How Far Is Varanasi to Ayodhya?
The distance from Varanasi to Ayodhya is approximately 200 kilometres by road. By train, the actual rail distance is around 193 kilometres. The journey takes anywhere from 3.5 to 5 hours depending on your mode of transport, traffic conditions, and route taken.
Both Varanasi and Ayodhya are among India’s most sacred cities — Varanasi, the eternal city on the Ganga, and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram and now home to the magnificent Ram Mandir. Many pilgrims combine both cities in a single trip, and this guide helps you plan that journey smartly.
| Route Type | Distance | Travel Time | Best Option |
| By Road (NH27) | ~200 km | 3.5–4.5 hrs | Self-drive / taxi |
| By Train | ~193 km | 3–4 hrs | Most convenient |
| By Bus (State/Private) | ~210 km | 4–5 hrs | Budget option |
By Road: Varanasi to Ayodhya
The most popular road route is via NH27 (National Highway 27). The route passes through Jaunpur and Sultanpur — both interesting stops if you have extra time. The road is in excellent condition for most of the stretch, and private cabs charge approximately INR 1,800–2,500 for the one-way trip.
Route via Jaunpur (Recommended)
- Varanasi → Jaunpur (~60km, 1 hr) — Visit the famous Shahi Bridge (Akbari Bridge) in Jaunpur
- Jaunpur → Sultanpur (~80km, 1.5 hrs) — Straight NH27 drive
- Sultanpur → Ayodhya (~60km, 1 hr) — NH27 continues to Faizabad/Ayodhya
💡 Pro Tip: Leave Varanasi before 7am to avoid the city’s notorious morning traffic. The open highway stretch after Jaunpur is fast and comfortable.
By Train: The Recommended Option
The train is the most comfortable and reliable way to travel between Varanasi and Ayodhya. Several trains operate on this route daily from Varanasi Junction (Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction / Varanasi Cantt) to Ayodhya Cantt or Ayodhya Junction.
Key Trains on This Route
- Sabarmati Express (19167) — ~3.5 hours, departs Varanasi early morning
- Faizabad Intercity (15125) — direct, comfortable, ~3 hrs
- Kashi Vishwanath Express — popular pilgrim train with good connectivity
Sleeper class fares start from INR 180–220. AC 3-tier from INR 500–700. Book on IRCTC at least 3–7 days in advance — these trains fill fast on weekends and festival seasons.
⚠️ During Ram Navami, Diwali, and post-Ram Mandir inauguration peak seasons, trains book out weeks in advance. Plan and book as early as possible.
What to Do in Ayodhya Once You Arrive
- Ram Mandir (Ram Janmabhoomi) — the newly inaugurated grand temple, centrepiece of Ayodhya
- Hanuman Garhi — iconic fort-like temple dedicated to Hanuman, steep climb but panoramic views
- Kanak Bhawan — beautiful palace-temple gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi
- Ram ki Paidi — the sacred Ghats on the Saryu River, especially beautiful at sunset aarti
- Nageshwarnath Temple — believed to be established by Luv, son of Lord Ram
Combining Varanasi and Ayodhya — 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Varanasi, evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Day 2: Morning Kashi Vishwanath Darshan, afternoon train/road to Ayodhya. Day 3: Full day Ayodhya darshan — Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu Aarti. Return to Varanasi or proceed to Prayagraj.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your Ram Mandir darshan slot online through the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra website to avoid multi-hour queues, especially during weekends and festivals.