Asia > India > Aurangabad (IXU)

The Car or no Car advice for  Aurangabad can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Aurangabad ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Aurangabad ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

🇮🇳 Mode

Score

🚆 Non-car score non-car score 4

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Aurangabad?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇮🇳 Factor

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🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 4

🚗Do we need a car in Aurangabad? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Aurangabad is a gateway city for two of India’s greatest UNESCO sites: Ellora Caves and Ajanta Caves. The city itself is lively and busy, with traffic typical of many Indian cities. Public transport exists, but it can feel confusing for first-time visitors. Taxis and app-based rides work well, yet day trips to Ajanta and Ellora sit far outside town. So, should you rent a car in Aurangabad? The answer depends on whether you want maximum freedom for sightseeing or prefer organised transport. Because the region’s highlights lie in different directions, your choice matters.


🚶 Why You Don’t Need a Car in Aurangabad City

Aurangabad’s main hotels, restaurants, and shops cluster fairly close together.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws handle most short trips easily.

In short: no car needed for city sightseeing.


🚕 Taxis and Ride-Hailing Work Well

App-based taxis (where available) and local cabs are the most practical option.
They offer straightforward travel to:

  • Bibi Ka Maqbara

  • Panchakki

  • City markets

➡ For urban travel, taxis beat driving yourself.


🚌 Public Transport Is Possible but Not Ideal

Local buses run across the city, but routes are busy and not tourist-friendly.
Timetables can feel unpredictable.

➡ Most travellers avoid using city buses.


🚗 When a Car Helps: Ajanta and Ellora

Aurangabad’s star attractions sit far apart:

  • Ellora Caves: about 30 km away

  • Ajanta Caves: about 100 km away

A car becomes extremely useful if you want to:

  • Visit both caves over two days

  • Explore Daulatabad Fort

  • Reach rural areas on your own schedule

However, many visitors choose a car with driver instead of self-driving.
The roads are good, but driving aggressively is common in India.

➡ A car with driver is often the best balance of freedom and safety.


🧭 Quick Decision Table

Your Plan in Aurangabad Car Needed?
Staying within the city ❌ No
Visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara ❌ No
Taking taxis to local attractions ❌ No
Day trip to Ellora ❔ Optional
Day trip to Ajanta ❔ Optional
Doing Ajanta + Ellora + Daulatabad in one trip ❔ Optional
Deep rural exploration ✅ Yes

🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Aurangabad?

  • ❌ Skip the self-drive car if you plan to stay within the city or rely on taxis for short trips.

  • ❔ Consider hiring a car with driver for Ajanta, Ellora, and Daulatabad, because these sites sit far apart and public transport options are slow.

In the end…

Aurangabad is manageable without a car, but day trips to the region’s breathtaking cave temples become far easier when you use a private driver or a well-organised tour.


🚗Do we need a car in Aurangabad? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇮🇳 Factor

Score

🚗Should You Rent a Car in Aurangabad?
overall should you rent a car score 7
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