra, is best known for its UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves, grand Mughal architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re traveling for history, leisure, or business, reaching Aurangabad from Mumbai is easy, with multiple travel options available, including trains, flights, and road trips.
In this guide, we explore the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Aurangabad, comparing travel times, costs, and overall convenience to help you choose the best option for your journey.
Distance Between Mumbai and Aurangabad
The distance between Mumbai and Aurangabad is approximately:
- By road: ~330 km
- Travel By train: ~375 km (depending on the route)
- By air: ~260 km (aerial distance)
1. Mumbai to Aurangabad by Train
A budget-friendly and comfortable option
Overview
Traveling by train is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to reach Aurangabad. Indian Railways operates several direct trains between Mumbai and Aurangabad, offering options for all types of travelers, from budget-conscious passengers to those looking for a comfortable journey in AC coaches.
Read also: How to Book Train Tickets in India
Popular Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure (Mumbai) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Duration | Frequency | Class Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devagiri Express | 17057 | 21:10 | 04:55 | ~7h 45m | Daily | Sleeper, 3A, 2A, 1A |
| Tapovan Express | 17617 | 06:15 | 13:15 | ~7h | Daily | Sleeper, 3A, 2A, CC |
| Nandigram Express | 11401 | 16:35 | 00:20 | ~7h 45m | Daily | Sleeper, 3A, 2A |
| Mumbai LTT – Aurangabad SF Express | 22101 | 22:00 | 06:05 | ~8h | Monday, Thursday | Sleeper, 3A, 2A |
Train Fare Estimates
- Sleeper (SL): ₹250 – ₹350
- Third AC (3A): ₹800 – ₹1,000
- Second AC (2A): ₹1,200 – ₹1,500
- First AC (1A): ₹2,000+
Pros & Cons of Train Travel
Budget-friendly – cheapest option compared to flights and taxis.
Comfortable sleeper coaches for overnight travel.
Scenic journey through Maharashtra’s countryside.
Longer travel time compared to flights.
Limited availability – book in advance for AC classes.
Best for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers, and those who enjoy scenic journeys.
Suggested Itineraries for Maharashtra tour:
- Aurangabad Tour – 3 Nights, 4 Days
- Mumbai Itinerary – 2 Nights, 3 Days
- Maharashtra Heritage & Pilgrimage – 8 Days
- Maharashtra Travel Plan – 5 Nights, 6 Days
- Maharashtra Hill Station Trip – 6 Nights, 7 Days
2. Mumbai to Aurangabad by Flight
Fastest way to reach Aurangabad
Overview
If you’re short on time, taking a direct flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad is the fastest and most convenient option. The flight duration is just 1 hour, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists with limited time.
Flight Details
| Airline | Departure (Mumbai) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Duration | Frequency | Approx. Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 08:40 | 09:50 | 1h 10m | Daily | ₹3,500 – ₹6,500 |
| Air India | 17:10 | 18:15 | 1h 05m | Daily | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 |
Flight Fare Estimates
- Economy Class: ₹3,500 – ₹7,000 (depending on booking time and season)
- Business Class: ₹8,000+
Pros & Cons of Air Travel
Fastest travel time – just over an hour.
Comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Perfect for business trips or short getaways.
Expensive compared to train and road travel.
Airport transfers add extra cost and time.
Best for: Business travelers, tourists with tight schedules, and those who prefer comfort over cost.
3. Mumbai to Aurangabad by Road
A scenic road trip through Maharashtra
Overview
Traveling by road from Mumbai to Aurangabad offers flexibility and scenic views along the way. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and route conditions. You can travel by bus, private taxi, or self-drive car.
Best Routes from Mumbai to Aurangabad
Route 1: Mumbai – Nashik – Aurangabad (NH160 & NH753F) [Most Popular]
Distance: ~330 km | Time: 6 – 7 hours
Route Highlights:
- Drive via Nashik, a famous pilgrimage and wine tourism hub.
- Scenic roads, especially between Nashik and Aurangabad.
Route 2: Mumbai – Pune – Ahmednagar – Aurangabad (NH60) [Alternative Route]
Distance: ~375 km | Time: 7 – 8 hours
Route Highlights:
- Stop by Shani Shingnapur Temple near Ahmednagar.
- Good option if you want to visit Pune on the way.
Traveling by Bus
Overview: Multiple private and government buses operate between Mumbai and Aurangabad, offering both AC and non-AC services.
| Bus Operator | Departure (Mumbai) | Arrival (Aurangabad) | Duration | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRTC Shivneri (Volvo AC) | 22:30 | 05:30 | 7h | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
| Prasanna Purple | 23:00 | 06:00 | 7h | ₹800 – ₹1,200 |
| Humsafar Travels | 22:45 | 05:15 | 6.5h | ₹700 – ₹1,000 |
Hiring a Private Taxi
If you prefer a comfortable, door-to-door option, hiring a private cab or taxi is a great choice.
Taxi Fare Estimates:
- Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios): ₹6,500 – ₹8,000
- SUV (Innova, Xylo): ₹8,500 – ₹10,500
- Luxury Car (BMW, Audi): ₹15,000+
Self-Drive Road Trip
Renting a self-drive car gives you full flexibility for stops and detours. Rental services like Zoomcar, Revv, and MyChoize offer cars starting from ₹2,500 per day.
Pros & Cons of Road Travel
Scenic route – explore Maharashtra’s countryside.
Flexible stops at Nashik, Ahmednagar, or Shirdi.
Comfortable for group or family travel.
Longer travel time than flights.
Traffic congestion near Mumbai.
Best for: Families, road trip lovers, and travelers looking for a flexible journey.
Final Comparison: Best Travel Option
| Mode of Transport | Time Taken | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 7 – 8 hours | ₹250 – ₹2,000 | Budget travelers |
| Flight | 1 hour | ₹3,500 – ₹7,000 | Business & short trips |
| Bus | 7 hours | ₹700 – ₹1,500 | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | 6 – 7 hours | ₹6,500 – ₹10,000 | Families & comfort seekers |
| Self-Drive | 6 – 7 hours | ₹2,500+ (rental) | Road trip enthusiasts |
Conclusion
Whether you choose to fly, take a train, or enjoy a scenic road trip, Mumbai to Aurangabad has travel options for all budgets and preferences. If you’re short on time, a flight is the best choice. For budget travelers, trains and buses offer affordable options. And for those who enjoy flexibility, a road trip is a great way to explore Maharashtra along the way.
Plan your journey and get ready to explore the historical charm of Aurangabad!
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