Maharashtra is not only a favourite state among tourists due to its magical hill stations and beaches but also for its religious landmarks. One of the most famous places here is the Shirdi Town which is known for being the former home of Sai Baba, a respected spiritual leader in India. There are various sightseeing attractions and temples around this town that reflect the teachings, life stories, and philosophies of Sai Baba. If you also want to delve into the spiritual aura of this place then contact an Aurangabad car rental agency to hire a car for a comfortable trip.
Shirdi is basically a small village in Ahmednagar which has especially seen a significant increase in tourism due to the huge amounts of followers of Sai Baba. Many tourists visit this place every year to seek blessings and pay homage to the Saint. You must know that because of the popularity Shirdi is well-connected to the major cities of Maharashtra by road as well as by train. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip or a luxurious trip, you can enjoy everything while travelling from Aurangabad to Shirdi.
Transportation Options Between Aurangabad And Shirdi
1. By Road
One of the most comfortable and fastest ways to reach Shirdi from Aurangabad is by road. The distance between these places is around 109 km which may take you around 2 hr. to reach. There are various available routes through which you can travel to the town by road whether by car or bus. Some of the common routes include:
via Nagpur Aurangabad Mumbai Highway
This is the best and shortest route to reach Shirdi which is just 109 km long. You must note that along with being the shortest way, the road conditions throughout the journey are also quite good. The easy and smooth roads make it seamless to drive. In some areas, you can find some bad patches in between the road but there’s nothing to worry about as it can be crossed easily. No matter which season you’re traveling, you can choose this route for a convenient road trip with your loved ones. The approximate time to reach Shirdi via this route is around 2 hours.
via Gangapur
If you want to avoid the bad road conditions of Vaijapur then tourists may consider travelling to Shirdi from Aurangabad via Gangapur. The average distance that needs to be covered via this route is around 122 km which may take a maximum of 2 hr. 30 mins. If you want to enjoy a scenic drive amidst tranquil villages and experience rural life then this route can be the best one for you. Remember that most of the roads in this route are also in good condition and you can easily opt for car hire in Aurangabad to enjoy this ride.
via Vaijapur
The last route that can take you from Aurangabad to Shirdi is via Vaijapur which is approx. 120 km long. Just like the Gangapur route, this route also helps you reach your desired destination within 2 hr. 30 mins. The road conditions on this road are usually good but it is advised to take this way during the monsoon season due to the chances of rough patches and potholes. If you are not travelling during monsoon then opt for this route to drive through small villages and witness the simple and rural lifestyle of the locals.
As you now know about the possible routes to reach Shirdi from Aurangabad, it is important for you to learn about the available vehicles for travel. Herein, both private cars and buses are available for you to make the trip complete.
By Car: There are various car rental agencies in Aurangabad that offer private cars for your trip. You can hire hatchbacks, SUVs, sedans, or tempo travelers as per your requirements for a hassle-free trip. The average cost for a one-way trip to Shirdi with a private car can be around Rs.2000 which may fluctuate based on the car type and season.
By Bus: There are also private and government buses running from Aurangabad to Shirdi. If you’re planning an affordable trip then travelling by government buses can be the best transportation option for you. MSRTC buses, Gujarat Travels, Starline Bus, and Veer Travels are some of the options that you can consider while traveling by bus. In some of the private buses, you can also get AC sleeper couches for a hassle-free experience. If you travel in government buses then the cost can be around Rs. 250 whereas the cost can go up to Rs. 1500 while travelling in private buses.
2. By Train
It is also possible for you to travel to Shirdi by rail where you can reach the Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB) to board the train. However, before selecting the rail route remember that it can be quite time-consuming for you to reach the location. The average time required for this route is around 4 hr. 40 mins which may fluctuate due to late arrivals.
You must know that traveling via train can also be included in your budget-friendly trip plan as it may cost you around Rs. 200. If you opt to travel on AC sleeper train coaches then the cost can reach up to Rs. 2000. Always remember that the cost of the trip from Aurangabad to Shirdi depends upon your personal choices, route, and level of comfort you want.
3. By Air
There are airports in both Aurangabad and Shirdi but the availability of flights between these two airports is quite low. Various domestic flight operators have flights connecting these two cities but you have to go through various layovers and transfers for that. Currently, there is no update about any non-stop and direct flights between Aurangabad to Shirdi.
However, you can take a flight from any major city to Aurangabad and then contact an Aurangabad car rental company to rent a car. Herein, you also have the option to take a direct flight to Shirdi from Mumbai, Delhi, and other metropolitan cities for a seamless trip.
Places To Visit During Your Shirdi Trip From Aurangabad
Whether you’re reaching Shirdi by train, flight, or road, you will surely experience an unforgettable holiday here while being surrounded by stunning religious landmarks. Herein, you can visit various sightseeing attractions which may range from tranquil villages and water parks to well-maintained flower gardens and theme parks. Some of the places that you shouldn’t miss during the trip are:
- Sai Heritage Village
- Shri Sai Baba Temple
- Sai Teerth Devotional Theme Park
- Dwarkamai Shirdi
- Wet’nJoy Water Park
- Prasadalaya Shirdi
- Lendi Garden / Baug
- Dixit Wada Museum
Comparing the duration and comfort of all the transportation routes, it can be stated that hiring a car from the best Aurangabad car rental agency can be the best option. Herein, the experienced drivers that you get along with the car will help you navigate through the unknown roads of Shirdi for a remarkable sightseeing experience. So don’t wait anymore and plan your spiritual trip to Shirdi today with your friends and families!
