How to reach Ayodhya
Ayodhya has a new international airport, a rebuilt railway station, and four-laned highway connections. Getting here from anywhere in India is now straightforward.
By air
Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham (IATA: AYJ) opened 30 December 2023. It is 15 km from the Ram Mandir and 8 km from the city centre. Prepaid taxis, Ola/Uber, and temple shuttles run from the terminal.
Airlines flying to AYJ
Direct routes
By train
Ayodhya Dham Junction (AYJD) is the main station, rebuilt and reopened in December 2023. It is just 2 km from the Ram Mandir - the closest major entry point of any mode. E-rickshaws and autos run directly to the temple gate.
| Route | Journey time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi - Ayodhya Dham Vande Bharat Express | ~7 hr | Premium, fast, book early |
| Delhi - Ayodhya Multiple express | Multiple daily | Sleeper and AC classes |
| Lucknow - Ayodhya Express / passenger | 2 to 3 hr | Very frequent |
| Varanasi - Ayodhya Express | 4 to 5 hr | Multiple daily |
| Mumbai - Ayodhya Express | Direct | 3 to 4x weekly |
| Howrah - Ayodhya Express | Direct | Daily |
| Pune / Hyderabad / Chennai / Bengaluru Trains from south | Direct | Weekly or twice-weekly |
By bus
Ayodhya Dham bus station is run by UPSRTC and operates 24x7. AC and non-AC services connect Ayodhya with most major north Indian cities. Private operators (Volvo sleepers, multi-axle coaches) run premium routes from Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
By road
All major routes into Ayodhya are four-laned and well-signposted to "Ayodhya Dham". Toll plazas accept FASTag.
| From | Distance | Drive time | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | 135 km | 3 hr | NH-27 / NH-28 |
| Varanasi | 200 km | 4 to 5 hr | NH-31 |
| Prayagraj | 160 km | 3.5 hr | NH-330 |
| Gorakhpur | 140 km | 3 hr | NH-27 |
| Delhi | 690 km | 11 to 12 hr | NH-19 / NH-27 |
| Kanpur | 215 km | 4 hr | NH-27 |
| Patna | 320 km | 7 hr | NH-19 |
Getting around Ayodhya
The main pilgrim sites are compact. Most visitors cover everything on foot and by e-rickshaw.
Book ahead for peak dates
For three dates, transport fills up 1 to 2 months before arrival - book train and flights at the same time as your hotel:
- Ram Navami (April) - Lord Rama's birthday, the busiest pilgrim day of the year
- Deepotsav (October to November) - world-record festival of lamps on the Sarayu ghats
- Pran Pratishtha anniversary (22 January) - the consecration commemoration
For accommodation in Ayodhya, see Where to stay. For month-by-month weather and crowd guidance, see Best time to visit.