How far are the caves from the city?

Ajanta is 100 km away, while Ellora is 30 km from Aurangabad.

Is there a direct train?

No, you must connect through major hubs like Bengaluru or Manmad.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving provides the most flexibility for visiting the caves.

Are the caves open daily?

Ajanta is closed on Mondays, and Ellora is closed on Tuesdays.

What is the climate like?

It is semi-arid with hot summers and mild winters.

Aurangabad

Train Driving

Dapoli to Aurangabad

Updated: 28 May 2026

Aurangabad, the gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, is about 850 km from Dapoli. The journey involves traversing the scenic landscapes of northern Karnataka and the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Driving via NH 52 is the most direct road route. Alternatively, you can take a train to Manmad or Aurangabad station from major hubs like Bengaluru.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 850 km; straight-line air distance is 700 km.

Fastest Way

Driving via NH 52, taking approximately 16 hours.

Cheapest Way

Train from Bengaluru, costing around 1200 INR.

Compare Dapoli to Aurangabad Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	20 hours	16 hours
Avg Price	1200 - 3000 INR	6000 - 9000 INR
Operator	Aurangabad Express	Self-drive
Route	Bengaluru to Aurangabad (AWB)	NH 52 via Solapur and Osmanabad
Tip	Check for trains terminating at Aurangabad to avoid long road transfers.	NH 52 is well-maintained but watch out for heavy agricultural vehicle traffic.

Travel Tips

Cave Visits
Start your cave tours early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds.
Guide Hire
Hire government-approved guides at the cave sites for better historical context.
Footwear
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be covering significant ground at the cave sites.
Photography
Carry extra batteries for your camera as you will want to capture the intricate carvings.
Local Food
Try the local Naan Qalia, a traditional meat dish unique to Aurangabad.

Safety Tips

Sun Protection
Use sunscreen and hats, as the cave areas are exposed to direct sunlight.
Hydration
Carry at least two liters of water per person during cave excursions.
Road Safety
Avoid driving at night on the Solapur-Aurangabad stretch due to limited lighting.
Emergency
Keep a power bank handy for your phone to ensure navigation remains active.