Lucknow to Ayodhya: the options
From Lucknow you can reach Ayodhya by train, by state bus or by road. The distance by road is about 130 km, and longer routes add to it. By rail the distance is 135 km. Distances are not travel times. Allow extra time for city traffic at both ends.
Ayodhya has two main railway stations, Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya Cantt. They are different stations, so check the name on your ticket. If you would rather have the transfer handled, look at the Ayodhya temple tours and day trips, which include guided days from the city.
Our pick: an Ayodhya route with arrival help
If you come in from Varanasi, this route includes help on arrival and departure and a private vehicle for the circuit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ayodhya tours and day trips
Temple tours, ghat visits and day trips around Ayodhya, with live prices and availability.
Ways to reach Ayodhya compared
Distances by origin. Check current timetables before you go.
| From | By road | By rail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | About 130 km | 135 km | Trains and frequent state buses |
| Varanasi | About 200 km | 191 km (to Ayodhya Dham) | See the Varanasi guide |
| Prayagraj | About 160 km | 157 km (to Ayodhya Dham) | See the Varanasi guide |
| Delhi | – | Vande Bharat to Ayodhya Cantt | Train 22425 and 22426 from Anand Vihar |
For most visitors from Lucknow, the train or a state bus is the practical choice. Take a car with a driver if you travel with a group or a lot of luggage, and agree the price and the route first.
Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya railway station
Know which station you are going to.
Ayodhya Dham
Also called Ayodhya Junction, this is one of the two main stations of the city. Its station code is AY. Do not confuse it with AYJ, which is the code of the airport.
Ayodhya Cantt
The second main station, a separate stop from Ayodhya Dham. The Vande Bharat train from Delhi (22425 and 22426, Anand Vihar to Ayodhya Cantt) runs to this station. Do not assume that it stops at Ayodhya Dham.
Train times and fares
Times, running days, fares and seat availability change. Check the current timetable and book through the railway's own booking channels before you go.
After you arrive, the ride to the temple area depends on road controls on the day. Ask your hotel how guests usually make the last stretch, and see where to stay to choose a base.
Lucknow to Ayodhya by bus and road
The flexible option.
UPSRTC state buses run from Lucknow to Ayodhya with frequent departures, and check the timetable for your line and the time you want to leave, because not every line runs at every hour. Buses suit travellers with light luggage and a flexible plan.
By road, you can also travel by taxi or a hired car with a driver. The drive covers about 130 km, and longer routes add to it. Ask for a quote and an estimated time in advance, and keep the driver's number. A hired car does not give you access to restricted roads near the temples.
Lucknow airport transfer to Ayodhya
If you land in Lucknow.
Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport has the code LKO. From there, you can take a taxi or a hired car to Ayodhya, or travel into the city and continue by train or bus. The 130 km figure is for the city of Lucknow, not the airport, so ask for a price and a time before you book. If you can fly straight to Ayodhya, the Ayodhya airport guide covers the transfers there.
Book a private transfer from Lucknow Airport (LKO) at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Varanasi and Prayagraj to Ayodhya
Two nearby cities, both connected.
Ayodhya lies about 200 km from Varanasi and about 160 km from Prayagraj by road. By rail the distances are 191 km and 157 km to Ayodhya Dham. Routes vary, so treat these as a guide. Plan your day with the Varanasi and Ayodhya guide, and check the weather, since winter fog can affect road and rail travel.
Plan the rest of your trip
After you arrive.
Lucknow to Ayodhya: frequently asked questions
How far is Ayodhya from Lucknow?
About 130 km by road and 135 km by rail. Longer routes add to the road distance. These are distances, not travel times.
What is Ayodhya Dham Junction?
It is the main railway station of Ayodhya, also called Ayodhya Junction, with the station code AY. The city has a second main station, Ayodhya Cantt.
Is Ayodhya Dham the same as Ayodhya Cantt?
No. They are two different stations. Check the station name on your ticket before you travel.
Is there a Vande Bharat train to Ayodhya?
Yes, trains 22425 and 22426 run between Anand Vihar in Delhi and Ayodhya Cantt. Check the current timetable and running days before you go.
Are there buses from Lucknow to Ayodhya?
Yes. UPSRTC buses connect the two cities with frequent departures. Check the timetable for your line.
How far is Ayodhya from Varanasi?
About 200 km by road and 191 km by rail to Ayodhya Dham. Prayagraj is about 160 km by road and 157 km by rail.