How to get to Shirdi

Shirdi is a renowned pilgrimage centre in the state of Maharashtra, India, attracting millions of devotees as the abode of Saint Sai Baba. Reaching Shirdi is possible through various means: from a quick flight to a scenic journey by train or car, making the trip accessible to everyone. Regardless of the chosen transport, the road to this spiritual destination promises to be the start of a fascinating introduction to the region's culture.

The most convenient way to get to the city is to take a flight to the local airport Shirdi (SAG), which receives aircraft from many major cities across the country. The airport terminal is located close to the centre and is well-connected to the city, allowing pilgrims to reach the shrines quickly immediately after landing.

If direct tickets are unavailable, airports in neighbouring cities serve as good alternatives: Nashik (about 76 km) or Aurangabad (91 km). International travellers also often choose the airport in Pune, located slightly further away but offering a wider geography of flights.

For many pilgrims, the train remains the preferred mode of transport, as the city has its own railway station, Sainagar Shirdi, which receives trains from Mumbai, Hyderabad, and other metropolises. This allows for direct arrival at the destination, bypassing long transfers to buses.

Alternatively, one can travel by rail to major junction stations in the cities of Nashik or Aurangabad. From there, it is easy to reach Shirdi by taxi or scheduled bus, enjoying views of the Maharashtra state along the way.

Bus services connect the pilgrimage centre with key cities in the region, offering a budget-friendly and accessible travel option. The shortest route is from Nashik: covering a distance of about 77 km takes just 2.1 hours. A trip from Aurangabad will take slightly longer — approximately 2.5 hours.

Travellers departing from Pune should expect a journey duration of about 3.9 hours (156 km). Both government and private buses of varying comfort levels operate between the cities, including air-conditioned options to protect against the heat.

Travelling by car or taxi ensures maximum flexibility and comfort, especially if you are travelling with family. The route from Aurangabad is considered one of the fastest: the 106 km road takes about 1.8 hours. The journey from Nashik is also very convenient and requires approximately 1.9 hours of time.

If you are driving from Pune, be prepared to spend about 4.2 hours on the road, covering a distance of 186 km. Roads in this direction are generally in good condition, and taxi services are available at reasonable rates.

Preparing for a trip to Shirdi requires attention to local traditions and rules, given the high religious status of this place. The following recommendations will help make your pilgrimage or tourist visit as comfortable as possible.

1. Clothing and Dress Code: Choose modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, made from light natural fabrics (cotton), as the climate here is predominantly hot.
2. Transport in the City: The town is small, and many distances can be covered on foot, but auto-rickshaws and shared taxis are always available for convenience.
3. Finances: It is better to carry cash Indian Rupees for purchasing offerings (flowers, garlands) and small payments, although major hotels do accept cards.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water and wear a head covering for protection against the strong sun; the city is generally safe, but keep an eye on personal belongings in crowds.
5. Communication: The main languages are Marathi and Hindi, however, in the tourism sector and hotels, staff often understand basic English.
6. Local Etiquette: Upon entering the Samadhi Mandir temple and other shrines, it is mandatory to remove footwear; behave with restraint and respect.
7. What to Avoid: Beware of street touts offering paid queue jumping ("VIP Darshan") — use only the official counters of the temple complex.
8. Additional Tip: Thursday is the sacred day of Sai Baba, so it will be very crowded; for a more peaceful visit, plan your trip for the beginning of the week.

Observing these simple rules will allow you to avoid unnecessary hassle and fully focus on the spiritual atmosphere and sights of this unique city.