Reaching Ajanta Caves by Air: The closest airport to Ajanta Caves is the Aurangabad Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport), located approximately 100 kilometers from the site. Aurangabad is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with daily domestic flights. Once you land at Aurangabad, you can hire a taxi, rent a car, or take a bus to reach Ajanta Caves. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and they offer a convenient mode of transport, especially if you're traveling with family or in a group. Renting a car for the day is another good option if you wish to explore nearby attractions in Aurangabad, such as Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
If you prefer a more economical option, state-run or private buses also operate between Aurangabad and Ajanta. These buses usually depart from the Aurangabad Central Bus Stand.
Reaching Ajanta Caves by Rail: Traveling by train is another convenient and economical way to reach Ajanta Caves. The nearest railway station to Ajanta is the Jalgaon Junction, located about 60 kilometres away. Jalgaon is a major railhead in Maharashtra and is well-connected to important cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bhopal. From Jalgaon, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the Ajanta Caves. The drive takes around 1.5 hours, and taxis are easily available outside the station.
Buses also operate frequently from Jalgaon to Ajanta, with options available for both government-run and private services. If you are on a budget, this could be a good option. The buses usually take about 2 hours to reach Ajanta.
Alternatively, you can reach Aurangabad Railway Station, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Ajanta Caves. Aurangabad is well-serviced by trains from cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Some of the major trains that connect Aurangabad with other cities are the Tapovan Express, Ajanta Express, and Sachkhand Express. From Aurangabad, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Ajanta.
Reaching Ajanta Caves by Road: Traveling by road is one of the most flexible ways to reach Ajanta Caves, especially if you're planning a road trip or traveling with family. The caves are located on the Aurangabad-Jalgaon Highway (NH 753F), making them easily accessible by car or bus. Depending on your starting point, the journey to Ajanta offers scenic views of the Deccan Plateau and the surrounding countryside.
The road distance from Aurangabad to Ajanta is about 100 kilometers, and the drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The roads are well-maintained, and there are multiple options for halts and refreshments along the way. You can either hire a taxi or rent a car for a more comfortable journey.
If you're traveling from Jalgaon, the road distance is shorter, approximately 60 kilometers, and the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Like Aurangabad, Jalgaon also offers taxi and bus services to Ajanta Caves.
Bus Services: Both government-run MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators run regular bus services from Mumbai to Aurangabad or Jalgaon, from where you can take a taxi or another bus to Ajanta. The journey by bus can take between 9 to 10 hours.