Shirdi is a town located in the state of Maharashtra, India, that is renowned for being the pilgrimage destination of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The town is considered to be one of the holiest places in India and attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. In this article, we will explore in detail the various ways to reach Shirdi, including by air, rail, road, car, bus, and taxi.
How to Reach Shirdi By Air, By Rail, By Road
By Air
The nearest airport to Shirdi is the Shirdi Airport, also known as the Sainik Nagar Airport. It is located approximately 14 km from the town and is well-connected to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Several airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air operate flights to Shirdi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shirdi.
By Rail
Shirdi has its own railway station called the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. It is located approximately 2 km from the town and is well-connected to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Several trains such as the Shirdi Express, Sachkhand Express, and Devgiri Express run to and from Shirdi. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shirdi.
By Road
Shirdi is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra and other states. You can either drive down to Shirdi or take a bus. Several state-owned and private buses operate to and from Shirdi. You can also hire a taxi from nearby cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
How to Reach Shirdi From Mumbai
Mumbai is located about 240 km from Shirdi and is well-connected by air, rail, and road. If you’re traveling by air, you can take a flight to the Shirdi Airport. If you’re traveling by train, several trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Ajanta Express, and Mumbai-Howrah Mail run to and from the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. If you’re traveling by road, you can either drive down to Shirdi or take a bus. Several state-owned and private buses operate to and from Mumbai.
How to Reach Shirdi From Pune
Pune is located about 185 km from Shirdi and is well-connected by air, rail, and road. If you’re traveling by air, you can take a flight to the Shirdi Airport. If you’re traveling by train, several trains such as the Pune-Jabalpur Express, Pune-Nagpur Express, and Pune-Amravati Express run to and from the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. If you’re traveling by road, you can either drive down to Shirdi or take a bus. Several state-owned and private buses operate to and from Pune.
How to Reach Shirdi From Nashik
Nashik is located about 90 km from Shirdi and is well-connected by road. If you’re traveling by road, you can either drive down to Shirdi or take a bus. Several state-owned and private buses operate to and from Nashik. You can also hire a taxi from Nashik to reach Shirdi.
How to Reach Shirdi From Aurangabad
Aurangabad is located about 144 km from Shirdi and is well-connected by road. If you’re traveling by road, you can either drive down to Shirdi or take a bus. Several state-owned and private buses operate to and from Aurangabad. You can also hire a taxi from Aurangabad to reach Shirdi.
By Car
Driving to Shirdi can be an exciting road trip as you will get to experience the beautiful countryside of Maharashtra. Several car rental services offer self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars, which can be booked online or through a travel agency. The drive to Shirdi from Mumbai takes around 4-5 hours, while from Pune, it takes around 3 hours. The roads leading to Shirdi are well-maintained, making the journey comfortable and safe.
One thing to keep in mind when driving to Shirdi is that the roads can be quite crowded, especially during peak season when the town attracts a large number of devotees. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving during weekends and public holidays to avoid traffic congestion.
By Bus
State-owned and private buses connect Shirdi to several cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. You can book tickets online or through a travel agency. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates regular buses from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad to Shirdi. Private bus operators like Neeta Tours and Travels, Shri Sai Travels, and Prasanna Purple operate luxury and semi-luxury buses from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad.
The buses are a popular mode of transportation to Shirdi, as they are affordable and convenient. However, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as the buses tend to get overcrowded. Additionally, if you’re prone to motion sickness, it is advisable to carry medication as the roads leading to Shirdi can be quite hilly and winding.
Hiring a Taxi or Private Car
If you do not want to take the hassle of booking tickets or driving, you can hire a taxi or a private car to reach Shirdi. Several taxi and car rental services operate from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad, and offer pick-up and drop services. This is a convenient option if you are traveling with family or a large group of people.
Conclusion
Shirdi is well-connected to major cities in India, making it easy to reach by air, road, and rail. Whether you are planning to travel to Shirdi from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad or any other major city in India, you have multiple options to choose from. From flights and trains to buses and private cars, you can choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences and budget. With its serene environment and spiritual aura, Shirdi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the religious and cultural heritage of India.