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Delhi to Ayodhya

The journey from Delhi to Ayodhya, a sacred city on the banks of the Sarayu River, spans approximately 640 kilometers and can be completed in about 10 hours by road. This spiritual

640 kmDistance
10 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

Car / Taxi
Swift Dzire₹24,848
Ertiga₹31,568
Innova₹32,912
Innova Crysta₹40,632
Tempo Traveller (12)₹55,760

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan
Bus
Non-AC Seater₹700
AC Seater₹1,150
Non-AC Sleeper₹1,020
AC Sleeper₹1,470
Volvo / Multi-Axle₹1,840
View route plan
Train
Sleeper₹410
Economy₹670
Third AC₹930
Second AC₹1,310
First AC₹1,820
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.

Overview

The journey from Delhi to Ayodhya, a sacred city on the banks of the Sarayu River, spans approximately 640 kilometers and can be completed in about 10 hours by road. This spiritual pilgrimage route offers a blend of modern highways and historic landscapes. Travelers can choose between a direct flight to the newly inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, a comfortable road trip via Lucknow, or a scenic train journey. Each mode provides unique perspectives of Uttar Pradesh's heartland, with opportunities to explore cultural landmarks along the way. The route is well-serviced with rest stops, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey for devotees and tourists alike.

Route Map

By Car: Delhi to Ayodhya

640 km · ~13h 28m · About 13h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.

  1. Start from Delhi

    Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.

  2. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest stop around km 150

    Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.

  3. 170 km · 3h 24m drive from previous stop

    Overnight halt around km 320

    Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.

  4. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest stop around km 470

    Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.

  5. 170 km · 3h 24m drive from previous stop

    Arrive in Ayodhya

    Ayodhya, 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: Delhi to Ayodhya

640 km · ~14h 13m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

  1. Board at Delhi

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

  2. Delhi → Ayodhya

    AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~640 km

    ~14h 13m|Tentative fare ₹700–₹1,840

  3. Arrive in Ayodhya

    Ayodhya, 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: Delhi to Ayodhya

Nearest railway stations: New Delhi for Delhi, Ayodhya for Ayodhya.

Direct trains

Kaifiat Express#12226 · Superfast
07:20 PMOld Delhi
10h 28m93 stops
05:48 AM+1dAyodhya
Garib Nawaz Express Slip#15716 · Express
08:40 PMOld Delhi
11h 33m94 stops
08:13 AM+1dAyodhya
Garib Nawaz Express#15716-Slip · Express
08:40 PMOld Delhi
11h 33m94 stops
08:13 AM+1dAyodhya
Saryu Yamuna Express#14650 · Express
09:15 PMOld Delhi
11h 52m94 stops
09:07 AM+1dAyodhya
Farakka Express#13484 · Express
09:50 PMOld Delhi
12h 30m87 stops
10:20 AM+1dFaizabad 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.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Delhi to Ayodhya.

  1. Lucknow490 km from Delhi from Delhi

    The capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its Nawabi culture, delicious cuisine, and historic monuments like Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.

    Fuel stations and EV charging pointsRestaurants serving Awadhi cuisineHotels for overnight stays
  2. Kanpur400 km from Delhi from Delhi

    An industrial city on the Ganges, offering a brief respite with its colonial-era architecture and local markets. It's a common pit stop for refreshments.

    Highway dhabas and fast-food jointsPublic restroomsATMs and medical facilities

Hotels in Ayodhya

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

Treebo Ramayan Suites Ayodhya

Ayodhya

Things to Do in Ayodhya

Stroll through Naya Ghat and the old bazaar for local snacks

Walk along the less crowded Naya Ghat to observe daily life, then wander into the bustling lanes near Hanuman Garhi for traditional sweets like peda and jalebi. This is…

1.5 to 2 hours

Seek blessings at Ram Mandir and Ram Janmabhoomi complex

Visit the newly constructed grand temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram, exploring the sanctum and the surrounding complex with its intricate carvings and serene…

2 to 3 hours

Explore the Kanak Bhawan Temple

Visit this beautiful temple dedicated to Ram and Sita, known for its golden idols and ornate architecture, said to be a gift from Queen Kaikeyi. The peaceful courtyard…

45 minutes to 1 hour

Take a peaceful boat ride on the Saryu River

Glide along the calm waters of the Saryu at sunrise or late afternoon to see the ghats, temples, and the Ram Mandir from a different angle. Many boatmen offer a…

30 to 45 minutes

Climb Hanuman Garhi for evening darshan

Ascend the 76 steps to this ancient hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman, believed to be the guardian of Ayodhya. The narrow passage and lively atmosphere during aarti…

1 to 1.5 hours

Attend the Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi

Watch the spectacular evening fire ritual on the banks of the Saryu River, where priests offer lamps, flowers, and chants as the sun sets. The ghats light up with…

1 hour (arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot)

See all places in Ayodhya →

Suggested Ayodhya Itinerary

Day 1Arrival & Spiritual Immersion

  • Visit Ram Mandir and Ram Janmabhoomi complex (allow 2-3 hours for darshan and exploring the temple premises)
  • Take a peaceful walk around the temple courtyard and see the newly developed Ram Katha Kunj and museum area
  • Attend the evening Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi ghat (arrive by 6:00 PM to get a good spot)

Day 2Hanuman Garhi & Old City Heritage

  • Morning darshan at Hanuman Garhi temple (climb the 76 steps; best visited before 10 AM to avoid crowds)
  • Explore the nearby Nageshwarnath Temple and the Kanak Bhawan temple, known for its beautiful idols of Ram and Sita
  • Walk through the local markets near Chowk and Naya Ghat for traditional handicrafts, sweets, and prasad items

Day 3Ghats, Museums & Departure

  • Morning walk along the Saryu river at Guptar Ghat and Rajghat, where devotees take holy dips
  • Visit the Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan (Research Institute) to see archaeological artifacts and old manuscripts
  • Explore the ancient mounds of Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat (with a short climb for city views)

Travel Tips

Start your journey early morning to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Ayodhya by evening.
Carry a valid ID proof for flight, train, or hotel check-ins.
Pre-book your accommodation in Ayodhya during festival seasons like Diwali and Ram Navami.
Keep cash for tolls and small purchases, though digital payments are widely accepted.
Carry water and light snacks; roadside eateries may not always be hygienic.
Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, especially during monsoon.

Budget Estimate

road

Yamuna Expressway: ~₹500

Lucknow-Agra Expressway: ~₹400

The most flexible option, allowing you to set your own pace and stop at interesting places en route. The route via Lucknow on the Yamuna Expressway and Purvanchal Expressway is smooth and well-marked.

train

Sleeper Class (SL): ~₹400

AC 3-Tier (3A): ~₹1,050

Several trains run from Delhi to Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) or Ayodhya Junction, with travel times varying from 8 to 10 hours. It's a comfortable and scenic option, with sleeper and AC classes available.

bus

Ordinary UPSRTC bus: ~₹600

AC Volvo private coach: ~₹1,200

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private operators run regular bus services between Delhi and Ayodhya. This is an economical choice, with both ordinary and luxury coaches available.

Extend Your Trip

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

Ayodhya → Basti

About 70 km by road

Ayodhya → Sultanpur

About 80 km by road

Ayodhya → Barabanki

About 135 km by road

Ayodhya → Siddharthnagar

About 135 km by road

Plan My Trip: Delhi to Ayodhya

Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the fastest way to reach Ayodhya from Delhi?

The fastest way is by flight, with a direct flight from Delhi to Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. Road travel takes about 10 hours, and train takes 8-10 hours.

2. Are there direct flights from Delhi to Ayodhya?

Yes, Air India and IndiGo operate direct flights from Delhi to Ayodhya's new airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

3. Which is better: driving or taking a train to Ayodhya?

Driving offers flexibility and the comfort of your own vehicle, with a well-developed expressway route. Trains are more economical and allow you to relax without driving fatigue, but you may need to arrange transport from the station to your hotel.

4. What is the approximate cost of a road trip from Delhi to Ayodhya?

For a car, the total cost including tolls and fuel is approximately ₹3,000-₹3,500, depending on fuel efficiency and current fuel prices.

5. What are the must-visit places in Ayodhya?

Key attractions include the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, and the ghats along the Sarayu River. Also, the new Ram Mandir is a major pilgrimage site.

Other Routes

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Ayodhya Overview

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