Cheapest Way to Reach Shirdi from South India: A Comparison for Budget Travelers (2026) -

Cheapest Way to Reach Shirdi from South India: A Comparison for Budget Travelers (2026)

Planning a pilgrimage to Shirdi doesn’t have to break the bank. For devotees traveling from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, or Kerala, there are several ways to balance cost and comfort. Here is a definitive budget comparison for 2026 to help you choose the best route for your wallet.

🚀 Budget Snapshot: 2026 Price Comparison

Mode of Transport	Avg. Cost (Per Person)	Travel Time	Best For
Non-AC Sleeper Train	₹665 – ₹750	24 – 28 Hours	Absolute Budget Travelers
Intercity Bus (Sleeper)	₹1,150 – ₹1,800	18 – 22 Hours	Last-minute bookings
3rd AC Train	₹1,690 – ₹2,000	24 – 28 Hours	Families seeking comfort
Connecting Flight	₹4,900 – ₹7,000	4 – 8 Hours	Saving time on a budget

🚆 1. The Undisputed Winner: The Railway Route

Trains remain the most economical way to reach Shirdi from South Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Madurai.

Chennai to Shirdi: The MAS SNSI SF Express (22601) is the cheapest option. A Sleeper Class ticket costs just ₹665, while 3rd AC is approximately ₹1,690.
Bangalore to Shirdi: Multiple weekly trains and daily connections via Manmad or Solapur offer Sleeper berths starting at ₹550 – ₹700.
Pro-Tip: Book exactly 120 days in advance on the IRCTC portal to secure these low rates, as Shirdi trains sell out almost instantly.

🚌 2. The Flexible Alternative: Long-Distance Buses

If you miss the train booking window, private and state-run buses (like KSRTC or VRL) are your next best bet.

Bangalore to Shirdi: Direct AC/Non-AC Sleeper buses start at ₹1,144. It’s faster than the train (approx. 19 hours) and drops you closer to the temple gate.
Chennai/Madurai: There are fewer direct buses; most travelers take a bus to Pune or Mumbai (starting at ₹1,200) and then a local Maharashtra State Transport (MSRTC) bus to Shirdi for ₹300.

✈️ 3. The “Smart” Budget Move: Connecting Flights

While “cheap” and “flight” don’t usually go together, 2026 has seen competitive pricing for connecting flights.

The Layover Hack: Direct flights from Chennai or Bangalore to Shirdi can be expensive. However, connecting flights via Hyderabad or Bengaluru often cost 25-35% less, sometimes as low as ₹4,900.
Value Addition: When you factor in the cost of 4 days of food on a train vs. a 4-hour flight, the flight “value” becomes very competitive for working professionals.

🏡 4. Saving on Stay: Shirdi’s Low-Cost Accommodations

Reaching cheaply is only half the battle. Here is how to stay for less:

Shri Saibaba Sansthan Bhakti Niwas: The official ashrams offer rooms starting at ₹200 – ₹500. These must be booked on the official online.sai.org.in portal 30 days in advance.
Budget Private Hotels: Hotels like Hotel Sachidanand or Hotel Yogiraj offer clean rooms starting from ₹850 – ₹1,200 and often provide free South Indian breakfast.

🛡️ Why Budget Travelers Prefer ShirdiTemple.com?

Even on a budget, logistics can be messy. We offer:

Train + Stay Packages: We handle the difficult IRCTC bookings and pair them with budget-friendly, high-quality stays.
Group Discounts: If traveling with a group of 10+, we can offer rates that beat individual DIY planning.