Where to stay in Aurangabad: the short guide
Aurangabad, officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and most visitors use the city as a comfortable base for seeing them. The city centre and the area near the railway station have the widest range of hotels, close to restaurants and the main sights like Bibi Ka Maqbara. It is the most convenient base for travellers without a car.
The CIDCO and Jalna Road areas have more business and mid-range hotels, handy for work trips and for the airport, which is only about 10 km out. A few stays sit towards Ellora, about 30 km away, for travellers who want an early start at the caves. Ajanta is further, about 100 km, so an early start and a car or tour are worth planning.
Best areas to stay in Aurangabad
City centre and near the railway station
The widest choice of hotels, near restaurants and the main sights. The most convenient base.
CIDCO and Jalna Road
Business and mid-range hotels, handy for work trips and the airport.
Near the airport
Comfortable stays for early or late flights, about 10 km from the centre.
Towards Ellora
A few stays nearer the Ellora Caves for an early start, about 30 km out.
Near the bus stand
Budget hotels handy for arrivals and tours to the caves.
Getting to Aurangabad: airport, railway station and road routes
Aurangabad railway station is central, with trains from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and other cities. From the station, autos and taxis reach the hotels and sights quickly.
Aurangabad Airport (IXU), now being renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport, is about 10 km from the centre, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other cities.
By road, Aurangabad is reached from Mumbai and Pune, and it is the usual base for the Ajanta (about 100 km) and Ellora (about 30 km) Caves, with tours, taxis and buses available.
Find the right kind of hotel in Aurangabad
City-centre hotels
Convenient stays near restaurants and the main sights.
Business hotels in CIDCO
Mid-range and business stays near Jalna Road and the offices.
Airport-area hotels
Comfortable stays near the airport for early or late flights.
Heritage and premium stays
A few upscale hotels for a more comfortable base.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the property policy before booking.
Budget hotels
Simple rooms near the station and bus stand.
Hotels for every budget in Aurangabad
Budget hotels and lodges
Near the station and bus stand. Simple rooms; cheapest outside the winter peak.
Mid-range and business hotels
Comfortable central and CIDCO hotels with better rooms.
Premium and heritage stays
Upscale hotels with pools and dining for a comfortable base.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Ellora Caves: The UNESCO rock-cut temples, including the vast Kailasa temple, about 30 km away.
- Ajanta Caves: The UNESCO Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures, about 100 km away.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara: The Taj-like mausoleum in the city, often called the mini Taj.
- Daulatabad Fort: A dramatic hill fort on the way to Ellora.
- Grishneshwar Temple: A Jyotirlinga temple near the Ellora Caves.
- Panchakki: A medieval water mill and garden complex.
- Aurangabad Caves: Rock-cut Buddhist caves on the city’s edge.
- Local markets: Shopping for Paithani sarees and Himroi textiles.
When to visit Aurangabad
| October to March | Cooler, pleasant weather, the best time for the caves and city sightseeing. |
|---|---|
| April to June | Hot and dry, with lower prices; plan cave visits for the morning. |
| July to September | Monsoon brings some rain and greener surroundings around the caves. |
Good to know before you book
- The caves are the main draw, so plan an early start: Ellora is about 30 km away and closed on Tuesdays, Ajanta about 100 km and closed on Mondays.
- Ajanta is far, so a full day, an early start and a car or tour make the trip comfortable.
- A central or station-area stay suits travellers without a car; add a cab or tour for the caves.
- The city is now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, though many listings still say Aurangabad.
See live prices for Aurangabad
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in AurangabadFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)?
The city centre and station area for the widest choice near restaurants and sights, CIDCO for business hotels, or near the airport for early flights.
What is the nearest airport to Aurangabad?
Aurangabad Airport (IXU), now renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport, about 10 km from the centre, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
How do I get to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves from Aurangabad?
Ellora is about 30 km away and Ajanta about 100 km; both are reached by taxi or tour, with an early start recommended, especially for Ajanta.
How many days do you need in Aurangabad?
Two days, one for Ellora and the city sights and one for Ajanta, works well.
Is Aurangabad the same as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar?
Yes. The city was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, though many hotels and listings still use Aurangabad.
When is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
October to March, for cooler sightseeing weather.