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Getting Around Aurangabad

Getting Around Aurangabad

Aurangabad Maharashtra, India Travel Guide

Public Transit Overview

Aurangabad does not have a metro or tram system. The main public options for transportation are city buses, run by the Aurangabad Smart City Bus Transport System (ASCBTS), and auto-rickshaws. Buses offer fixed routes, while auto-rickshaws provide more versatile, door-to-door service.

Public buses in Aurangabad generally lack wheelchair accessibility. Travelers with mobility needs might find private transportation more suitable.

Routes, Fares & Hours

  • ASCBTS buses cover most major city routes; route maps are available at major bus stops. Central Bus Stop (CBS) is the main hub.
  • Bus fares are inexpensive; pay in cash directly to the conductor. Keep small denominations handy.
  • Buses operate from early morning (approximately SIX AM) until late evening (typically 9-10 PM). Frequency varies by route.
  • Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible.

Navigation Aids

Utilize Google Maps to organize your routes, but real-time bus tracking could not be fully reliable.

Avoid Crowds

Buses become very crowded during peak morning and evening rush hours. Travel out of these times for a more comfortable experience.

Local Insights

Do not hesitate to ask bus conductors or fellow passengers for assistance with routes or directions.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services
  • Traditional metered taxis are less common than auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs.
  • You can sometimes hail taxis on the street in busier areas or find them at designated stands.
  • For unmetered rides, be sure to negotiate and agree on the fare before starting.
Ride-Sharing Apps
  • Both Ola and Uber are available in Aurangabad.
  • They offer convenient booking via Smartphone apps, providing transparent fares.
  • These services are for the most part reliable; share ride details with a trusted contact.

Vehicle Rentals

Car with Driver

Highly recommended for tourists; removes navigation stress.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Local rental shops offer two-wheelers; helmets mandatory.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited availability; some hotels might offer.

Self-Drive Car

Available but has challenges due to local traffic flow.

Walking & Cycling

Walking is feasible in specific areas, like market streets (e.g., Silk Market), though for the most part, city traffic makes extensive walking challenging and less pleasant. The grounds of major monuments like Bibi Ka Maqbara are pedestrian-friendly, allowing for leisurely walks. Local guides may offer walking tours of old Aurangabad or specific markets.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Walking is feasible in specific areas, like market streets and monument grounds.
  • City traffic makes extensive walking challenging on main roads.
  • Guides from the region offer walking tours of old Aurangabad or specific markets.
  • Main highways and heavily congested commercial arteries are less safe for pedestrians.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

  • Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited in Aurangabad.
  • Cycling on main roads can be risky as a result of traffic congestion and varying driving regulations.
  • Rural roads around the caves might have some cycling opportunities, but caution is needed.
  • Some hotels or guesthouses might offer bicycle rentals to their guests.

Driving Laws, Road Conditions, and Parking

  • Driving Laws: India drives on the left-hand side of the road. Observe speed limits and traffic signals.
  • Road Conditions: Vary. Main roads are generally good, but side streets can be congested or poorly maintained.
  • Parking: Available at major attractions and hotels. Parking can be challenging in crowded market areas.
  • Road laws might be loosely followed, which calls for defensive driving.
  • Expect pedestrians, livestock, and unwritten rules of the road.
  • Night driving demands caution due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.

Specialized Transport

Tour Buses

No formal hop-on-hop-off services. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and independent operators offer full-day organized bus tours to Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Water Transport

Aurangabad is landlocked; boat taxis and other water transportation options are not applicable within the town or for reaching it.

Unique Local

Aurangabad does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems of this nature.

Accessibility & Auto-rickshaws

Amenities for travelers with mobility impairments is generally limited. Public transport and many older historical sites, with their stairs and uneven terrain, don't have wheelchair access.

Accessibility Services

  • Limited infrastructure for mobility challenges; public transit and many older sites lack wheelchair accessibility.
  • Newer hotels and modern establishments may offer better availability for people with ramps and elevators.
  • For accessible transportation, arranging a car with a driver that can fit specific needs is the best option.
  • Communicate your requirements in advance when booking accessible transport.

Auto-rickshaws Tum-Tums

  • Often called 'tum-tums' locally, these three-wheeled cars are the primary mode of short-distance travel within the city.
  • They are ubiquitous and offer an authentic local experience.
  • Negotiate fares beforehand to avoid overcharging. Clearly state your destination.
  • For late-night travel, using app-based services or transport arranged from your hotel is advisable.

General Transportation Tips

Ask Locals

Do not hesitate to ask bus conductors or fellow passengers for assistance with routes or directions.

Local knowledge is a big help.

Use Maps

Utilize Google Maps to plan your routes, but don't forget that real-real-time bus tracking might not be fully reliable for all local routes.

Download offline maps.

Avoid Rush Hours

Buses can become very crowded during peak morning and evening rush hours. If possible, travel out of these times for a more comfortable experience.

Plan accordingly.

Specialized Transportation Summary

Tour Buses & Services
  • No formal hop-on-hop-off bus services operate in Aurangabad.
  • Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and private tour operators offer full-day organized bus tours to Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
  • These tours offer an easy way to visit multiple sites.
Unique Transport Forms
  • Aurangabad is landlocked; boat taxis and other water transportation are not applicable.
  • The city does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems.
  • All major attractions are accessible by road.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists

  • Primary roads and heavily congested commercial arteries are less safe and less gratifying for pedestrians.
  • Heavy vehicle traffic and often unpredictable driving conditions make these areas risky.
  • Pedestrians lack dedicated sidewalks in many parts of these busy zones.
  • Cyclists should opt for other transportation in these areas due to safety concerns.
  • For safety, follow marked areas for walkers only or use motorized transport.
  • App-based cabs or auto-rickshaws provide a safer an alternative to navigating busy roads.
  • Consider walking within market areas and monument complexes where traffic flow is controlled or absent.
  • Always put safety first over convenience when choosing your mode of travel.

Transportation Summary

Efficient movement within Aurangabad balances local mass transit with app-based services or private hire. Researching routes and negotiating fares makes for smooth journeys.

For tours to the famous caves, organized bus tours or hiring a chauffeured car simplify logistics considerably.

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