Getting Around Nanded
Nanded is a city in Maharashtra on the banks of the Godavari, split into an older quarter on the north bank and a newer area to the south. It draws large numbers of religious pilgrims, most of them bound for Hazur Sahib, one of the Panj Takhts of Sikhi. For a visitor, the practical picture is simple: there is no metro or tram system, so day-to-day movement relies on auto-rickshaws, taxis and private cars, with a limited local bus network filling in the gaps.
How Tourists Move Around the City
Because the local bus network is weak, most visitors get around by road in small vehicles. Auto-rickshaws, taxis and private cars are the realistic choices for short visits, and they are easy to find at the places you are most likely to arrive at: the railway station, the bus stand and the airport.
- Auto-rickshaws are widely available on city streets and at the railway station, bus stand and airport. They suit short distances and quick city commutes, and can also be hired by the hour or on a rental basis for longer errands.
- Taxis and private cars offer door-to-door service and are the better option for families, groups, heavy luggage or flexible itineraries.
- Walking works for short hops within a neighbourhood, but the city is spread across two banks of the Godavari, so you should not expect to cover it on foot.
Rail
Nanded is well connected by rail, and the train is the reliable choice for long-distance travel. The main station is Hazur Sahib Nanded railway station, which sits on the Secunderabad–Manmad line under the Nanded railway division of the South Central Railway zone. Maltekdi railway station is a second station serving the city.
Direct trains link Nanded with Mumbai, Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Nagpur, Patna, Delhi, Pune, Sriganganagar in Rajasthan and Amritsar. The Vande Bharat Express also connects Nanded to major cities, cutting travel times noticeably. Buy tickets the usual Indian Railways way — online in advance or at the station — and book early for long routes, since services are limited and demand from pilgrims is steady.
Metro and Tram
There is no metro, tram or subway in Nanded. Local travel depends entirely on buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles, so plan your days around road transport rather than expecting rapid transit.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Local and state-run buses serve Nanded city and the surrounding areas, and they are the cheapest way to get around for daily commuting and budget travel. The catch is frequency: service is minimal, so you should treat buses as a fallback rather than your main plan.
For longer journeys, inter-city and regional buses are a strong option. MSRTC buses connect Nanded to many cities across Maharashtra, while TSRTC buses link it to cities in neighbouring Telangana. These services run frequently, are reasonably priced and fairly punctual, though comfort varies greatly from operator to operator. Seats can be booked online in advance, and overnight services give easy connectivity with almost every major city in Maharashtra.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Cabs and private taxis are available in the city and at the airport, railway station and bus stand. Fares are typically a base fare plus a distance-based charge, varying with the type of vehicle, so agree on the fare or confirm the meter before you set off. For a group with luggage, a car works out simpler than several autos.
Auto-rickshaw fares are similarly structured: a modest base charge plus a per-kilometre rate for short rides, with higher rates for hourly or rental trips. Autos are the budget-friendly choice for solo travellers and short commutes.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC) handles domestic flights and is close to central Nanded — a short taxi ride of only a few minutes. Taxis and cabs are available at the airport, and auto-rickshaws also pick up there.
Two things to plan around: flight schedules are limited, so check timetables well ahead, and the airport's small size means you should not count on a wide choice of onward transport late at night. If your flight is early or late, arranging a cab in advance is the safer bet. For international connections, the nearest international airport is in Hyderabad, a long road transfer away.
Practical Tips
- For short visits, rely on taxis, cabs, autos or a hired private car — the local bus network is too thin to build a day around.
- Budget and solo travellers: use autos for short in-city hops, and rail or inter-city buses for anything longer.
- For long-distance travel, trains (including the Vande Bharat Express) and state or inter-city buses are the dependable options.
- Book inter-city bus seats online in advance, especially around pilgrimage periods when Nanded's visitor numbers swell.
- Confirm fares before you travel, since both autos and cabs price by base fare plus distance.