How to Reach Shirdi — Train, Flight, Bus & Road
The complete pilgrim transport guide — direct trains to Sainagar Shirdi station, flights into Sai Baba Airport, intercity buses and the best driving routes from every major city.
Knowing exactly how to reach Shirdi can be the difference between a calm darshan and a stressful scramble. The town sits in Rahata taluka of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, well connected by its own railway station, a dedicated airport just 14 kilometres away, a busy intercity bus stand and good highways that link it to Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, Hyderabad and beyond. This guide breaks down every mode — train, flight, bus and self-drive — with realistic timings, costs and onward connections from the station, airport and main bus stand.
Quick Distance & Time Reference
By Train — Direct to Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI)
Sainagar Shirdi railway station, code SNSI, is the closest railhead to Sai Baba’s Samadhi Mandir — about three kilometres from the temple complex. Several direct trains operate to and from major Indian cities, and on Trust-organised days the station hosts thousands of devotees in a single morning. Booking through the official IRCTC portal is the cleanest route.
Some of the well-known direct services running to Sainagar Shirdi include the Sainagar Shirdi Express from Mumbai and Pune, the Shirdi Sai Express from southern destinations, the Bhagat Ki Kothi-SNSI from Rajasthan, plus weekly specials from Delhi, Howrah, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore. Train numbers and timings change with the seasonal timetable, so confirm on the IRCTC official site before booking.
From Mumbai
CSMT or Dadar to Sainagar Shirdi via the Shirdi Express. Overnight or early morning trains let you reach SNSI by 6 AM in time for Kakad Aarti.
Read GuideFrom Pune
Pune Junction has direct services to SNSI in roughly 5 hours. Manmad Junction also works as a 90-minute hop to Shirdi when direct seats are unavailable.
Read GuideFrom Hyderabad
The Hyderabad-Shirdi link via Sainagar Shirdi Express is the most popular pilgrim route from Telangana and AP. Book 60-90 days in advance for tatkal-free travel.
Read GuideFrom Delhi & North
Direct weekly trains run from Hazrat Nizamuddin to SNSI. Otherwise route via Manmad Junction on the major Mumbai-bound trunk routes.
Read GuideFrom Sainagar Shirdi station, prepaid autos and shared taxis run continuously to the Samadhi Mandir area for roughly Rs 100 to Rs 200 depending on the time of day and your bargaining. Many Bhakt Niwas guests prefer the Trust-run shuttle service that connects the station to the main temple complex during peak hours.
If SNSI tickets are sold out, fall back to Manmad Junction, a major broad-gauge station about 56 km from Shirdi with frequent trains from across India, followed by a 90-minute road transfer by bus or taxi. Kopargaon is another nearby alternative, just 16 km from Shirdi.
By Air — Sai Baba Airport (SAG) and Beyond
Sai Baba International Airport (IATA code SAG), located in Kakadi village just 14 kilometres from Shirdi town, is the closest airport to the Samadhi Mandir. It handles domestic flights from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru and a few other metros depending on the season. The airport is small, the queues are short, and a prepaid taxi to Shirdi costs around Rs 500 to Rs 700.
Airport options ranked by convenience
- Sai Baba Airport (SAG) — 14 km · 25 min by taxi · best choice when flights match your schedule
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Intl, Aurangabad (IXU) — 130 km · 3 hr drive · more frequent flight options
- Pune International (PNQ) — 195 km · 4 to 5 hr drive · widest connectivity
- Mumbai (BOM) — 240 km · 5 to 6 hr drive · best for international arrivals
- Nashik (ISK) — 88 km · 2 hr drive · limited flights but well-located
For international devotees arriving from the Gulf, Singapore or Europe, Mumbai is the typical landing point followed by either a domestic hop to SAG or a comfortable road transfer. Pune is the second-best option with shorter airport queues than Mumbai.
By Bus — MSRTC, Volvo Sleepers & Private Operators
Shirdi has one of the busiest pilgrim bus stands in Maharashtra. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) runs frequent semi-luxury and ordinary services from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur and Solapur. Private Volvo and sleeper operators run overnight services from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Indore.
Pick MSRTC for daytime, private for overnight
MSRTC buses are cheaper, more frequent and reliable for daytime travel under 6 hours. For overnight rides longer than 8 hours, a private AC sleeper is far more restful.
Book in advance for weekends
Friday-night buses out of Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad fill up by Wednesday during festival months. Book at least a week ahead through the operator’s website or IRCTC Bus / Redbus.
Get down at Shirdi Bus Stand, not the highway
Always confirm the bus drops at Shirdi Main Bus Stand, walking distance from the Samadhi Mandir. Some highway services drop at Rahata or Loni junction, which means an extra auto ride.
Walk or auto to the temple
From the main bus stand the Samadhi Mandir is a 10-minute walk down Pimpalwadi Road. Autos charge a flat Rs 30 to Rs 50 to the temple gate.
By Road — Self-Drive & Taxi Routes
Driving to Shirdi is comfortable thanks to the smooth Mumbai-Agra National Highway 60 and well-maintained state highways from Pune and Aurangabad. Petrol pumps, food courts and rest stops are plentiful on every approach.
Mumbai to Shirdi
Mumbai → Thane → Kasara Ghat → Nashik → Sinnar → Sangamner → Shirdi via NH160. Drive time 5 to 6 hours. Avoid Kasara Ghat between 6-9 PM in monsoon.
Read GuidePune to Shirdi
Pune → Ranjangaon → Ahmednagar → Newasa → Shirdi via NH753F. Drive time 4 to 5 hours. Stop at the Ashtavinayak temple of Ranjangaon if time allows.
Read GuideAurangabad to Shirdi
Aurangabad → Vaijapur → Yeola → Kopargaon → Shirdi. Drive time about 3 hours via NH160 and state highways. Smooth road, light traffic.
Read GuideNashik to Shirdi
The shortest pilgrim drive — Nashik → Sinnar → Sangamner → Shirdi. Two hours on good road. Many devotees pair Nashik’s Trimbakeshwar with Shirdi darshan.
Read GuideHyderabad to Shirdi
Long drive; overnight train or flight is wiser. If driving, go Hyderabad → Sangareddy → Nanded → Aurangabad → Shirdi over 12-14 hours with a Nanded halt.
Read GuideIndore to Shirdi
Indore → Khargone → Dhule → Malegaon → Shirdi via NH52. Plan a one-night halt at Dhule or Malegaon if travelling with family.
Read GuideParking is available at multiple Trust-operated and private lots within walking distance of the Samadhi Mandir. The Trust’s main parking facility is the safest and works on a small daily fee. During major festivals like Guru Purnima, Vijayadashami Punyatithi and Ramnavami, traffic is diverted around the temple complex — follow police diversions and park where they direct.
Reaching Shirdi During Festivals
Three days at Shirdi see the heaviest pilgrim load every year: Ramnavami in March or April, Guru Purnima in July, and Vijayadashami (Punyatithi) in October. On these days the railway station handles five to ten times its normal traffic, the airport runs special charters, and the bus stand operates around the clock. If you plan to attend any of these, book transport at least two months in advance, and consider arriving a day early so you are not racing to make a darshan slot.
Whoever puts his foot on Shirdi soil, his sufferings will come to an end.
From Shirdi Station/Airport to the Temple
What to Do Once You Arrive
Plan your first few hours around the Samadhi Mandir corridor. Drop bags at your Bhakt Niwas or hotel, take a quick wash, then either join the free darshan queue or activate your VIP darshan pass. Many devotees catch a glimpse of the Dwarkamai dhuni and Gurusthan on day one and reserve Khandoba Mandir and surrounding pilgrim spots for day two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the nearest railway station to Shirdi?
Sainagar Shirdi (station code SNSI), about 3 km from the Samadhi Mandir, is the nearest direct railhead. Manmad Junction (56 km) and Kopargaon (16 km) are useful fallback stations when SNSI direct trains are sold out.
Is there a direct airport at Shirdi?
Yes, Sai Baba International Airport (IATA code SAG) is located just 14 km from Shirdi town. It handles domestic flights from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Bengaluru depending on the season. A taxi from the airport to the temple costs around Rs 500 to Rs 700.
How long does it take to reach Shirdi from Mumbai by road?
A self-drive or taxi from Mumbai to Shirdi via Nashik and Sangamner on NH160 takes 5 to 6 hours over 240 km. Travel during early morning or late evening to avoid Kasara Ghat traffic, especially in monsoon season.
Are there overnight buses from Pune to Shirdi?
Yes, MSRTC and several private operators run overnight AC sleeper buses from Pune to Shirdi via Ahmednagar. Travel time is 4 to 5 hours, and most services drop devotees at Shirdi Main Bus Stand, a short walk from the Samadhi Mandir.
What is the cheapest way to reach Shirdi from Hyderabad?
The Sainagar Shirdi Express overnight train from Secunderabad or Kacheguda is the cheapest and most popular way to reach Shirdi from Hyderabad. Sleeper class tickets are economical and the train arrives at SNSI early in the morning, perfect for the day’s darshan.
Can I drive my own car into Shirdi during festivals?
Yes, but during major festivals like Guru Purnima, Ramnavami and Vijayadashami Punyatithi, traffic is diverted and parking near the Samadhi Mandir is restricted. Use Trust-operated parking lots on the outskirts and follow police diversions.
Is Sai Baba Airport open year-round?
Sai Baba Airport operates on a seasonal schedule with most flights from October to March. Some routes run year-round, but festival weeks see additional charter and special services. Always confirm your flight closer to the travel date.
Which is the best transport option for elderly pilgrims?
For elderly devotees, a direct flight to Sai Baba Airport followed by a 25-minute taxi to the temple is the most comfortable option. Alternatively, an AC sleeper train berth to Sainagar Shirdi avoids long road travel and reaches close to the Samadhi Mandir.