Maharashtra · heritage

Mumbai to Ajanta Caves Cab

Comfortable outstation cab with professional drivers • Transparent fares • Flat 15% OFF on one-way trips

460 km 8 hrs 5.0★ Rated Verified Drivers Flat 15% Off One-Way
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Mumbai to Ajanta Caves Cab — Quick Answer

The Mumbai to Ajanta Caves cab route is approximately 460 km and takes around 8 hours via NH 60 via Nashik and Aurangabad. One-way fares start from ₹14/km (Swift Dzire CNG); Ertiga, Innova and Innova Crysta are also available for families and groups. Miles Tours and Travels provides 24/7 doorstep pickup from anywhere in Mumbai, transparent fixed fares with no hidden charges, and a flat 15% off on one-way trips. Booking takes about 30 seconds online or by calling +91 88790 99744.

The Painted Caves (1, 2, 16, 17) in Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra Ajanta Caves — popular tourist destination in Maharashtra Cave 26 (the Chaitya hall) in Ajanta Caves Scenic view of Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra The Viewpoint — Mumbai to Ajanta Caves trip

Overview

The Ajanta Caves are about 460 km from Mumbai, out past Aurangabad in the Sahyadri foothills. You take the Mumbai-Nashik road and then cut east through Aurangabad, so it's a longer haul, closer to 8 hours. People come for the rock-cut Buddhist caves and their painted murals, which are genuinely unlike anything else in the country.

NH 60 via Nashik and Aurangabad Maharashtra

History & Significance

The Ajanta caves were carved in two phases, an early group around the 2nd century BCE and a later flourishing under the Vakataka dynasty in the 5th century CE. They served as monasteries and prayer halls for Buddhist monks. Abandoned and overgrown for centuries, they were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer on a hunting party. The murals depicting the Jataka tales make them a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cab Fare & Travel Time

460
Kilometres from Mumbai
8
Hours Drive (approx)

Cab Fare — Mumbai to Ajanta Caves

Car Type Seats One-Way (15% off) Round Trip
CNG Swift Dzire 4 traveller + 1 driver ₹10,950 Flat 15% OFF ₹12,900
CNG Ertiga 4 traveller + 1 driver ₹13,300 Flat 15% OFF ₹15,650
Innova 6 traveller + 1 driver ₹13,300 Flat 15% OFF ₹15,650
Innova Crysta 6 traveller + 1 driver ₹15,650 Flat 15% OFF ₹18,400
Innova Hycross 6 traveller + 1 driver ₹25,050 Flat 15% OFF ₹29,450

Estimated for 460 km. Toll, parking & driver allowance extra. Call for exact quote.

Additional Charges (Indicative)

Toll
As applicable
Paid at plazas
State Permit
Within Maharashtra
No extra permit required

⚠️ Toll & permit figures are indicative. Actual charges depend on route, vehicle type, and government rates at time of travel. Paid directly at toll plazas / checkposts.

Route
Mumbai → Ajanta Caves
Distance
431 km
Drive Time
6 hours 37 mins
Via
Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg
Route shown is indicative. Actual route may vary based on traffic and driver preference. Open in Google Maps

Route Highlights

  • The drive splits naturally at Aurangabad, most of our customers stay there a night since the caves are still another 100-odd km beyond.
  • Ajanta is roughly 2.5 hours from Aurangabad city, the last stretch on the Jalgaon road is fine but not expressway-smooth.
  • You park at the buffer zone and take the MTDC shuttle bus the final 4 km, private cars aren't allowed right up to the caves.
  • Carry a torch or use your phone, the paintings are deliberately kept in dim light to protect the pigments.
  • Closed on Mondays, so don't plan to arrive that day.
  • It's a fair amount of walking and steps, wear proper shoes and start early to beat the afternoon heat.

Places to Visit in Ajanta Caves

The Painted Caves (1, 2, 16, 17)

These four hold the best-preserved murals, including the famous Padmapani bodhisattva in Cave 1. If your time is short, prioritise these.

Cave 26 (the Chaitya hall)

A prayer hall with a large reclining Buddha carved into the rock showing the Mahaparinirvana. The stupa and pillared interior are striking.

The Viewpoint

Across the gorge from the caves, there's a lookout where you see the whole horseshoe-shaped cliff with the caves cut into it. Worth the short climb for the perspective.

Bibi Ka Maqbara (en route at Aurangabad)

Often called the mini Taj, a Mughal tomb built for Aurangzeb's wife. A good half-day stop if you're overnighting in Aurangabad anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people do, but not on the same day, they're in opposite directions from Aurangabad and about 100 km apart. Keep Aurangabad as your base and do one site per day.
Honestly, no. With 8 hours each way plus the time inside the caves, a day trip means driving through the night and seeing almost nothing properly. Plan at least two nights.
No. Private vehicles stop at the entry complex and you switch to the official shuttle for the last few kilometres. The driver will wait at the parking area.
November to February for the weather. Avoid peak summer, the area gets very hot and there's a lot of open walking. Monsoon makes the surrounding green look great but light inside the caves can be poor.
A good deal, plus steps up to and between the caves. If anyone in the group has knee trouble, palanquin carriers are available at the entrance for hire.

Book This Route

460 km
Distance
8 hr
Travel Time
One-Way Flat 15% OFF Round Trip +91 88790 99744
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Popular Mumbai Pickup Locations

Miles Tours and Travels picks you up from anywhere in Mumbai — railway stations, airports, hotels, offices, and tourist spots.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
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Bandra Terminus
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Juhu Beach
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Gateway of India
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Marine Drive (Nariman Point)
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Siddhivinayak Temple
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Haji Ali Dargah
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Elephanta Caves (Gateway)
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Bandra-Worli Sea Link
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Dharavi
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Film City (Goregaon)
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Powai Lake (Hiranandani)
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BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex)
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Lower Parel / Worli
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Andheri (East & West)
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Thane Railway Station
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Navi Mumbai (Belapur CBD)
Suburb
Dadar TT Circle
Locality
Santacruz (E)
Near Airport
Borivali (East)
Railway Station Area
Kurla Station
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