Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Ram, has emerged as one of India’s most spiritually significant and rapidly developing pilgrimage destinations. With the grand inauguration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, millions of devotees and travelers are planning their journey to this ancient city on the banks of the Saryu River.
To help you plan your visit efficiently, here’s the ultimate guide on how to reach Ayodhya—by air, train, road, and more—with detailed travel tips, distances from major cities, and local transport information.
How to Reach Ayodhya
By Air: Flights to Ayodhya
1. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (AYJ)
The newly inaugurated Ayodhya International Airport (also called Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram Airport) is located around 8-10 km from the Ram Mandir.
Key Highlights:
- Operational since January 2024
- Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Patna, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and more
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, and others expanding rapidly
This is the most convenient and fastest way to reach Ayodhya, especially for pilgrims flying in from metro cities.
2. Nearest Alternative Airports
If direct flights are unavailable from your city, consider:
- Lucknow Airport (LKO) – 135 km from Ayodhya
- Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) – 165 km from Ayodhya
- Varanasi Airport (VNS) – 200 km from Ayodhya
From these airports, taxis or buses are available to reach Ayodhya in 3–5 hours.
By Train: Ayodhya’s Railway Connectivity
Ayodhya is well-connected to major Indian cities via the Indian Railways network, with frequent trains running daily.
Main Railway Stations in Ayodhya:
- Ayodhya Junction (AY) – Closest to the Ram Temple
- Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) – Formerly Faizabad Junction; another major station
Popular Trains to Ayodhya:
- Ayodhya Express (Delhi – Ayodhya)
- Saryu Yamuna Express (Amritsar – Ayodhya)
- Howrah–Faizabad Express
- Sabarmati Express (Ahmedabad – Ayodhya)
- Kashi Vishwanath Express (Varanasi – Ayodhya)
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during festivals like Ram Navami, Diwali, and the Kumbh Mela season.
By Road: Bus & Car Travel to Ayodhya
Ayodhya is connected by an excellent road network with National Highways NH-27, NH-330, and NH-233 providing smooth access.
Inter-City Bus Connectivity:
You can find UPSRTC buses (Uttar Pradesh State Transport) and private Volvo buses from:
- Lucknow – 135 km, ~3.5 hours
- Varanasi – 200 km, ~5 hours
- Gorakhpur – 165 km, ~4 hours
- Prayagraj – 170 km, ~4 hours
- Delhi – 650 km, ~10–12 hours (overnight buses available)
Both AC and non-AC sleeper buses operate daily.
By Car or Taxi: Drive to Ayodhya
A road trip to Ayodhya offers comfort and flexibility, especially if traveling in groups or with family.
Approximate Distances & Drive Time:
| From City | Distance | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | 135 km | 3.5 hrs | NH-27, NH-330 |
| Varanasi | 200 km | 5 hrs | NH-19 → NH-330A |
| Prayagraj | 170 km | 4 hrs | NH-330 |
| Gorakhpur | 165 km | 4 hrs | NH-28 → NH-233 |
| Delhi | 650 km | 10–12 hrs | NH-19 → Lucknow → Ayodhya |
| Patna | 230 km | 6 hrs | NH-922, via Saryu bridge |
Taxis, private cabs, and rental services are easily available for seamless travel.
Local Transportation in Ayodhya
Once in the city, there are several convenient ways to move around:
- E-Rickshaws and Autos – Easily available and affordable
- App-based Cabs – Ola and local cab operators
- Cycle Rickshaws – Best for short distances and heritage lanes
- Walking Tours – Recommended around Ram Janmabhoomi zone
Tip: Many ghats, temples, and ashrams are close to each other, making Ayodhya a walkable town for pilgrims.
How to Reach the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya
Once in the city:
- From Ayodhya Airport: 20 mins by taxi
- From Ayodhya Junction: 10–15 mins by rickshaw or cab
- From Ayodhya Cantt: 25 mins by road
- Parking areas and shuttle services are available near the Mandir during festivals or peak hours
Pilgrimage Tour Packages & Special Travel Services
Travel agencies and spiritual tour operators now offer Ayodhya pilgrimage packages, which include:
- Pickup/drop from airport or station
- Guided visits to Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Saryu Ghat Aarti
- Hotel stay, prasad arrangements, and spiritual experiences
Special travel services are also available for senior citizens and international devotees.
Travel Tips for Ayodhya Visitors
- Book transport and accommodation early—especially during festivals or peak pilgrimage seasons.
- Carry cash and UPI-enabled phones, as small vendors and temples often accept UPI.
- Respect local customs and temple etiquette.
- Travel light for inner city visits, as large bags are not allowed near temple areas.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya
- October to March – Pleasant weather and ideal for sightseeing.
- Ram Navami Festival (March–April) – Massive celebrations at Ram Mandir.
- Deepotsav (Diwali) – The entire city is lit up with over 20 lakh diyas on the ghats.
Conclusion
Ayodhya, the land of Shri Ram, is now more accessible than ever before. With its own international airport, excellent train services, and well-maintained roads, your journey to this sacred city is bound to be comfortable and spiritually fulfilling.
Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or anywhere across the globe—Ayodhya is just a flight, train, or drive away.
Need help planning a custom Ayodhya tour package or booking a cab, hotel, or spiritual guide? Reach out Tripcosmos.co, and we’ll handle every detail of your sacred journey!
