Varanasi to Ayodhya at a glance
Varanasi lies on the Ganges and Ayodhya on the Saryu, and the two cities link easily on one trip. The road distance from Varanasi to Ayodhya is about 200 km, and the rail distance from Varanasi to Ayodhya Dham is 191 km. Prayagraj is closer, at about 160 km by road and 157 km by rail from Dham.
Treat the distances as a guide, not as travel times. Routes and traffic change the real journey, so allow a generous buffer. If you would rather have the journey arranged, the guided trips below cover the transfer, and the Ayodhya tour packages page explains how those days work.
Our picks: Varanasi and Ayodhya
For one day, the guided trip is the simpler booking and the car with driver the cheaper one if you need no explanations. The four-night route covers Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi.
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, Prayagraj and Varanasi in four nights
- All meals
- Local guides in Ayodhya and Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath entry
Private car with driver, a 3-star hotel and boat rides in Prayagraj and Varanasi. Rickshaw rides are extra.
Check availability →
Ayodhya day trip from Varanasi with a guide
- English-speaking guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup at hotel, airport or station
A long day out and back by air-conditioned vehicle with a guide. Monument entries cost extra.
Check availability →
Private car day trip from Varanasi
- Air-conditioned car and driver
- Pickup at hotel, airport or station
- Tolls and parking
Water on board. There is no guide with this booking, so add one separately if you want explanations at the temples.
Check availability →Varanasi and Ayodhya combined tours
Day trips and multi-stop tours that link Varanasi and Ayodhya, with live prices and availability.
Varanasi to Ayodhya: distance and ways to travel
The same trip by road and by rail.
| Route | By road | By rail to Ayodhya Dham | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi to Ayodhya | About 200 km | 191 km | Longer routes reach up to 244 km by road |
| Prayagraj to Ayodhya | About 160 km | 157 km | Longer routes reach up to 192 km by road |
| Lucknow to Ayodhya | About 130 km | 135 km | Frequent buses run from Lucknow |
Distances vary with the start point and the route. Neither rail nor road figures say how long the journey takes. Check the current train timetable and allow extra time for road traffic before you fix your day.
Ayodhya has two main stations, Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya Cantt, and they are not the same station. Check which one your ticket names. See getting to Ayodhya for the rail and bus options.
For most visitors, the better plan is to stay one night in Ayodhya. That removes the pressure of a return journey on the same day and leaves room for the evening aarti.
Prayagraj to Ayodhya
Prayagraj to Ayodhya is shorter than the journey from Varanasi: about 160 km by road and 157 km by rail to Ayodhya Dham. That makes it an easy second stop on a route that also takes in Varanasi.
A simple order works well: Prayagraj, then Ayodhya, then Varanasi, or the reverse. Whichever way round you go, build in a buffer on the days you cross between cities. Do not assume a direct train, because timetables change and you need to check them close to your date.
Ways to combine Varanasi and Ayodhya
Three simple plans.
Day trip from Varanasi
Possible, but long. With about 200 km each way, most of the day goes to travel. It suits visitors short on time who mainly want the Ram Mandir.
One night in Ayodhya
The most comfortable option. You arrive, visit Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan, attend the evening aarti at Ram ki Paidi and see the Ram Mandir the next morning.
Places to visit in Ayodhya →Circuit with Prayagraj
Link Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Varanasi in one trip. Allow a night in each city, and check train timetables on your travel days.
When to travel between the cities
Historic climate averages for the region around Ayodhya.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool season | November to February | Highs from about 23 °C to 30 °C, cool mornings, little rain |
| Hot season | April to June | Highs of 38 °C to 40 °C, tiring for long road days |
| Monsoon | July to September | Heavy rain, with July and August the wettest, around 330 mm each |
In January the region averages six foggy days, and in February about two to three. That does not predict delays, but it is a reason to add a buffer to winter journeys between cities. For most visitors, the cool season is the easiest time to combine Varanasi and Ayodhya.
Varanasi to Ayodhya: frequently asked questions
How far is Ayodhya from Varanasi?
About 200 km by road and 191 km by rail to Ayodhya Dham. Longer routes reach up to 244 km by road.
How far is Prayagraj from Ayodhya?
About 160 km by road and 157 km by rail to Ayodhya Dham. Longer routes reach up to 192 km by road.
Is there a direct train from Varanasi to Ayodhya?
Timetables change, so check the current schedule close to your date. Make sure your ticket names the right station, Ayodhya Dham or Ayodhya Cantt.
Can I see Ayodhya in a day trip from Varanasi?
It is possible, but most of the day goes on the road. One night in Ayodhya gives a calmer visit.
Are Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya Cantt the same station?
No. They are two different stations. Check which one your ticket uses.