Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance – Best Route, Travel Time, Road, Train & Flight Guide 2025
Introduction
It is not just a journey down a few hundred kilometers that is made between Varanasi (Kashi) and Ayodhya; it is a pilgrimage between two most religious cities in India. Varanasi where Lord Shiva lives is the place where a divinity experience can be availed through the Ganga Aarti, and Ayodhya where Lord Rama has his land is where the devotees can visit the recently constructed Ram Mandir.
The road is a spiritual journey that is a must-do to millions of people as a part of the bigger Ramayana Circuit. When traveling between these sacred places, the first step to the right direction is to get to understand the distance covered and the most effective means of travel.
How Far is Ayodhya from Varanasi?
The distance between the two cities differs slightly by the mode of travel, that is, road and rail, predominately due to different distances covered by road and rail.
The table below is a summary of the distance and travelling time:
Mode of Transport | Approximate Distance | Average Travel Time |
By Road (Car/Taxi) | 200 – 220 km | 4 to 5 hours |
By Train | 189 – 200 km | 3 to 5 hours |
By Bus | 200 – 220 km | 5 to 6.5 hours |
The minimum distance of road network is usually estimated to 200-220 km.
Adventure between Varanasi and Ayodhya via Road
One of the most popular and free may be the road travel, which allows you to make stops and be able to explore the way.
Varanasi to Ayodhya Road Route
The most used and effective way is with the help of National Highways. The ideal route is through NH 731 and NH 330 through such towns as Jaunpur and Sultanpur. The roads are mostly in good conditions, and the drive from one location to another (4-5 hours) is comfortable.
Car/Taxi Options and Fare
It is convenient to have a taxi or car hired privately, in particular, when travelling with family.
- Taxi/Cab: Rent a ride with a chauffeur taxi on a one-way.
- Approximate Fare: Depending on the demand and the car model, the starting fare is approximately ₹2,400, an AC sedan.
- Self-Drive: When you want to tootle at your own choice, car renting will provide you with an absolute right of choice as to how to go.
Bus Travel: The Low-Cost Travelling
The Varanasi Ayodhya trip has a good alternative with the bus network.
- Operators: Buses are offered by both the state run (UPSRTC) and the privately owned buses.
- Buses: Non-AC Seater, AC Seater/Sleeper, Volvo coaches, are all types of buses.
- Varanasi Ayodhya Bus Fare: The cost of the tickets typically varies between 350 and 800, based on the type of bus and the time of booking.
- Duration: It takes an average of 5 to 6.5 hours with stops and the traffic.
Railway between Varanasi to Ayodhya
The most convenient and sometimes the fastest way of covering the distance is always by taking a train. The rail line is less long and tends to be faster as compared to travelling by road.
Training Stations and Time of Travel
- Departure Station: Varanasi Junction (BSB).
- Arrival Station: Ayodhya Dham Junction, Ayodhya Cantt (Faizabad Junction).
- Fastest Train: Vande Bharat Express is the ultra-fast covering the distance of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Express Trains: The rest of the express trains will have an average time span of 3 to 5 hours.
Varanasi-Ayodhya Train Fare
The fees charged on train tickets are cheap and dependent on the travel category:
Train Class | Typical Fare Casualty |
Second Seating (2S/General) | ₹120 – ₹150 |
Sleeper Class (SL) | ₹200 – ₹300 |
AC Chair Car (CC) | ₹335 – ₹750 |
AC 3‑Tier (3A) | ₹500 – ₹700 |
AC Executive (EC – Vande Bharat) | ₹1200 – ₹1400 |
It is greatly advisable that you make your train tickets early particularly during the frequently used services, and during the seasons of festivals since the demand of Varanasi to Ayodhya route is very great.
Air Travel from Varanasi to Ayodhya
At present, no direct flights exist between the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (VNS) and the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (AYJ). A long and inconvenient air travel would involve a layoff in one of the large cities such as Delhi or Mumbai.
Between Varanasi and Ayodhya, the most feasible alternative is road and rail as it is over a short distance.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Way to Travel
Depending on your priorities the way you would come to Varanasi to Ayodhya is up to you:
- Shortest Route: Vande Bharat Express train is the fastest.
- Most Comfortable and Flexible: A private car or taxi will allow door to door service with the option to make stops.
- Most Economical: A bus ride, particularly state bus, with no air conditioning, is the most cost efficient.
Whichever path you decide to take, the path of going through the spiritual heart of Kashi and to the holy birthplace of Lord Rama will always be an experience that is to be remembered and one that would fulfill you immensely.
Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance FAQs
The approximate road distance between the two sacred cities is about 200 to 220 kilometers.
By car or taxi, the journey usually takes between 4 to 5 hours, depending on the specific route and traffic.
The fastest way is often by train, with express services completing the journey in as little as 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
