Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, has transformed into one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations — especially after the grand consecration of the Ram Mandir in January 2024. Whether you’re a devotee seeking darshan or a history lover tracing ancient civilisations, the first question on your mind is: how to reach Ayodhya?
This complete travel guide covers everything you need to know about reaching Ayodhya by train, flight, and road — from any city in India.
How to Reach Ayodhya: Quick Overview
| Mode | Best For | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Budget & comfort travellers | ₹200 – ₹2,500 |
| Flight | Travellers from distant cities | ₹2,500 – ₹8,000+ |
| Road / Bus | Flexible, nearby travellers | ₹150 – ₹1,500 |
How to Reach Ayodhya by Train
The train is widely considered the best way to reach Ayodhya, offering a blend of comfort, affordability, and a scenic journey through the Gangetic plains. Ayodhya has two key railway stations:
- Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) – The main and upgraded station, well-connected to major cities.
- Ayodhya Cantt Railway Station – A secondary station, useful for passengers from certain directions.
Major Train Routes to Ayodhya
Delhi to Ayodhya by Train Several trains connect Delhi to Ayodhya, including the prestigious Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express. The journey covers approximately 690 km and takes around 7–8 hours. Delhi to Ayodhya trains are among the most frequently searched routes.
Mumbai to Ayodhya by Train The Saket Express is considered one of the fastest options from Mumbai, covering the distance in approximately 26 hours. Passengers can also look for weekly superfast trains with Ayodhya/Faizabad as a destination.
Lucknow to Ayodhya by Train This is one of the easiest connections — Lucknow is just 128 km from Ayodhya. Multiple passenger and express trains run daily on this route, making it a convenient day-trip option too.
Other Key Rail Distances
- Gorakhpur → Ayodhya: ~171 km
- Prayagraj → Ayodhya: ~157 km
- Varanasi → Ayodhya: ~196 km
Tips for Train Travel to Ayodhya
- Book tickets early on the IRCTC website, especially during festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali when trains fill up fast.
- Indian Railways has announced nearly 200 Aastha Special trains connecting 66 cities directly to Ayodhya for pilgrims.
- On arrival, autorickshaws, e-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available outside Ayodhya Dham Junction to take you to Ram Mandir and other sites.
How to Reach Ayodhya by Flight
Air travel is the fastest way to reach Ayodhya, especially for travellers coming from South India or far-off metros. The city now has its own dedicated airport, making flying to Ayodhya easier than ever before.
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham (AYJ)
Inaugurated in December 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this airport is a landmark in itself. Its terminal architecture mirrors the iconic Ram Mandir — an experience that begins your spiritual journey the moment you land.
- IATA Code: AYJ
- Location: Approximately 8–10 km from Ram Mandir, along NH-27 (Gorakhpur–Lucknow highway)
- Managed by: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Terminal Capacity: 300 passengers per peak hour
Airlines & Direct Flights to Ayodhya
Both IndiGo and Air India Express currently operate from Ayodhya airport, connecting the city to major metros. Destinations with direct flights include:
- Delhi → Ayodhya: 3–4 flights daily, ~1.5 hours
- Mumbai → Ayodhya: 1–2 flights daily, ~2.5 hours
- Bengaluru → Ayodhya: 1 flight daily
- Ahmedabad → Ayodhya: 110-minute direct flight
- Kolkata, Chennai, Darbhanga, Jaipur, Patna, Dehradun — also connected
From Lucknow Airport (LKO) as Alternate Option If you can’t find a direct flight to AYJ, Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is another great option, located about 130–135 km from Ayodhya. From Lucknow, you can hire a cab (₹1,500–₹2,000) or take a state bus to reach Ayodhya in about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Tips for Flying to Ayodhya
- Book flights well in advance for January–February and festive periods — seat availability drops fast.
- From Ayodhya Airport (AYJ), pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs are available to reach the city centre.
- For international travellers, connect through Delhi or Mumbai and take a domestic flight onward to AYJ.
How to Reach Ayodhya by Road
Road travel to Ayodhya is ideal for travellers from nearby Uttar Pradesh cities or those who enjoy the flexibility of driving through the heartland of India.
By Bus
Regular state-run UP Roadways buses and private luxury coaches connect Ayodhya to major cities:
- Lucknow (130 km) – Frequent buses, 2–3 hours
- Prayagraj / Allahabad (155 km)
- Varanasi (200 km)
- Delhi – Overnight private buses available
By Car / Self-Drive
- From Delhi: ~690 km via NH-19. Recommended stopover: Agra (Taj Mahal is worth the detour).
- From Mumbai: ~1,480 km via NH-48. Stopovers in Surat, Ujjain, and Jhansi make the road trip memorable.
- From Kolkata: ~880 km via NH-19. Varanasi en route adds a spiritual bonus.
The roads around Ayodhya — especially the NH-27 and NH-330 — are well-developed and in excellent condition, making driving to Ayodhya a smooth experience.
Local Transport in Ayodhya
Once you’re in Ayodhya, getting around is easy and affordable:
- E-rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws – Most popular for short distances between temples
- Auto Rickshaws – Widely available near railway station and bus stands
- Tonga (Horse Cart) – A traditional, memorable way to explore old Ayodhya
- Taxis & Cabs – Available for hire via apps or at major stands
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
- October to March – Ideal weather for sightseeing and pilgrimage
- Ram Navami (March/April) – Grandest festival, massive crowds, book transport months ahead
- Diwali (October/November) – Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is a UNESCO-recognised event, millions of diyas lit across the ghats
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to arrive on the Vande Bharat Express watching the sunrise over paddy fields, fly into the stunning Ram Mandir-inspired terminal at AYJ, or take a road trip through the sacred lanes of Uttar Pradesh — reaching Ayodhya is the beginning of an experience that stays with you long after you return home.
Plan your visit, book your tickets early, and let Ayodhya’s timeless spirituality do the rest.
For more travel guides, itineraries, and destination tips, keep exploring TravelPlaces.in
FAQs About Ayodhya
What is the nearest airport to Ayodhya?
The nearest airport is Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ), just 8–10 km from Ram Mandir. Lucknow Airport (LKO) is 130–135 km away and offers more flight options.
What is the best way to reach Ayodhya from Delhi?
By train, the Vande Bharat Express or Amrit Bharat Express is the most comfortable and affordable option (~7–8 hours). By flight, there are 3–4 daily flights taking just 1.5 hours.
Is there a direct train to Ayodhya from Mumbai?
Yes. The Saket Express is one of the most popular options from Mumbai, with a journey time of around 26 hours. Check IRCTC for updated schedules.
How far is Ayodhya from Lucknow?
Ayodhya is approximately 128–135 km from Lucknow — around 2.5 to 3 hours by road or train.
