In short
- MSRTC buses leave from Aurangabad Central Bus Stand.
- The journey takes 3 to 3.5 hours and costs ₹150 - ₹300.
- You must transfer to a green eco-shuttle at Fardapur.
In this article
Getting to the site takes a bit of planning since it sits 100 kilometers outside Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). The MSRTC bus network provides a budget-friendly option for the trip. Here is how to navigate the route and arrive early.
Where do you catch the bus to Ajanta?
Buses depart from the Aurangabad Central Bus Stand and drop you near Fardapur.
Head to the central bus stand in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). Look for the MSRTC buses stopping at Fardapur or Ajanta Village. The ticket costs between ₹150 and ₹300.
How long is the bus ride to Ajanta?
The bus ride takes 3 to 3.5 hours each way.
Traffic and the number of stops affect your travel time. Since the caves open at 9:00 AM, try to leave Aurangabad by 6:00 AM. This gives you plenty of time to beat the heat and the crowds. Remember the site is closed on Mondays.
What is the mandatory eco-shuttle?
The eco-shuttle is a green bus that takes all visitors from the Fardapur parking area to the cave entrance.
Your MSRTC bus will drop you near the Fardapur parking area. No private vehicles or public buses go past this point. You must buy a separate ticket for the green eco-shuttle. This 10-minute ride costs ₹20 to ₹30.
Is a private taxi a better option?
A taxi is faster and more convenient, but it costs much more.
A private taxi from Aurangabad takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 for a round trip. It allows you to set your own departure time. However, even if you take a taxi, you still have to use the green eco-shuttle at Fardapur.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Ajanta from Aurangabad?
The caves are located about 100 kilometers from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
Are the caves open on Mondays?
No, the Ajanta Caves are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Mondays.
How much does the eco-shuttle cost?
The mandatory eco-shuttle costs ₹20 to ₹30 and takes 10 minutes to reach the entrance.
