Shegaon is a small town located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, known for the famous Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Pune, a major city in Maharashtra, lies southwest of Shegaon and is a common starting point for pilgrims and travelers heading to Shegaon. This route is popular among devotees and tourists seeking a spiritual visit or exploring central Maharashtra.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Pune to Shegaon using trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on what to expect upon arrival in Shegaon.

Getting from Pune to Shegaon – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Shegaon from Pune. The rail network connects these two places with direct and connecting trains, offering comfort and affordability.

• Pune Junction (PUNE) is the main railway station in Pune with frequent trains heading towards central and northern Maharashtra, including routes passing through Shegaon station (SEG).

• The distance between Pune and Shegaon by rail is approximately 500 km, with travel times ranging from 9 to 12 hours depending on the train service chosen, such as the Pune - Howrah Express or connecting trains via Bhusawal.

• Train fares vary between INR 300 to INR 900 for sleeper and AC classes, making it an economical option for most travelers, especially pilgrims visiting Shegaon.

• Trains are generally reliable but can be crowded during festivals like Gajanan Maharaj Jayanti; booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable to secure seats.

• Shegaon station is small but well-maintained, with basic facilities and easy access to local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis for last-mile connectivity to the temple and town center.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and affordable way to travel from Pune to Shegaon, with several state transport and private operators running services daily.

• MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) operates regular buses from Pune's Swargate Bus Station to Shegaon, covering around 520 km in approximately 11 to 13 hours depending on the service type.

• Bus fares range from INR 400 to INR 700 for non-AC and AC sleeper buses, with options including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo coaches for varying comfort levels.

• Buses usually depart in the evening or night, allowing overnight travel and arrival in Shegaon early morning, which is convenient for temple visits.

• The route follows National Highways NH60 and NH53, passing through cities like Aurangabad and Jalgaon, with several rest stops offering food and restroom facilities.

• During the monsoon season, road conditions may slow travel, so plan extra time and check weather updates before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Shegaon gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop at interesting places along the way. The route is well-connected by highways.

• The distance by road is about 520 km via NH60 and NH53, with an average driving time of 9 to 11 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major toll plazas on this route include those near Ahmednagar and Jalgaon; expect toll charges totaling around INR 300 to INR 500 one way.

• Rest stops with dhabas and restaurants are available near Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, and Jalgaon, offering local Maharashtrian cuisine and refreshments.

• Driving during early morning or late evening helps avoid heavy traffic near Pune and Aurangabad, improving travel time and comfort.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced, and carry a physical map or GPS as mobile signals may weaken in some rural stretches.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Pune and Shegaon, as Shegaon does not have an airport. However, flying can be combined with other transport modes for faster travel.

• The nearest airport to Shegaon is Jalgaon Airport, approximately 90 km away, which has limited flights mainly connecting to Mumbai and other regional cities.

• You can fly from Pune Airport (PNQ) to Mumbai (BOM) or Aurangabad (IXU), then take a train or taxi to Shegaon; Aurangabad is about 140 km from Shegaon by road.

• Flight duration from Pune to Mumbai or Aurangabad is about 1 hour, but combined travel time including transfers may exceed 6 hours.

• Flights are best suited for travelers who want to avoid long road or rail journeys but should plan for last-mile transport from the airport to Shegaon.

• Booking flights in advance during festival seasons helps avoid price surges and seat unavailability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Pune to Shegaon, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or MSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during festivals or weekends.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, since some journeys can be long with limited food options on board.

• Reach Pune railway station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel tank, and GPS settings the day before to avoid delays on the road.

• Carry a printed or digital copy of your ticket and ID proof, as these are mandatory for boarding and security checks on trains and buses.

• Upon arrival at Shegaon station or bus stand, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent local travel to your accommodation or temple.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially in crowded train compartments and bus stations.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is from a trusted vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets well in advance on IRCTC or MSRTC portals, as last-minute bookings during peak seasons can be difficult and expensive.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Shegaon; negotiate fares beforehand if prepaid options are unavailable.

• Carry a small bag with essentials like hand sanitizer, masks, and a light raincoat during monsoon months to stay comfortable and safe.

• Be prepared for early morning or late evening travel, and dress in layers as temperatures can vary significantly between Pune and Shegaon.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Shegaon depends on weather and local festivals. Avoiding peak festival times can make your journey more comfortable.

Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays on roads due to heavy rains and occasional flooding, so plan extra travel time during these months.

• Avoid traveling during Gajanan Maharaj Jayanti and other major festivals in Shegaon, as transport services get crowded and accommodation fills quickly.

• Winter months (November to February) offer pleasant weather for travel, with clear roads and comfortable temperatures.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother highway driving or train boarding.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot, so carry sufficient water and plan travel during cooler parts of the day.

Arrival at Shegaon & What to Expect

Shegaon railway station and bus stand are small but well-connected to the town center and the Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Upon arrival, you will find local transport options to reach your accommodation or temple easily.

Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the station and bus stand, offering fixed fares to popular spots. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber may have limited availability but are worth checking for convenience and safety.

Most visitors stay near the temple area, where there are several budget hotels and guesthouses. The town is peaceful, and walking around is easy for short distances.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Shegaon is straightforward with multiple options like trains, buses, and self-drive cars. Trains offer a balance of comfort and affordability, while buses provide flexible timings. Driving allows freedom but requires good planning for tolls and stops.

Booking tickets early, especially during festival seasons, and planning your departure time to avoid traffic will make your journey smoother. With proper preparation and local travel knowledge, you can confidently plan your trip to Shegaon and enjoy a fulfilling visit to this spiritual town.