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.💰💶💳 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.🚶 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:
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Bibi Ka Maqbara
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Panchakki
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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:
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Ellora Caves: about 30 km away
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Ajanta Caves: about 100 km away
A car becomes extremely useful if you want to:
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Visit both caves over two days
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Explore Daulatabad Fort
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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?
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❌ Skip the self-drive car if you plan to stay within the city or rely on taxis for short trips.
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❔ 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.
