Indore to Ujjain Bus vs Taxi: What’s the Better Ride?
If you’re sitting in Indore and suddenly feel that pull toward Ujjain, maybe for Mahakaleshwar darshan, or just a peaceful getaway, you’re definitely not alone. Every day, hundreds of folks make that short trip, but there’s one question that always comes up: “Should I take the bus or book a cab?”
Now this might seem simple on the surface, but there’s actually a lot more to it. Comfort, timing, cost, luggage, darshan timings, it all adds up. And honestly, one option doesn’t fit everyone. So in this blog, we’ll walk you through both sides, no jargon, no fluff, just real talk so you can decide what actually works best for you.
Distance and Route: How Far is Ujjain from Indore?
Let’s start with the basics. Indore to Ujjain is around 55 to 60 km. Not too far, right? You’re looking at 1 to 1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic, time of day, and what vehicle you’re in.
Most cabs and buses take the Dewas route, which is smoother and a bit quicker. There’s also the Sanwer route, which is more local but works too if you’re coming from certain parts of Indore.
The roads are generally good, no major bumps unless there’s construction or monsoon mischief. So, no matter how you travel, it’s a ride that doesn’t really exhaust you.
Indore to Ujjain Bus Options: Affordable and Frequent
If you’re on a budget or maybe just used to public transport, buses are your go-to. The Indore to Ujjain bus service is super active. You’ll find buses literally throughout the day, from early morning till almost midnight.
And no, it’s not just the old-school dusty ones. You’ve got options:
- Non-AC local buses (₹60–₹100)
- AC sleepers and semi-sleepers (₹150–₹300)
- Private operators like Baneshwari, Jai Baba, or MP Tourism
- Departures from Sarwate Stand, ISBT, Teen Imli
But hey, while buses are easy on the wallet, they do come with their own quirks:
- No guaranteed seat unless booked
- Shared space (sometimes packed)
- Stops at fixed locations
- No control over halts or route
Still, for someone just looking to get from point A to B, and maybe catch some window scenes, it’s a solid option.
Taxi from Indore to Ujjain: Flexibility and Comfort at a Cost
Now, if you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with crowds or fixed timings, then cabs just make life easier. Whether it’s Ola, Uber, GoAD Cabs, or your regular travel guy, taxis are available pretty much 24/7.
A cab lets you:
- Leave when you want
- Pick your drop point (hotel, temple gate, ghat—wherever)
- Stop for chai or snacks on the way
- Keep your bags safely tucked in
For a one-way trip, expect to pay ₹700 to ₹1200 depending on the car type. Sedans are cheaper, SUVs a bit higher, and Tempo Travellers are good for 6–12 people. But here’s the thing: if you’re traveling with family or elders, especially for a religious trip, the extra comfort is worth every rupee.
Bonus: Early morning Mahakal darshan? Cabs are your only hope. Most buses don’t start that early.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table: Indore to Ujjain Bus vs Taxi
Here’s a quick snapshot so you don’t have to scroll back and forth:
Feature | Bus | Taxi |
Cost | ₹60 – ₹300 (One Way) | ₹1300 – ₹1600+ (One way) |
Travel Time | 1.5 – 2 hours | 1 – 1.5 hours |
Comfort | Shared, basic to moderate | Private, AC, flexible |
Booking | At counters or online apps | GoAD Cabs |
Luggage Space | Limited | Plenty (especially in SUV) |
Best For | Solo or budget-conscious folks | Families, groups, pilgrims |
Flexibility | Fixed stops & timing | Fully flexible, your ride, your time |
What About the Return Trip? Things You Should Know
A lot of people forget to plan the return until the last minute. Don’t do that.
If you’re taking a bus back to Indore, make sure you catch one before 10 PM. After that, options dry up and you might get stuck. Most buses return from the main bus stand or near Mahakaleshwar Temple.
If you booked a cab (smart choice), you can do:
- Same driver waits for 3–4 hours while you finish darshan
- Different cab for return (but you’ll pay extra)
- Round-trip package (usually cheaper overall)
And if you’re super tired after all that temple hopping? You’ll thank yourself for booking a taxi.
How to Reach Ujjain from Indore Airport
Now let’s tackle something a lot of outsiders Google like crazy, how to reach Ujjain from Indore Airport.
So here’s the deal:
- The airport is about 58 km from Ujjain
- There are no direct buses from the airport
- Your best option? Pre-book a cab (GoAD Cabs can even wait at arrivals with a placard if needed)
If you land late or have luggage or elders with you, dragging yourself to a bus stand is just not it. A taxi will drop you straight to your hotel or temple, no fuss. And for flights arriving super early or post-sunset, cabs are literally your only safe option.
Who Should Choose What?
Let’s simplify this even more. Here’s how to decide:
- Solo, backpacker, student?
Go for the bus. It’s cheap, reliable, and gets the job done. - Family or group trip?
A cab will save your energy and sanity, especially if you have elders or kids. - Religious travel (Mahakal darshan, Bhasma Aarti)?
Book a taxi. Timings matter here, and you don’t want to miss darshan due to bus delays. - Luggage-heavy or airport arrival?
Definitely taxi. You’ll thank yourself later.
So instead of asking “how to travel Indore to Ujjain?”, ask yourself, “what do I value more: budget or convenience?” The answer becomes clearer from there.
Final Verdict
If you’ve read this far, you already know, there’s no one-size-fits-all.
If you’re tight on budget and flexible with time? Hop on the bus. If you’re all about ease, comfort, and a smooth trip? Book that cab. And honestly, if you’re traveling with elders or coming in from Indore Airport, don’t think twice. Get a cab, sit back, and let the journey flow.