Here’s a comprehensive guide to local transportation in Aurangabad (officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra, covering various modes of transport and essential tourist information.
1. Public Buses
- Smart City Bus Service: The Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ASCDCL) operates a fleet of GPS-enabled buses covering over 60 routes within the city.
- Features:
- Real-time tracking and arrival information via the Bus Transit mobile app.
- Smart bus stops equipped with CCTV and real-time display screens.
- 100% real-time incident reporting and grievance redressal system.
- Timetable: Available on the official portal.
- Features:
2. Air Travel
- Aurangabad Airport (IXU):
- Location: Approximately 10 km from the city center.
- Connectivity: Provides domestic flights to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad.
- Transportation to/from Airport:
- Taxis and auto rickshaws are available at the airport.
- Prepaid taxi services can be booked at the airport counter.
3. Auto Rickshaws
- Availability: Auto rickshaws are abundant and can be hailed directly or booked via local operators.
- Cost: Fares are typically negotiable; it’s advisable to agree on a fare before starting the journey.
4. Railways
- Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB):
- Location: Padampura, Aurangabad.
- Connectivity: Offers rail services to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, and Nagpur.
- Facilities: The station is equipped with 5 platforms and is under the South Central Railway zone.
5. Taxis and Car Rentals
- Availability: Taxis and car rentals are readily available for both local sightseeing and outstation trips.
- Booking Options:
- Ola and Uber: Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber operate in the city, offering convenient transportation options.
- Local Operators: Services such as Advika Travel and Saibaba Travels provide rental cars with options for half-day and full-day bookings.
- Cost: Approximately ₹9 per km for local rides.
Transportation Summary Table
| Mode of Transport | Availability | Cost Estimate | Booking Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | High | ₹9/km | Ola, Uber, Local Operators | Convenient for tourists; AC options available |
| Public Buses | Moderate | ₹10–₹50 | Smart City Bus App | Real-time tracking; limited coverage |
| Auto Rickshaws | High | ₹10–₹30 | Hail directly or via local operators | Negotiable fares; suitable for short distances |
| Railways | Moderate | ₹100–₹500 | Indian Railways Website | Connects to major cities; limited local services |
| Air Travel | Low | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Airlines Websites | Domestic flights; nearest airport is 10 km from city center |
Tips for Travelers:
- Language: Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu are widely spoken.
- Currency: Indian Rupee (₹); ATMs are readily available.
- Weather: Summer (March–June) can be hot; monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rains; winter (October–February) is pleasant.
- Safety: Aurangabad is generally safe for tourists; exercise standard precautions.
If you need assistance with booking transportation or planning your itinerary, feel free to ask!