Sai Baba Shirdi is a famous pilgrimage town located in Maharashtra, India. It is well-known for the Sai Baba temple, attracting millions of devotees every year. Shirdi lies in the Ahmednagar district and is easily accessible from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Shirdi by train, bus, car, and flight. You will also find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on local transport to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Major Cities to Sai Baba Shirdi – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Shirdi is popular among pilgrims due to its affordability and convenience. Shirdi has its own railway station, Sainagar Shirdi, connected to many cities.

• Sainagar Shirdi railway station is well connected to Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Delhi with direct trains, making it a convenient option for long-distance travelers.

• Travel time from Mumbai to Shirdi by train ranges from 4.5 to 6 hours, with fares between ₹150 and ₹600 depending on class and train type.

• Trains are frequent but can be crowded during festivals like Ram Navami and Guru Purnima, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is essential.

• The station is about 3 km from the temple; auto-rickshaws and prepaid taxis are available for last-mile connectivity.

• Monsoon season may cause minor delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so plan extra time during June to September.

Bus

Buses are a common choice for budget travelers and those coming from nearby cities. Shirdi is served by state-run and private buses.

• Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates regular buses from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad to Shirdi, with journey times between 4 to 7 hours.

• Bus fares usually range from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on bus type, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses arrive at the Shirdi bus stand, located close to the temple complex, making it easy to reach on foot or by short auto rides.

• During festivals, buses get crowded; booking tickets online or at bus depots in advance is recommended.

• Highways NH160 and NH61 connect Shirdi to major cities, with toll plazas on the route; expect some traffic during weekends and holidays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Shirdi offers flexibility and comfort, especially for families or groups. The roads are generally in good condition.

• From Mumbai, the distance to Shirdi is about 240 km via NH160, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

• From Pune, Shirdi is around 185 km and takes about 4 to 5 hours via NH60 and NH160, with scenic views along the way.

• Fuel costs vary but expect to spend around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 for a round trip from Mumbai or Pune, including toll charges at multiple plazas.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are widely available in major cities; Ola and Uber also offer intercity rides but can be expensive for long distances.

• Parking near the temple is available but can be crowded during peak seasons; arriving early in the day helps secure a spot.

Flight

The nearest airport to Shirdi is Shirdi Airport (SAG), which has limited but growing connectivity. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant cities.

• Shirdi Airport is about 14 km from the temple and is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai with daily flights operated by multiple airlines.

• Flight duration from Mumbai to Shirdi is around 1 hour, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on booking time.

• From the airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for a 30-minute ride to the temple area.

• Flights can be costly compared to trains and buses, but they save significant travel time for distant travelers.

• During monsoon, flights may face delays due to weather conditions; check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors to Shirdi, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets well in advance, especially during festival seasons, using IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to secure confirmed seats.

• If flying, book your Shirdi Airport flights early and arrange airport transfers via prepaid taxis or app cabs to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as waiting times at stations or bus stands can be long.

• On arrival, use prepaid taxis or auto-rickshaws for safe and fair local travel; avoid unmetered vehicles to prevent overcharging.

• Plan your visit to the Sai Baba temple early in the morning to avoid large crowds and long queues, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Keep your ID and booking confirmations handy during travel; Indian railway and bus staff may ask for verification.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Use official IRCTC and MSRTC websites or apps for ticket bookings to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and trains delayed; check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

• Local transport like auto-rickshaws often do not use meters; always agree on the fare before starting your ride.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use digital payments where possible for safety.

• Try local eateries near the temple for authentic Maharashtrian snacks but choose clean and busy places to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Shirdi experiences a tropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. Travel conditions vary significantly with seasons.

The best time to visit is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visits and sightseeing.

• Avoid traveling during the peak festival periods like Ram Navami and Guru Purnima when the town is extremely crowded and accommodation is scarce.

• Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains that can disrupt road and rail travel due to waterlogging and slippery conditions.

• Summer months from March to May can be very hot, with temperatures reaching above 40°C, making daytime travel uncomfortable.

• Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams and heat, especially when traveling by road from nearby cities.

Arrival at Sai Baba Shirdi & What to Expect

When you arrive in Shirdi, whether by train, bus, or car, you will find the town well-prepared for pilgrims. The Sainagar Shirdi railway station and bus stand are close to the temple complex.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, prepaid taxis, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. Prepaid taxis are recommended for fair pricing and safety. Many hotels and guesthouses are located within walking distance of the temple, especially near the main road.

Conclusion

Traveling to Sai Baba Shirdi is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a balance of comfort and affordability, while flights save time for distant travelers. Buses and self-drive cars provide flexibility for regional visitors.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel season, and understanding local transport will ensure a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Shirdi and focus on the spiritual experience that awaits you.