How long does it take to travel from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves?

By train: approximately 20 hrs 21 min. By road: approximately 17 hrs 42 min.

Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves | 1091 km

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves is approximately 1,091 km (678 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,323 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 20 hrs 21 min. Buses take about 26 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Ajanta Caves

Maharashtra

1,091 km

aerial distance (straight line)

678 miles · Road distance: ~1,323 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,323 km

Road distance

17 hrs 42 min

Drive time

1,091 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves

✈

By Flight

2 hrs 12 min

Dehra Dun (DED) → Aurangabad (IXU) (nearest airports)

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🚆

By Train

20 hrs 21 min

1,323 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

26 hrs 28 min

1,323 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

17 hrs 42 min

1,323 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,091 km (678 mi)

Road distance

~1,323 km

Recommended

Train (20 hrs 21 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves distance overview

The straight-line distance from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves is approximately 1,091 km (678 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,323 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Maharashtra.

1,091 kmAerial distance

~1,323 kmBy road

20 hrs 21 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Ajanta Caves by air

No direct airport

Ajanta Caves does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Aurangabad (IXU). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves

20 hrs 21 min ~1,323 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Ajanta Caves with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 20 hrs 21 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves

26 hrs 28 min ~1,323 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves route. The journey takes approximately 26 hrs 28 min covering ~1,323 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves

17 hrs 42 min ~1,323 km

The drive from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves is a long one — approximately 1,323 km taking around 17 hrs 42 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 17 hrs 42 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Ajanta Caves

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves is approximately 1,091 km (678 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,323 km, which takes about 17 hrs 42 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 20 hrs 21 min. Buses take about 26 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable. Ajanta Caves doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Aurangabad (IXU).

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves route. The journey takes approximately 26 hrs 28 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves? ▼

The train from Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves takes approximately 20 hrs 21 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Ajanta Caves Distance & How to Reach