Auto-rickshaws are the main way to move around the city. They are metered (though drivers often prefer to negotiate a fixed fare), and short hops within the city centre should cost ₹50–100. For the Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Aurangabad Caves, or Panchakki from the city centre, agree on a price before getting in.
Shared autos run along fixed routes in the city, particularly between the old city, the main bazaars, and the bus station — useful and very cheap (₹10–20) if you know the routes.
For Ellora (30 km): MSRTC buses depart regularly from the city bus stand (Aurangabad Bus Station) and take around 45 minutes. Auto-rickshaws and taxis can also do the trip but are considerably more expensive. The most practical approach for a day trip is to hire a car and driver for the full day — costs around ₹1,500–2,000 — which also lets you stop at Daulatabad Fort (15 km, on the way) and return at your own pace.
For Ajanta (100 km): MSRTC runs direct buses from the bus stand, but timings are limited and the journey takes 2–2.5 hours each way. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) runs organised day-tour buses from the main hotels that cover Ajanta in a single day. A private hired car for Ajanta costs around ₹3,000–3,500 for the full day.
Taxis and cabs: Ola and Uber operate in Aurangabad, though coverage is sometimes patchy. Local taxi operators are a reliable alternative for longer trips; most hotels can arrange this.