Pune to Shirdi: How to Reach by Car, ST Bus, Train or Flight, Travel Time, Darshan Booking and a One-Day Plan
Pune to Shirdi is about 185 km, roughly 4 to 5 hours by road via Ahilyanagar. Car, ST bus and train options, darshan booking and a simple one-day plan.
Photo: B S Srikanth / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shirdi is about 185 km from Pune by road and usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on where you start and traffic. The common route is via Wagholi, Shikrapur, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) and Rahuri. MSRTC buses run through the day from Pune, a few trains connect Pune with Sainagar Shirdi station, and Shirdi has its own airport at Kakadi.
For many Pune families, Shirdi is a classic one-day or overnight trip, often combined with Shani Shingnapur. With an early start you can have darshan and be back in Pune by night.
Pune to Shirdi at a glance
| Mode | Approx. time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Car or taxi | 4 to 5 hours | Families, flexible timing, combining Shani Shingnapur |
| MSRTC bus | 5 to 6 hours | Budget travel; frequent departures |
| Private bus | 5 to 6 hours | Overnight and AC options |
| Train to Sainagar Shirdi | About 5 hours | Only on days a direct train runs |
| Flight to Shirdi airport | Short, but few direct options | Check current schedules; most Pune travellers go by road |
By car: the best route
Leave via Nagar Road (Wagholi), then follow the Pune-Ahilyanagar highway through Shikrapur, Ranjangaon and Supa to Ahilyanagar, and continue towards Rahuri and Rahata to Shirdi. The road is a highway most of the way, with toll plazas; keep FASTag balance ready. The Wagholi stretch can be slow on weekday mornings and Sunday evenings, so plan to cross it early.
From the Pimpri-Chinchwad side, some drivers prefer going via Chakan and Manchar towards Sangamner and then Shirdi. Distance is similar; check live traffic before choosing.
By MSRTC bus
State transport buses for Shirdi leave from Pune bus stands such as Shivajinagar (Wakdewadi) and Swargate, with ordinary, semi-luxury and AC services through the day. You can book seats on the MSRTC website or app; our guide on booking MSRTC tickets online explains how. Women passengers and senior citizens get fare concessions on MSRTC buses under state schemes; carry ID.
By train
Sainagar Shirdi station is a few kilometres from the temple. Direct trains between Pune and Sainagar Shirdi do not run every day, and journey time is around five hours. Check the current timetable on IRCTC or NTES before planning. Many rail travellers instead go to Ahilyanagar or Kopargaon and continue by road.
How to book Sai Baba darshan
- The official booking site of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is online.sai.org.in. Use only this site for paid darshan, aarti passes and accommodation.
- Free general darshan is available without booking, but queues on weekends, Thursdays and festival days can take several hours.
- Carry the photo ID used for booking; it is checked at entry.
- Mobile phones and bags are not allowed inside; use the official lockers or leave them in the vehicle.
Best time to go
October to February is the most comfortable season. Weekdays other than Thursday are usually less crowded. Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami (the date of Sai Baba’s samadhi) draw very large crowds; book early or avoid those dates.
Looking for more trips from the city? See our lifestyle and travel section.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Shirdi from Pune?
About 185 km by road, which usually takes 4 to 5 hours via Ahilyanagar.
What is the best way to go from Pune to Shirdi?
By car or MSRTC bus via Ahilyanagar. Buses leave from Shivajinagar and Swargate through the day. Direct trains run only on some days.
How do I book Shirdi darshan online?
Use the official Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust site, online.sai.org.in, for paid darshan, aarti passes and rooms. General darshan is free without booking.
Can I do Pune to Shirdi in one day?
Yes. Leave Pune by 5 am, finish darshan by early afternoon and start back by 3 pm to reach Pune by night.
Is there a direct train from Pune to Shirdi?
Some trains run directly from Pune to Sainagar Shirdi, but not daily. Check IRCTC or NTES for current days and timings.
