Planning a pilgrimage to the historic and spiritual heart of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has never been more accessible than it is today. As the birthplace of Lord Rama, this ancient city on the banks of the sacred Sarayu River has undergone a massive infrastructure transformation to welcome millions of devotees from around the world. Whether you are looking for the speed of air travel, the tradition of the Indian Railways, or the flexibility of a road trip, this guide provided by Tour Ayodhya will help you understand exactly how to reach Ayodhya with ease. For personalised assistance with your journey, you can contact us at +91 9628118151 or visit Tour Ayodhya.

Getting to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: An Overview

Ayodhya is situated in the Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh, within the historic Awadh region of Northern India. The city’s recent evolution into a global religious tourism hub has been supported by over $147 million in tourism projects, making travel to Ayodhya a seamless experience for modern visitors.

The Sacred Setting of the Birthplace of Lord Rama

The city is deeply rooted in the epic Ramayana, traditionally believed to be the site where Lord Rama was born. Most spiritual landmarks, including the Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan, are clustered within a central sacred zone that pilgrims can navigate easily. The Sarayu River remains a focal point for rituals, including the grand Sarayu Aarti and holy dips believed to purify the soul.

Why Modern Connectivity is Transforming Travel to Ayodhya

In 2025, Uttar Pradesh secured the top position in domestic tourism in India, largely due to the redevelopment of spiritual circuits like Ayodhya. Improved safety, advanced digital visitor management, and multi-modal transit options have turned what was once a rugged journey into a comfortable modern pilgrimage. The state’s 2022 tourism policy further strengthened these efforts by approving over 1,750 projects to improve visitor amenities and connectivity.

Choosing Tour Ayodhya for Your Sacred Journey

Navigating a major religious hub can be overwhelming, especially during high-traffic festivals like Ram Navami or Deepotsav. At Tour Ayodhya, we offer comprehensive support, including taxi bookings, guided temple tours, and accommodation arrangements. Reach out to us at +91 9628118151 to ensure your visit to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is focused on devotion rather than logistics [Tour Ayodhya].

How to Reach Ayodhya by Air

The most transformative addition to the city’s landscape is the opening of its own international airport, providing the fastest way to reach the holy site.

Maharshi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ)

Inaugurated in December 2023, the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport (IATA code: AYJ) serves as the primary gateway for air travellers. It is located in Usroo, approximately 10 to 15 kilometres from the main Ram Mandir complex. The airport features a stunning eco-friendly design inspired by the architecture of the Ram Mandir, with columns representing the seven books (kandas) of the Ramayana.

Airline Networks and Direct Flights to Ayodhya

While it carries an international designation, the airport currently handles high-frequency domestic flights from major Indian metropolitan hubs. IndiGo is the lead operator, offering daily direct services from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Other carriers such as Air India Express, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, and SpiceJet also provide reliable connections from various cities across India.

Alternative Aviation Gateways: Lucknow and Gorakhpur

If direct flights to AYJ are unavailable, the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow (LKO) is the most viable secondary option, located about 140 kilometres away. Lucknow’s airport is one of India’s largest and offers a broader range of global and domestic connections. From Lucknow, you can take a 2.5 to 3.5-hour taxi or bus ride to Ayodhya via the smooth NH-27 corridor. Gorakhpur Airport (GOP), roughly 118 to 130 kilometres away, also serves as a convenient alternative with a road transit time of approximately 3 hours.

Travel Ayodhya by Train: Navigating the Rail Network

Indian Railways remains the logistical backbone for the majority of pilgrims, offering economical and high-capacity transit from nearly every major city.

Choosing Between Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt

When booking your tickets, it is vital to distinguish between the two main railway hubs. Ayodhya Dham Junction (Station Code: AY) is the preferred arrival point for those seeking direct temple access, as it is situated just 1.2 to 2 kilometres from the Ram Mandir. Ayodhya Cantt (Station Code: AYC), formerly Faizabad Junction, is a larger administrative hub located about 10 kilometres from the spiritual core. Frequent local trains and taxis facilitate transfers between these two stations in roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

Elite Rail Services: Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express

Connectivity from New Delhi has been redefined by the introduction of elite train services. The Vande Bharat Express (Train 22426) offers a fast 8-hour and 20-minute journey from Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal to Ayodhya Cantt. Additionally, the Amrit Bharat Express (Train 15558) provides a comfortable 10-hour overnight option to Ayodhya Dham Junction, ensuring visitors can arrive early for morning darshan.

Direct Train Connectivity from Major Indian Metros

Ayodhya is well-connected to all four corners of India via an extensive express train network. From Kolkata, the Doon Express (13009) and the Kolkata-Jammu Tawi Express (13151) are popular daily choices. Mumbai-based devotees can utilise the Saket Express (22183) or the Tulsi Express (22129), which take approximately 26 to 30 hours. For those travelling from Bengaluru, the YPR GKP Express (15024) provides a weekly service that completes the journey in about 40 hours.

How to Reach Ayodhya by Road

Ayodhya’s road infrastructure has seen massive investment, particularly along the National Highway 27 (NH-27) corridor, making it an excellent destination for road trips and bus travel.

National Highways and Scenic Road Routes

The city is strategically located adjacent to NH-27 and NH-330, providing seamless transitions for those driving their own vehicles. The drive from Lucknow to Ayodhya is approximately 135 to 155 kilometres and typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours on well-maintained four-lane roads. If you are driving from Varanasi, the journey covers roughly 200 to 220 kilometres and can be completed in 4.5 to 5 hours.

Extensive UPSRTC and Private Bus Networks

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular and affordable bus services from major regional cities around the clock. Public options range from budget “Ordinary” buses to “Janrath” AC Seaters and premium “Shatabdi” services. Private operators like zingbus and IntrCity SmartBus also offer luxury “SmartBus” options featuring onboard washrooms, charging points, and live tracking for a more comfortable experience.

Inter-city Taxi Services and Car Rentals

For those who prefer a private, door-to-door experience, chauffeur-driven taxis are readily available from nearby airports and cities. A one-way taxi from Lucknow typically costs between ₹2000 and ₹3000, while a cab from Prayagraj or Allahabad costs roughly ₹4500. At Tour Ayodhya, we can arrange reliable vehicle rentals with professional drivers who are experts on the local routes; call us at +91 9628118151 to book your ride.

Local Transportation Within Ayodhya

Once you arrive at your primary transit hub, the final stage of your journey involves navigating the spiritual landscape of the city.

Navigating the Sacred Geography via E-Rickshaws

Local transportation in Ayodhya is dominated by e-rickshaws, which are the most popular and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation through the city’s narrow lanes. They are readily available outside the railway stations and bus stands, typically reaching the Ram Mandir from Ayodhya Dham Junction in just 5 to 10 minutes. Traditional auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also available for those who prefer a different pace or have longer cross-city trips.

Walking Tours and Micro-Mobility in the Spiritual Zone

Ayodhya’s core sacred area is relatively compact, making walking a fulfilling and intimate experience. Most major sites, such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Dashrath Mahal, are located within walking distance of each other. Walking allows you to soak in the vibrant market culture and the spiritual energy of the city at your own leisure.

Smart Parking and Traffic Management

For those arriving in private vehicles, the Ayodhya Nagar Nigam has developed a 35-acre smart multi-story parking facility between Ram Path and Naya Ghat to reduce congestion. This facility can accommodate over 2,000 vehicles and features CCTV surveillance and EV charging points. During major festivals, additional specialised parking zones are implemented to prevent gridlock in the city centre.

Strategic Tips for Your Ayodhya Pilgrimage

To make the most of your trip to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, careful planning regarding timings and seasonal conditions is essential.

Best Time to Visit and Seasonal Advisory

The winter months from October to March are universally considered the best time to visit Ayodhya. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 25°C, making it ideal for extensive sightseeing. While the summer months (April to June) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C, visitors can benefit from fewer crowds if they schedule their temple visits for the early morning or late evening.

Understanding Darshan Timings and Temple Rules

The Ram Mandir follows a structured daily schedule for darshan and aarti. Public viewing (darshan) typically opens around 7:00 AM and continues until 9:00 PM, with short pauses for midday rituals like the Bhog Aarti. It is essential to note that electronic devices, including mobile phones and cameras, are strictly prohibited within the temple complex and must be deposited at designated storage areas.

Booking with Tour Ayodhya for a Seamless Experience

At Tour Ayodhya, we are dedicated to ensuring your spiritual journey is smooth and deeply enriching. From handling train and flight bookings to arranging local transport and comfortable stays at top-rated hotels, we take care of all the details so you can focus on your faith. Whether you are planning a solo trip or a large family group pilgrimage, we are here to help.

Contact Tour Ayodhya today:

• Phone: +91 9628118151
• Website: tourayodhya.in

Address: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India [Tour Ayodhya]