India GOUjjain airport: how to fly in and reach the city
Ujjain has no airport of its own. The airport for the city is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore (IDR), about 55 km away; official sites give anything from 53 to 58 km. From the terminal a taxi to Ujjain takes about an hour and a half and costs approximately ₹1,000–1,500; buses from Indore and the Indore–Ujjain train are the cheap options.
Indore airport (IDR), 55 km away
Ujjain has no airport of its own; Indore takes flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and the last stretch is an hour and a half of road.
Simhastha 2028 runs 27 March to 27 May: for those two months the city's ordinary transport logic does not apply.
Indore airport (IDR)
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is the busiest airport in Central India, 8 km west of Indore city at Bijasen Tekri, with night landings since 2018. It serves as the main airport for the pilgrimages to Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain and to Omkareshwar. Direct flights come in from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and the temple committee also lists Jaipur and Ahmedabad among its connections.
Bhopal is the other city people ask about. It is about 180 km from Ujjain by rail, with frequent trains taking about 2.5–3.5 hours, so it only makes sense if you are already there.
From Indore airport to Ujjain
Three ways to cover the last stretch. Fares are approximate.
- Taxi from the terminal
About 1.5 hours and approximately ₹1,000–1,500. Prebooked transfers start around ₹1,049, and Uber Intercity asks about the same. For a night landing, book in advance.
- Bus from Indore
About 2 hours and approximately ₹100–150. Buses leave every 15–30 minutes, so there is no timetable to catch.
- Train from Indore Junction
The cheapest way: from about ₹50 and 1–1.5 hours from Indore Jn to Ujjain Jn. Ujjain Junction is about 2 km from Mahakaleshwar; see the Ujjain railway station page.
Landing late, or flying in for Bhasma Aarti
If you land at night, have the taxi arranged before you fly. The same goes for a pre-dawn start: for the 4:00 am Bhasma Aarti, book the ride through your hotel the evening before, because autos do work at night near the station but with a surcharge and not always where you are staying. Bhasma Aarti itself needs a booking made in advance on the temple's official website; details are on the Ujjain aarti page.
The other way in: the night train
For many travellers the easier route is not a flight at all. Ujjain Junction takes night trains that land in the morning: the Malwa Express from New Delhi in about 15 hours (sleeper approximately ₹500–600, 3AC ₹1,300–1,500) and the Avantika Express from Mumbai in about 12 hours (sleeper from about ₹455). AC sleeper buses from Delhi take about 13 hours. Sleepers on these trains open 60 days ahead and sell out first. All the options are compared on the how to get to Ujjain page.
Flying in from abroad
Indore has only a few international routes, and they change. Most travellers from abroad connect through Delhi or Mumbai, both of which have direct flights to Indore and night trains straight to Ujjain.
FAQ
Does Ujjain have an airport?
Not one with its own flights. The nearest is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore (IDR), about 55 km away.
How far is Mahakal Temple from Indore airport?
About 55 km (official sites give 53–58 km). A taxi takes about an hour and a half; Ujjain Junction is about 2 km from the temple if you go by train.
How do I get from Indore airport to Mahakal?
By taxi from the terminal (approximately ₹1,000–1,500), by bus from Indore (approximately ₹100–150, every 15–30 minutes) or by train from Indore Junction (from about ₹50).
Is Indore near Ujjain?
Yes, about 53–55 km. Indore is the airport city for Ujjain and the usual fallback base when Ujjain is full.
How far is Ujjain from Bhopal?
About 180 km by rail, with frequent trains taking about 2.5–3.5 hours.
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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