Trimbakeshwar, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, sits roughly 28 km west of Nashik at the foot of Brahmagiri hill. For lakhs of pilgrims every year, the MSRTC (ST) bus is the cheapest and most dependable way to reach the temple town. Buses leave Nashik at a very high frequency through the day, so even without a reservation you rarely wait more than 15–20 minutes for a departure. This guide covers the current timetable, fares, boarding points, bus types and everything else you need for a smooth darshan trip in 2026.
Nashik to Trimbakeshwar Route at a Glance
| Distance | ~28 km from Nashik CBS |
| Journey Time | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Fare (Ordinary) | Approx. ₹30–40 |
| First Bus | Around 5:00 AM from Nashik CBS |
| Last Bus | Around 9:00 PM from Nashik CBS |
| Frequency | Every 15–20 minutes |
| Departure Stand | Nashik CBS / Mela (Old CBS) stand — not Nashik Road |
Nashik to Trimbakeshwar Bus Timetable 2026
Because this is a shuttle-style route, MSRTC does not publish a fixed departure chart the way it does for long-distance services. Buses simply keep rotating between the two towns from early morning until night.
| Direction | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashik CBS → Trimbakeshwar | 5:00 AM | 9:00 PM | Every 15–20 min | ₹30–40 |
| Trimbakeshwar → Nashik | 5:30 AM | 8:30 PM | Every 15–20 min | ₹30–40 |
Please note: departure times shift with season, festival rush and depot planning. Before travelling, confirm the first and last bus at the Nashik CBS enquiry window (0253-2574266) or through official MSRTC channels, especially if you are catching a late-evening return.
Where to Board in Nashik
Trimbakeshwar buses operate from the Nashik CBS / Mela stand area near Dwarka Circle in the old city, which handles most short local routes. Do not go to Nashik Road bus stand (near the railway station) for this route — it primarily serves outbound long-distance traffic. If you arrive by train at Nashik Road, take a city bus or auto-rickshaw to CBS (about 8–9 km) and board there. Long-distance travellers connecting from routes that terminate at the New CBS can check the Thakkar Bazar bus stand timetable and then hop across to the old CBS for the Trimbakeshwar shuttle.
On the Trimbakeshwar side, the ST stand is barely a 10-minute walk from the temple’s main entrance queue, and shared auto-rickshaws cover the stretch for a nominal amount. Details of onward village services from the town are listed on the Trimbakeshwar local bus stand page.
Bus Types and Approximate Fares
- Ordinary / Lal Pari: The workhorse of this route. Non-AC, frequent, and costs roughly ₹30–40 one way.
- Semi-Luxury: Occasionally deployed during festival rush; expect around ₹45–55.
- City (Citilink) service: Nashik’s city bus network also runs a Trimbakeshwar service from the Nashik Road side; fares differ from ST buses.
All figures above are indicative and change whenever MSRTC revises its fare table, so treat them as a budgeting guide rather than an exact price.
Shravan, Mondays and Kumbh Mela Rush
Crowd levels swing dramatically on this route. During the Shravan month (roughly July–August), on Mahashivratri, and on every Shravan Monday, both the temple and the buses see enormous rush — MSRTC usually adds extra departures, but expect standing-room journeys and long darshan queues. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar every 12 years (next around 2026–27), transforms the corridor entirely, with special shuttle fleets and diverted boarding points. Outside these peaks, weekday mornings are the calmest time to travel and to get darshan quickly.
Ticket Booking and Concessions
For this short shuttle route, almost everyone buys the ticket from the conductor on board or at the CBS counter — advance reservation is neither needed nor generally offered. That said, MSRTC’s official reservation website and mobile app remain useful for onward long-distance legs from Nashik. Remember the corporation’s standard concessions: senior citizens travel at a substantial discount under state schemes, and women passengers receive the Mahila discount on fares in ordinary services. Carry a valid photo ID to claim either benefit.
Quick Travel Tips
- Start before 8:00 AM if you want a comfortable seat and shorter temple queues.
- Keep small change handy for the conductor.
- Footwear stands and cloakrooms near the temple fill up fast on Mondays.
- If you plan the Brahmagiri trek to the Godavari’s source, budget 2–3 extra hours and catch a return bus well before the last departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Nashik to Trimbakeshwar bus take?
Typically 45 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic near Nashik city and the halts en route.
Which bus stand in Nashik has Trimbakeshwar buses?
The old Nashik CBS / Mela stand near Dwarka Circle. Nashik Road bus stand does not operate the regular ST shuttle on this route.
Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
No. Buses run every 15–20 minutes, and tickets are issued on board or at the counter just before departure.
What is the last bus back from Trimbakeshwar to Nashik?
Usually around 8:30 PM, but this can change seasonally — confirm at the Trimbakeshwar stand when you arrive so you are not stranded.
How much does the ticket cost?
An ordinary bus ticket costs roughly ₹30–40 one way. Fares are revised periodically, so treat this as approximate.
Is the temple far from the Trimbakeshwar bus stand?
No — it is about a 10-minute walk, and shared autos are available if you prefer a ride.
This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by MSRTC; always verify timings and fares through official sources before travel.
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