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Ayodhya to Varanasi

Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

236 kmDistance
4.7 hrsDrive time

Tentative Fare Estimate

Car / Taxi
Swift Dzire₹11,710
Ertiga₹14,860
Innova₹15,490
Innova Crysta₹19,140
Tempo Traveller (12)₹26,200

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan
Bus
Non-AC Seater₹260
AC Seater₹420
Non-AC Sleeper₹380
AC Sleeper₹540
Volvo / Multi-Axle₹710
View route plan
Train
Sleeper₹170
Economy₹270
Third AC₹360
Second AC₹500
First AC₹690
View route plan

Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Route Map

By Car: Ayodhya to Varanasi

236 km · ~5h 3m · About 5h of driving, plus stops.

  1. Start from Ayodhya

    An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.

  2. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest & refuel near Jaunpur

    About 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.

  3. 86 km · 1h 43m drive from previous stop

    Arrive in Varanasi

    Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Ayodhya to Varanasi

236 km · ~5h 15m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

  1. Board at Ayodhya

    Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Ayodhya. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.

  2. Ayodhya → Varanasi

    AC Seater / Volvo · ~236 km

    ~5h 15m|Tentative fare ₹260–₹710

    Usual tea / meal halts: Jaunpur (~170 km)

  3. Arrive in Varanasi

    Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Ayodhya to Varanasi

Nearest railway stations: Ayodhya for Ayodhya, Varanasi Jn for Varanasi.

Direct trains

Sadbhavana Expres#14018 · Express
06:41 AMAyodhya
3h 49m25 stops
10:30 AMVaranasi Jn
Marudhar Express#14854 · Express
06:41 AMAyodhya
3h 49m25 stops
10:30 AMVaranasi Jn
Indore-Rajendranagar Express#19321 · Express
08:11 AMAyodhya
3h 24m25 stops
11:35 AMVaranasi Jn
Mathura Patna Express#13238 · Express
09:09 AMAyodhya
3h 16m25 stops
12:25 PMVaranasi Jn
Farakka Express#13484 · Express
10:48 AMAyodhya
4h 12m25 stops
03:00 PMVaranasi Jn

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Ayodhya to Varanasi: Route & Travel Options

Route overview

Ayodhya to Varanasi is about 236 km by road, roughly 4.7 hours of travel time. The road passes near Jaunpur.

Tentative fare estimate

Approximate fares for about 236 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.

  • Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹11,710 · Ertiga ₹14,860 · Innova ₹15,490 · Innova Crysta ₹19,140 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹26,200
  • Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹260 · AC Seater ₹420 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹380 · AC Sleeper ₹540 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹710
  • Train: Sleeper ₹170 · Economy ₹270 · Third AC ₹360 · Second AC ₹500 · First AC ₹690

Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.

Want the full Varanasi guide?

Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Varanasi.

View Varanasi Guide

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Ayodhya to Varanasi. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.

  1. Jaunpur165 km from Ayodhya

Hotels in Varanasi

Treebo hotels in Varanasi. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Little Budhha

Varanasi

Itsy Hotels Kashi Grand, BHU

Varanasi

Treebo Raj Palace

Varanasi

Treebo Om Shree Banaras

Varanasi

Things to Do in Varanasi

Explore the Silk Weaving Quarter in Bhelupur or Chauk

Visit a family-run silk workshop where you can watch artisans hand-weave Banarasi brocade and zari saris on traditional pit looms. You’ll learn about the 600-year-old…

1.5 hours

Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Arrive by early evening to see priests perform the spectacular fire ritual with lamps, incense, and chants on the main ghat, facing the river. The synchronized…

1.5 hours

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a shared or private wooden rowboat at sunrise from Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat, gliding past the historic ghats, temples, and bathers performing rituals.…

2 hours

Walk the Ghats from Assi to Manikarnika (South to North)

Stroll along the continuous stone steps and platforms, passing the tulsi groves of Tulsi Ghat, the painted walls of Rana Mahal, and the bustling laundry and bathing…

3 hours (with stops)

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

This most sacred of Shiva temples, with its golden spire, is the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual life. Expect long queues and strict security; you can book a fast-track…

2 hours (including queue time)

Attend a Morning Havan and Temple Tour at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Reach this famous monkey temple (dedicated to Lord Hanuman) by 5:30 AM to join the lively morning prayers and havan (fire offering) led by priests. Afterwards, walk…

1.5 hours

See all places in Varanasi →

Suggested Varanasi Itinerary

Day 1Day 1

  • Take a leisurely walk from your hotel to the Assi Ghat area, observing daily life and street vendors.
  • Visit the small but revered Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, a peaceful spot away from the main crowds.
  • Witness the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (arrive by 5:30 PM for a good viewing spot from the steps or a boat).

Day 2Day 2

  • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Jyotirlinga) early morning; be prepared for security checks and queue.
  • Explore the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali, stopping at small shops for Banarasi silk scarves and sweets.
  • Take a shared or private boat ride from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat (sunrise or late afternoon) to see the burning ghats and…

Day 3Day 3

  • Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Sarnath (30-40 minutes one way).
  • Visit the Dhamek Stupa, the main stupa marking Buddha's first teaching, and the adjacent archaeological museum (closed on…
  • Walk through the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple and the deer park, a peaceful green space.

Food & Rest Stops in Varanasi

  • Kerala Cafe3.4 km from centre
  • Phulwari Restaurant3.5 km from centre
  • Marwadi Bhojanalay3.8 km from centre
  • I:ba3.8 km from centre

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Varanasi trip and see the full Ayodhya → Varanasi → next stop route.

Varanasi → Mirzapur

About 60 km by road

Varanasi → Jaunpur

About 75 km by road

Varanasi → Ghazipur

About 85 km by road

Varanasi → Sonbhadra

About 90 km by road

Plan My Trip: Ayodhya to Varanasi

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