Pune to Aurangabad Distance: Complete Travel Guide & Route Info

The distance from Pune to Aurangabad by road is 232 km, and the drive takes approximately 5 hours by car under normal traffic conditions, via NH60 through Ahmednagar. This route is used by heritage travellers heading to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, business travellers connecting between the two cities, and families on a weekend trip. If you'd rather skip the driving, you can book a reliable Pune to Aurangabad cab with HurryUp Cabs and make the trip in comfort.

Quick Facts: Pune to Aurangabad

Best Route: NH60 / NH753F via Ahmednagar Nearest Railway Station (Aurangabad side): Aurangabad Railway Station Nearest Airport (Aurangabad side): Chikkalthana Airport (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport)

Best Route & Route Breakdown

The most commonly used route is NH60 (continuing onto NH753F), which runs from Pune through Ahmednagar before reaching Aurangabad. This is the shortest and most direct option at around 232 km, taking roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic near Ahmednagar and the state of road construction along the stretch.

Some travellers prefer routing via Shirdi, which adds a bit of extra distance and time but works well if you're planning a stop at the Sai Baba temple along the way. Unless a detour is part of your plan, the direct NH60/NH753F route via Ahmednagar remains the faster choice.

How to Reach Aurangabad from Pune — Mode by Mode

By Road / Cab

Driving or hiring a cab is the most flexible option, letting you stop in Ahmednagar for a break or detour via Shirdi if you choose. A one-way taxi from Pune to Aurangabad covers the 232 km in about 5 hours, with fares varying by vehicle type (details in the FAQs below).

By Bus

This is one of the busiest intercity bus corridors in Maharashtra, with hundreds of daily services from both state and private operators. The bus covers around 232 km in roughly 5.5 to 6 hours, with seater, AC semi-sleeper, and sleeper options available depending on whether you're travelling by day or overnight.

By Train

Rail connectivity between Pune and Aurangabad isn't direct in the way the road route is — trains take a longer path and journey times can run anywhere from about 7.5 to 10 hours depending on the specific train. This makes rail a slower choice on this route, generally worth considering only if you specifically prefer train travel or are traveling on a tighter budget.

By Air

If you're flying into Pune Airport and continuing on to Aurangabad, the onward journey is the same 232 km road route, taking about 4.5 to 5.5 hours by cab. This is a common combination for travellers arriving from other cities who want to reach Aurangabad the same day — a Pune Airport to Aurangabad taxi can be booked in advance so a cab is waiting when you land.

What Is Aurangabad Famous For? History & Significance

Aurangabad is best known as the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves — ancient rock-cut cave complexes carved with Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain sculptures and paintings dating back over a thousand years. The city itself carries a rich Mughal and Deccan Sultanate history, seen in landmarks like Bibi Ka Maqbara (often called the "Mini Taj Mahal" for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal in Agra) and the formidable hilltop fortress of Daulatabad Fort, once considered nearly impregnable. This blend of ancient cave art and medieval architecture is what draws most travellers to Aurangabad, making it as much a history trip as a road trip.

Places to Visit Between Pune and Aurangabad

The NH60/NH753F route and its Shirdi variant pass a few spots worth a stop if you have the time:

• Ahmednagar — Home to Ahmednagar Fort, a well-preserved historic fortress, and a natural halfway point to refuel or grab a meal.
• Shirdi — If routing this way, the Sai Baba Temple is a popular stop for pilgrims, adding some extra time to the overall journey.
• Highway restaurants near Ahmednagar and Shirkapur — Several well-reviewed roadside stops along the way for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

None of these require a major detour on the direct route, so they work well as short breaks rather than full day trips on their own.

Places to Visit at Aurangabad

Once you arrive, Aurangabad has enough heritage sites to fill more than a single day:

• Ajanta Caves — Rock-cut Buddhist caves famous for their frescoes and sculptures, located a bit further from the city and best visited as a half-day or full-day trip.
• Ellora Caves — A closer, mixed complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves, including the remarkable Kailasa Temple carved from a single rock.
• Bibi Ka Maqbara — A Mughal-era mausoleum modeled on the Taj Mahal, easily visited within the city.
• Daulatabad Fort — A hilltop fortress with a long defensive history, offering panoramic views and a good sense of the region's military past.
• Aurangabad Caves — A smaller, lesser-visited set of Buddhist caves within the city, worth a stop if time allows.

Given the distances between these sites, most visitors plan at least two days in Aurangabad to cover Ajanta, Ellora, and the in-city landmarks comfortably.

Best Time to Travel

October to March is the most comfortable window for this route and for sightseeing in Aurangabad — cooler weather makes both the drive and time spent walking around caves and forts far more pleasant. April to June brings peak summer heat, which can make a full day of sightseeing tiring, especially at outdoor sites like Daulatabad Fort. If your schedule allows flexibility, aim for the cooler months.

Practical Travel Tips

• Start early if travelling by road to avoid Pune's morning outbound traffic and reach Aurangabad with enough daylight for sightseeing.
• Refuel and take a break at Ahmednagar, roughly the halfway point on the route.
• Carry ID proof, especially if you're planning to detour via Shirdi where crowds and checks can be heavier during peak season.
• If visiting Ajanta or Ellora Caves, plan for a half-day at minimum per site — they're larger and more spread out than they look on a map.
• Check live traffic conditions before departure, since road construction near Ahmednagar can occasionally slow the route down.

Why Choose HurryUp Cabs

• One-way and round-trip options for the Pune to Aurangabad route, so you're not locked into a return fare you don't need
• Sedan, SUV, Innova, and tempo traveller options — useful for families or groups heading to Ajanta-Ellora together
• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no surprise charges at drop-off
• 24x7 booking and customer support, including advance booking for Pune Airport pickups
• Local cab services available at both ends via cab service in Pune and cab service in Aurangabad

The distance and travel time figures in this guide were cross-checked against multiple independent travel and booking sources rather than a single estimate, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the distance between Pune and Aurangabad?

The road distance between Pune and Aurangabad is approximately 232 km, and the drive typically takes around 5 hours under normal traffic conditions via NH60.

2. What is the Pune to Aurangabad distance by car?

By car, the distance is around 235 km via NH60/NH753F through Ahmednagar, with the journey taking roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic and stops.

3. What is the Pune to Aurangabad distance in kilometres?

The distance between Pune and Aurangabad is approximately 232 kilometres by the most direct road route.

4. What is the Pune to Aurangabad bus distance, and how long does it take?

The bus route covers roughly 232 km and takes about 5.5 to 6 hours, with hundreds of daily services running seater, AC semi-sleeper, and sleeper buses between the two cities.

5. What is the Pune to Aurangabad taxi fare?

Taxi fares for this route generally range from around ₹2,600 for a sedan to ₹8,000 for an Innova on a one-way trip, depending on the operator and vehicle type. Most quotes include driver allowance and GST.

6. Can I book a taxi from Pune Airport to Aurangabad?

Yes, a Pune Airport to Aurangabad taxi covers the same 232 km route in about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, and can be booked in advance so your cab is ready when you land.

7. What are the best places to visit between Pune and Aurangabad?

Ahmednagar is the main stopover on the direct route, with its historic fort and highway restaurants. Travellers routing via Shirdi can also stop at the Sai Baba Temple, though this adds extra time to the journey.

8. What is the best time of year to visit Aurangabad?

October to March offers the most comfortable weather for both the drive and sightseeing at Ajanta, Ellora, and other outdoor heritage sites. April to June brings peak summer heat, which is best avoided if your schedule allows flexibility.