This Pune to Shirdi Travel Hack Will Save You Time and Money!

Traveling from Pune to Shirdi—the sacred town renowned for Sai Baba’s temple—can be both a spiritual and logistical journey. But what if you could optimize your trip in a way that saves both time and money, without compromising comfort or convenience?

After extensive research and traveler insights, we’ve compiled the ultimate travel hack for your Pune to Shirdi adventure.

🚆 Best Travel Modes: Optimizing Time and Cost

When planning your journey, the first major decision is choosing how to travel. Between buses, trains, taxis, and self-drive options, the choices are many—but not all are created equal in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

1. MSRTC Shivneri + Local Cab Combo (Most Efficient Hack)

The ultimate hack? Combine premium MSRTC Shivneri buses from Pune to Ahmednagar with a local shared cab from Ahmednagar to Shirdi.

• Pune to Ahmednagar via Shivneri (AC Volvo): ₹400–₹500, 3.5 hours

• Ahmednagar to Shirdi Shared Cab: ₹100–₹150, 1.5 hours

Total Cost: ₹550–₹650Total Time: ~5 hoursPerks: Comfortable, affordable, well-timed departures, multiple service points

This method is significantly cheaper than direct cabs and faster than local buses, making it the best balance of comfort, affordability, and speed.

🚖 Why Direct Cabs Are Not Always the Smart Choice

While a door-to-door cab sounds tempting, especially for groups, it’s not always cost-effective.

• Pune to Shirdi one-way cab fare: ₹2,500–₹3,500

• Travel Time: ~5 hours (depending on traffic)

Direct cabs offer flexibility and privacy, but for solo travelers or couples, this option significantly increases the per-head cost. Additionally, cabs during weekends or festival seasons often spike in pricing due to demand surges.

🚌 Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Government and Private Buses

For those looking to save even more, state transport buses (MSRTC) and private non-AC buses are options worth considering.

• Fare: ₹200–₹400

• Time: 6–7 hours

• Drawbacks: Limited legroom, less comfort, more stops

Pro tip: Opt for overnight buses to save on a night's accommodation and arrive in Shirdi early, maximizing your temple visit.

🚗 Self-Drive Car Rentals: Freedom With Caveats

If you enjoy road trips and spontaneity, consider renting a car.

• Rental Cost (One Day): ₹1,500–₹2,000 (excluding fuel)

• Fuel: ~₹800 (round trip)

• Total: ₹2,300–₹2,800

Caution: Tolls, parking hassles near the temple, and the stress of driving long-distance may offset the benefits for some travelers.

🛣️ Route Breakdown: The Fastest and Smoothest Roads

The best route is via NH60 (Pune-Nashik Highway):

• Route: Pune → Chakan → Rajgurunagar → Alephata → Sangamner → Shirdi

• Distance: ~190 km

• Best Time to Leave Pune: 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM to avoid traffic congestion

This route offers smooth roads, plenty of rest stops, and excellent dhabas (roadside eateries).

🕌 Shirdi Darshan Tips: Maximize Your Temple Visit

Once you reach Shirdi, timing is key. The temple gets crowded during weekends and Thursdays.

Pro Tips for Darshan:

• Online Darshan Pass: Book via Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir Official Website

• Best Time for Darshan: Between 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and post 9:00 PM

• Avoid Peak Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM on weekends

Don’t Miss:

• Dwarkamai – where Baba spent most of his time

• Chavadi – his resting place on alternate nights

• Sai Baba Museum – full of relics and his personal items

  
  

🍽️ Best Pit Stops and Food Joints on the Way

Quality food can be hard to find on highway stretches unless you know where to stop. Here are some gems:

• Sai Food Court (Sangamner): Clean restrooms and great South Indian meals

• Hotel Vaibhav Garden Restaurant (Alephata): Delicious thalis and quick service

• CCD (Chakan Toll): Light snacks, coffee, and clean restrooms

Pro Tip: Always carry water, light snacks, and some cash—mobile network and UPI might not work in remote stretches.

🧳 Essential Travel Packing List for Shirdi

For a smooth experience, don’t forget these:

• Comfortable footwear (you’ll be standing in queues)

• Portable charger/power bank

• Small change/cash for local vendors

• Umbrella or cap (depending on season)

• Photo ID for hotel check-in

• Online ticket printout or screenshot

  
  

📱 Top Travel Apps for a Hassle-Free Trip

Make your trip tech-savvy with these apps:

• IRCTC Rail Connect: For train bookings

• MSRTC Official App: Bus schedules and seat bookings

• Google Maps: Live traffic updates

• Zomato/Swiggy: For food options en route

• Paytm/PhonePe: For quick toll and fuel payments

💡 Final Travel Hack: Make It a Two-Day Trip

If you have flexibility, turn your Shirdi trip into a two-day escape. On Day 2, consider visiting:

• Shani Shingnapur – Just 70 km away, famous for houses without doors

• Nashik – Home to vineyards, temples, and the Godavari riverfront

Doing so ensures a more relaxed experience and deeper spiritual or cultural enrichment.

📅 Best Time to Travel from Pune to Shirdi

• Ideal Months: November to February (cool and pleasant)

• Avoid: May (extreme heat) and heavy monsoon weeks (July-August)

• Festival Tip: Avoid major Hindu festivals unless attending for religious reasons—the crowd surges can quadruple wait times.

  
  

Conclusion: The Ultimate Time + Money Saver

The Pune to Shirdi travel hack of combining MSRTC Shivneri buses with local shared transport not only saves significant money but also provides a stress-free, timely, and comfortable journey. Whether you’re on a spiritual quest or a quick weekend getaway, this method ensures you get the best of both affordability and efficiency.