Why Travel from Bangalore to Shirdi

For countless devotees of Sai Baba, Shirdi is a place of pilgrimage. For many South Indians, especially those from Bangalore, the trip is as much emotional as it is spiritual. The pandemic has led to an increase in religious tourism, which has further boosted road trips to Shirdi. Devotees prefer self-driven pilgrimages due to the flexibility and opportunity for self-reflection they afford. The journey transforms into something greater than mere travel—it becomes an odyssey of the spirit traversing transformative landscapes and divine markers.

Total Distance and Driving Duration

The approximate road distance from Bangalore to Shirdi is about 980 km. The driving time is between 15 to 17 hours, depending on the route taken, the condition of the roads, and breaks. The average speed while driving on the highways is around 60-70 km/h. Long drives take a lot of planning in terms of sustenance and pre-planned rest stops. For families traveling with elderly members, it is ideal to break up the journey with overnight stays in preferred travel locations or travel in a vehicle that offers ample leg space.

Routes Overview

From Bangalore to Shirdi, there are two main ways to reach:

Route 1: Bangalore → Hyderabad → Shirdi via NH 44 & NH 65

Route 2: Bangalore → Pune → Shirdi via NH 44 & NH 52

Both routes have their differences. While Route 1 has better roads with fewer interchanges, Route 2 has more natural beauty despite being longer. Route 2 is optimal if you want to sightsee or take overnight stops. When choosing a route, do take into consideration the tolls, rest areas, and the condition of the highways.

Route 1: NH-75, NH-50, NH-548C, NH-65, NH-60

Along this route, you will come across important towns such as Tumkur, Ballari, and Solapur. It's the preferred option as it has uninterrupted highways, greater fuel station distribution, and a reasonable overall standard of road infrastructure. Rest stops, service stations, and roadside restaurants are located throughout the route. This route is favored by both religious pilgrims and drivers in the logistics industry because of the ease of navigation and optimal drivability, facilitating fast travel between Bangalore and Shirdi.

Route 2: NH-48, NH-50, NH-52, SH-60

Although this route is slightly longer, it goes through Pune and has picturesque views. It is suited for people who would like to do some sightseeing, or those who want an overnight stay at a city that welcomes tourists. However, the route involves some road deviations and may not meet other travelers' expectations in terms of smoothness, as it is bumpy in some areas. Anyone driving for leisure, especially with school-aged children, will likely find the additional scenic route entertaining. Other drivers should expect city congestion, especially in the Pune area, during rush hour.

Best Route Comparison

When comparing the two main routes from Bangalore to Shirdi, the NH-75, NH-50, NH-548C, NH-65, and NH-60 route offers a shorter distance of approximately 980 km, mostly along national highways with more frequent fuel stations and rest stops, making it ideal for non-stop or quicker trips. In contrast, the NH-48, NH-50, NH-52, and SH-60 routes are slightly longer but offer more scenic views and pass through Pune, which is great for overnight halts. While both routes involve tolls—typically 8–12 booths with charges ranging between ₹900 to ₹1200—the Pune route may involve more detours and mixed road quality. Travelers should choose based on driving preference, stopover plans, and convenience.

By Car

For those looking to enjoy a flexible and personal road trip from Bangalore to Shirdi, a car provides unparalleled convenience. This mode of transportation allows for effortless exploration of off-the-beaten-path attractions at one's own pace. Ensure that your vehicle undergoes a comprehensive service prior to departure, and that you take along necessary items such as spare tires, coolant, and vehicle documentation. Having a GPS or offline maps is strongly advised. Driving a personal vehicle enables effortless access to numerous spiritual and cultural attractions located along the way.

By Bus

The most affordable and easiest way to travel from Bangalore to Shirdi is by Bus. It takes around 18 to 20 hours, with time varying due to traffic and rest stops. Operators like KSRTC and Tejas Travels offer sleeper and AC buses with comfortable seating options. This is the best option for solo travelers or small groups who wish to avoid driving long distances and wish to have a set itinerary.

Visit Tejas Travels - www.tejastravels.com

By Mini Bus / Tempo Traveller

Minibuses or tempo travelers are perfect for larger families or pilgrims. Long journeys are made simple with trained drivers from Tejas Travels who provide comfortable and well-maintained vehicles. Rentals cost ₹20–₹35 per km, depending on the vehicle and amenities. Seats are spacious, and there is plenty of luggage room, which helps foster a relaxed environment for group traveling. The entire trip is made easy with a shared sense of spirituality.

By Train

Kopargaon is the nearest railway station, located about 20 km from Shirdi. Passengers taking the Karnataka Express or Coimbatore-Sainagar Shirdi Express have flexible and stress-free options for long-distance travel from Bangalore. After arriving in Kopargaon, locals can hire autos or taxis to get to the temple. This option is perfect for the elderly or those who wish to spend more time traveling.

1-Day Drive Plan (Non-stop)

The journey can be completed in optimal time if the driver is experienced and starts early at 4–5 AM to beat traffic. A single driver will likely need to schedule 3–4 short breaks for meals, fuel, and rest. Staying hydrated and avoiding high-risk overtaking and driving while fatigued is a necessity. Younger drivers, who the plan seems more suited to dual-driver setups accustomed to long stretches without breaks, can follow this plan.

2-Day Drive Plan

Splitting the drive for increased comfort allows one to preplan an overnight stop at either Solapur, Pune, or Hyderabad based on their route. They’re all well-equipped with accommodation from Treebo or OYO, as well as Kamat or Sai Bhavan. Families with kids or elderly citizens on pilgrimage will find this plan more favorable. Driving 450–550 km on Day 1 enables easy rest overnight, allowing the driver to set off the next morning feeling refreshed.

Scenic Detours or Quick Stops

Regardless, the Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are worthwhile detours for pilgrims and are conveniently located near Aurangabad. Educational forts around Solapur are also a great stop, along with the local temples and cultural centers. These stops improve the overall experience and serve as great stories. Those wishing to visit Pune while integrating faith and culture should strongly consider these sights.

During your trip, fuel stations such as IOCL, BPCL, and HP will be at your service. Food joints like McDonald’s, A2B, and Kamat are well known for rest stops that are clean and serve good food. There can be 8 to 12 toll booths with a toll cost of about ₹900-₹1200 in total. Make sure you carry coins and have a FASTag for easier access. All the mentioned comforts help you maintain cleanliness during long drives.

Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Journey

Avoid driving during October to March if you do not want to experience extreme fog. Try not to drive during the night on deserted roads. In the states of Karnataka or Maharashtra, follow the speed limits for the state. Contacts in case of an emergency are the police 100 and the NH helpline at 1033. Check if your car has coolant, a spare tire, a flashlight, a GPS, and relevant documents. If you are planning on long-distance drives, take breaks every 3 to 4 hours so that you do not get fatigued or drowsy.

Travel Options: Self-Drive vs Rental

Not all drivers are experienced, so self-driving cars might seem like a better option. Renting cars is convenient, too, because they do not add extra mileage to personal vehicles. Rental services like Zoomcar provide deliveries right to your door for hourly contracts. Packages that are budget-friendly for long drives are available from Revv and Drivezy. To compare rent options, see the daily price, km allowance, insurance fee, and more. For example, with the type of vehicle and service chosen, costs for a 3-day rental could rack up to anywhere between ₹6,000-₹10,000.

What to Expect Upon Reaching Shirdi

The Sai Baba Temple is available for visiting from 5 AM until 10 PM. Security is stringent, requiring phones and shoes to be kept in lockers. Attire should be modest as a sign of respect. Anticipate large gatherings during the weekend; weekdays are more relaxed. There are marked parking spots around the temple. Accommodation comes at places like Treebo and OYO, as well as local inexpensive lodges, which shelter all types of visitors from solo pilgrims to entire families.

Is the road from Bangalore to Shirdi safe for night travel?

Traveling at night is doable, but it's not advisable because of lonely patches, insufficient street lights, and exhaustion risk. Driving during the day is much safer, especially if the person is not familiar with the route. This is especially important if travelling with children.

How many tolls are there between Bangalore and Shirdi?

Depending on the route you choose, there may be 8 to 12 toll booths. The total toll charges are expected to be between ₹900 and ₹1200, so be sure to bring cash or a FASTag for effortless travel.

Which is the shortest route from Bangalore to Shirdi?

The fastest route is through the highways NH-75, NH-50, NH-548C, NH-65, and NH-60. This route is the most preferred as it is more direct, has better quality roads, and is quicker.

Is it safe to travel to Shirdi with family by car?

Driving to Shirdi with family is generally considered safe. While driving, be sure to use the highways, avoid traveling at night, take regular breaks, ensure the car is in a drivable condition with emergency supplies, and be equipped with GPS.