Booking a cab from Akkalkot to Solapur (or vice versa) is the most common transport question for pilgrims visiting Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple. Solapur Junction is the nearest major railway station, and most devotees arrive there before continuing to Akkalkot by road. This guide gives you the latest 2026 fares, route details, and practical tips to find the cheapest reliable cab.
Quick Facts
- Distance: ~39 km (varies between 38-41 km depending on the exact route)
- Travel time: ~1 hour by car under normal traffic
- Highway: NH150E - well-maintained, mostly four-lane
- Best time to travel: Early morning (4-7 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid mid-day heat and traffic
Cab Fare Comparison (2026 Pricing)
Fares vary significantly based on the operator, vehicle type, time of day, and whether you book one-way or round-trip. Here's what you can expect for the Akkalkot-Solapur route:
Sedan (Dzire, Etios, Amaze)
- One-way fare: ₹1,300 - ₹2,058 depending on the operator
- Round-trip: ₹2,200 - ₹3,500 (with 4-hour wait time)
- Per km rate: ₹9 - ₹12 per km
- Comfortable for: 3-4 passengers with 2-3 small bags
SUV (Innova, Ertiga, XUV)
- One-way fare: ₹2,200 - ₹3,000
- Round-trip: ₹3,800 - ₹5,500
- Per km rate: ₹14 - ₹18 per km
- Comfortable for: 6-7 passengers, ideal for families
Tempo Traveller (12-seater)
- One-way fare: ₹3,500 - ₹5,000
- Round-trip: ₹6,500 - ₹9,000
- Best for: Group pilgrimages of 8-12 people
Shared / Pool Cabs
Services like Uber Intercity offer per-seat shared rides starting from approximately ₹785 per person. This is the cheapest option but availability is limited and you'll share the ride with strangers. Best for solo travelers on a budget.
Route Details (NH150E)
The Akkalkot to Solapur drive follows NH150E almost the entire way. The road is well-maintained and largely four-lane, making it a comfortable drive even for first-time visitors. Key points along the route:
- 0 km: Akkalkot Swami Samarth Temple
- 5 km: Akkalkot Bus Stand area
- 15 km: Mandrup village (small chai stops)
- 25 km: Naldurg / Hotgi area
- 35 km: Solapur city outskirts
- 39 km: Solapur Junction Railway Station
Festival Day Surge Pricing
On major festival days, cab fares double or even triple due to demand surge. Here's what to expect:
- Gurupurnima (July): Sedan fares can hit ₹3,000-₹4,500 one-way. Many operators stop accepting bookings 48 hours before because they're fully reserved.
- Ram Navami (March/April): 50-80% surge. Pre-booking 1 week in advance is essential.
- Datta Jayanti (December): Similar to Ram Navami - 50-80% surge.
- Weekends in November-February (peak tourist season): 20-30% surge.
How to Find the Cheapest Reliable Cab
Option 1: Pre-Book via Swamikshetr
Booking through Swamikshetr's cab service locks in regular pricing even on festival days, because we partner with local Akkalkot drivers directly without intermediary commissions. You also get the same driver throughout your stay if you book multiple days, which means better service and predictable pricing.
Option 2: Aggregator Apps
Apps like Uber Intercity, Ola Outstation, MakeMyTrip, and Cabbazar offer convenience and reviews, but their prices fluctuate dynamically based on demand. They're a good fallback if you don't pre-book.
Option 3: Local Drivers at Solapur Station
You can find drivers waiting at Solapur Junction. Bargaining is normal -- expect to pay ₹1,500-₹1,800 for a sedan after negotiation. Risk: drivers may quote inflated prices to first-time visitors. Always confirm the price before getting in.
Option 4: MSRTC State Transport Bus
Cheapest option at ₹70-₹100. Buses run every 15-30 minutes between Solapur and Akkalkot from 6 AM to 10 PM. Travel time is 1.5-2 hours including stops. Less comfortable for elderly pilgrims or those with luggage but unbeatable for budget-conscious travelers.
Pickup & Drop Locations
From Solapur
- Solapur Junction Railway Station (most common) - cab stand near Platform 1
- Solapur Central Bus Stand - 4 km from railway station
- Solapur Airport (limited flights) - 10 km from city center
To Akkalkot
- Swami Samarth Temple (most common drop point)
- Your accommodation (we recommend door-to-door service)
- Akkalkot Bus Stand
What's Typically Included in the Fare
- Driver allowance (no extra tips required, but appreciated)
- Fuel cost
- One-way toll charges (NH150E has minimal tolls)
- GST
What's Usually NOT Included
- Wait time over 30 minutes (charged separately at ₹100-₹200/hour)
- Inter-state taxes (not applicable for Akkalkot-Solapur route)
- Parking fees at the temple
- Driver's meals on long round trips
Booking Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
- Always confirm the price upfront before getting in. Get it in writing via SMS or WhatsApp if booking through a local driver.
- Book 24-48 hours in advance for normal days, 1-2 weeks ahead for festival days.
- Carry small denomination cash. Many drivers prefer cash and may not have UPI or change for ₹2,000 notes.
- Save the driver's number after booking - useful if you need to extend your trip or change plans.
- Check the cab condition before starting. Aircon, seat belts, cleanliness all matter for a 1-hour drive.
- Avoid late-night travel on the Akkalkot-Solapur route. The highway is safe but small village sections can be poorly lit.
- For round trips, agree on wait time beforehand. Standard is 2-4 hours; longer waits cost extra.
Akkalkot to Other Destinations Cab Fare
If you're planning a wider pilgrimage circuit, here are approximate one-way cab fares from Akkalkot:
- Akkalkot to Pandharpur: ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 (110 km, ~2.5 hours)
- Akkalkot to Tuljapur: ₹2,800 - ₹3,800 (130 km, ~3 hours)
- Akkalkot to Gangapur: ₹3,500 - ₹4,500 (150 km, ~3.5 hours)
- Akkalkot to Pune: ₹5,500 - ₹7,000 (290 km, ~5-6 hours)
- Akkalkot to Hyderabad: ₹6,000 - ₹8,000 (310 km, ~6 hours)
Pre-Book Your Akkalkot Cab with Swamikshetr
Skip the hassle of negotiating with drivers at the railway station. Swamikshetr offers transparent, locked-in pricing for all Akkalkot routes. Pre-book your pickup from Solapur Junction and we'll have a verified driver waiting for you at the platform exit. Call +91-9657741525 or browse cab options online.