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Prayagraj to Ayodhya

This sacred journey connects two of Hinduism's holiest cities—Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati converge at the Triveni Sangam, and Ayodhya, the birthplace

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165 kmDistance

3.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹6,391

Ertiga₹8,123

Innova₹8,470

Innova Crysta₹10,452

Tempo Traveller (12)₹14,360

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹180

AC Seater₹300

Non-AC Sleeper₹260

AC Sleeper₹380

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹510

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Train

Sleeper₹130

Economy₹200

Third AC₹260

Second AC₹360

First AC₹490

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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

This sacred journey connects two of Hinduism's holiest cities—Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati converge at the Triveni Sangam, and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. The 165-kilometer route is well-traveled by pilgrims, typically taking 3.5 hours by road via the Purvanchal Expressway. Many devotees combine a morning dip at the Sangam with an afternoon arrival in Ayodhya, making it a spiritually packed day trip. The route offers smooth highways, roadside eateries, and glimpses of Uttar Pradesh's rural heartland. Whether by private car, train, or bus, the journey is straightforward and rewarding, with options for comfortable stops along the way. This guide provides detailed mode-by-mode instructions, stopover suggestions, and practical tips to ensure a seamless pilgrimage.

Route Map

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By Car: Prayagraj to Ayodhya

165 km · ~3h 18m · About 3h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Prayagraj
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
165 km · 3h 18m 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: Prayagraj to Ayodhya

165 km · ~3h 40m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Prayagraj
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Prayagraj. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Prayagraj → Ayodhya
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~165 km
~3h 40m|Tentative fare ₹180–₹510
Search buses Prayagraj to Ayodhya
Arrive in Ayodhya
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Hotels in Ayodhya

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

By Train: Prayagraj to Ayodhya

Nearest railway stations: Allahabad Jn for Prayagraj, Ayodhya for Ayodhya.

Direct trains

MUMBAI LTT - FAIZABAD Saket Exp#11067 · Express

04:15 AMAllahabad Jn

5h 10m22 stops

09:25 AMFaizabad Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Durg -Nautanwa Express#18205 · Express

10:50 AMAllahabad Jn

4h 40m19 stops

03:30 PMFaizabad Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Mumbai LTT - Faizabad SF Express#12563 · Superfast

12:05 PMAllahabad Jn

5h 23m32 stops

05:28 PMAyodhya

1A2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Saryu Express#14125 · Express

06:15 PMAllahabad Jn

4h 55m19 stops

11:10 PMFaizabad Jn

Running days & live status ↗

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 Prayagraj to Ayodhya.

Phaphamau (Sangam area)10 km from Prayagraj city center from Prayagraj
Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, Phaphamau is the last major stop before the expressway. Many pilgrims take a final holy dip here if they missed the main Sangam.
Temple and ghat with changing roomsSmall eateries selling tea and snacksParking area for vehicles
Purvanchal Expressway Rest Stop (near Sultanpur)Approximately 80 km from Prayagraj from Prayagraj
A modern rest area on the expressway with fuel stations, food courts, and clean washrooms. It is an ideal spot to stretch legs and grab a quick meal.
Fuel station (Indian Oil/BPCL)Food court with vegetarian restaurants (e.g., Haldiram's, Bikanerwala)Clean restrooms and drinking water

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 early (around 6 AM) after a morning Sangam visit to avoid traffic and heat.

Carry a valid ID for expressway tolls and temple security checks.

Pre-book train tickets on IRCTC at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during Ram Navami or Diwali.

On the expressway, maintain a speed of 100 km/h – it's enforced by speed cameras.

If driving, keep cash for tolls (₹280) and parking; not all toll booths accept cards.

In Ayodhya, use e-rickshaws or walk to the temple – the old city lanes are narrow.

Budget Estimate

road

Toll for car (one-way): ~₹280

Fuel cost (approx. 8-10 km/l): ₹800-₹1,000 depending on vehicle

The fastest and most flexible option, using the Purvanchal Expressway for a smooth, high-speed drive. You can stop at rest areas and adjust your schedule as needed.

train

Sleeper class: ₹145-₹175

AC 3-tier: ₹505-₹555

Trains from Prayagraj Junction to Ayodhya Junction (AY) offer a convenient, scenic option. Several daily trains cover this route, but booking in advance is advised during festival seasons.

bus

Ordinary bus: ₹120-₹150

Semi-deluxe (non-AC): ₹180-₹220

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular AC and non-AC buses between Prayagraj and Ayodhya. This is the most budget-friendly option, though travel time is longer due to stops.

Extend Your Trip

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

Ayodhya → Basti

About 70 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Ayodhya → Basti Route Basti guide

Ayodhya → Sultanpur

About 80 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Ayodhya → Sultanpur Route Sultanpur guide

Ayodhya → Barabanki

About 135 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Ayodhya → Barabanki Route Barabanki guide

Ayodhya → Siddharthnagar

About 135 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Ayodhya → Siddharthnagar Route Siddharthnagar guide

Plan My Trip: Prayagraj to Ayodhya

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to do a day trip from Prayagraj to Ayodhya and back?

Yes, it is feasible by car or train. By car, you can leave at 6 AM, reach Ayodhya by 10 AM, spend 4-5 hours at the temple and ghats, and return by 8 PM. By train, take an early train (e.g., 13009) and return on an evening train (e.g., 12333) – but check return timings to avoid being stranded.

2. What is the best time to travel to Ayodhya from Prayagraj?

The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid peak summer (April-June) and monsoon (July-September) due to heat and rain. Festival periods like Ram Navami (March-April) and Diwali (October-November) are spiritually significant but very crowded.

3. Are there direct trains from Prayagraj to Ayodhya?

Yes, several direct trains run daily, including the 13009 Doon Express and 12333 Vibhuti Express. Journey time is around 3.5 to 4 hours. Always check the latest schedule on IRCTC as timings can change.

4. Can I combine a visit to the Sangam and Ayodhya in one day?

Yes, many pilgrims do this. Take a morning boat ride at the Sangam (around 5-7 AM), then start your road journey by 8 AM. You'll reach Ayodhya by 11:30 AM, leaving enough time for darshan and a visit to Hanuman Garhi.

5. What are the must-see places in Ayodhya after arriving?

The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ram Mandir) is the primary destination. Also visit Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and the ghats along the Saryu River for the evening aarti. If time permits, explore the Ramkot area and the new museum.