By Kashi Dham Tours & Travels | Last updated: October 2026
Quick Answer
The distance from Varanasi to Ayodhya is about 200 km by road, and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours by cab. The Vande Bharat train covers the same route in roughly 2.5 hours. For families and senior citizens, a private cab gives the most comfort. For the fastest and cheapest trip, take a morning Vande Bharat.
Varanasi to Ayodhya at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Road distance | ~200 km (some routes up to ~220 km) |
| Travel time by cab | 4-5 hours |
| Travel time by Vande Bharat | ~2 hrs 30 min |
| Travel time by regular train | ~3.5-5 hours |
| Travel time by bus | 5-6 hours |
| Best route | Varanasi → Jaunpur → Sultanpur → Ayodhya |
| Best season | October to March |
| Best option for families | Private cab with driver |
How far is Ayodhya from Varanasi?
Ayodhya is roughly 200 km from Varanasi. Online maps show slightly different numbers (199 km to 219 km) depending on the route and the pick-up and drop-off points inside each city. Kashi to Ayodhya is the same journey, since Kashi is another name for Varanasi.
Both cities are among the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Uttar Pradesh. That is why most travellers combine the Kashi Vishwanath darshan with Ram Mandir darshan in one trip. If you want everything arranged in one go, see our Varanasi Ayodhya tour package.
Varanasi to Ayodhya by road (cab or car)
Road travel gives you the most flexibility, especially for a family or group.
Route 1: Varanasi → Jaunpur → Sultanpur → Ayodhya (recommended)
This is the most popular and usually the fastest route, at about 4 to 4.5 hours. It passes through Jaunpur and Sultanpur, where you will find tea stops and food options.
Route 2: Varanasi → Akbarpur → Ayodhya (alternate)
This route is a little longer at about 220 km and 5 to 5.5 hours. Some drivers prefer it when they want to avoid traffic on the main route.
Pro tips for the drive
- Start by 5-6 AM to avoid city traffic and reach Ayodhya before the afternoon crowd.
- Plan one tea or meal stop around Jaunpur or Sultanpur.
- Weekends, festivals and Kartik Purnima week can add 1-2 hours to the journey.
Looking for a driver who knows the route? Check our cab booking in Varanasi or our dedicated outstation cab service from Varanasi to Ayodhya, Prayagraj and more.
Cab fare: Fare depends on the vehicle (sedan, Ertiga, Innova, Tempo Traveller) and whether it is one-way or round trip. [Client team: apni current rate card yahan add karo, table format mein.]
Varanasi to Ayodhya by train
Trains are the cheapest option and the best choice if you are travelling solo or as a couple. There are around two dozen trains between Varanasi Junction and Ayodhya Dham Junction.
- Vande Bharat Express: the fastest option at about 2 hrs 25 min to 2 hrs 40 min. The morning departure from Varanasi suits a same-day darshan.
- Regular Mail/Express trains: take about 3.5 to 5 hours. Fares are roughly ₹180 to ₹1,400 depending on class.
- Station note: some trains stop at Ayodhya Cantt, not Ayodhya Dham. Check the arrival station while booking.
Train timings and running days change often. Always confirm on IRCTC before you plan. Once you reach Varanasi Junction or the airport, you can pre-book airport and railway station cab pick-up with us.
Varanasi to Ayodhya by bus
State and private buses run between the two cities. Travel time is 5 to 6 hours and the fare is the lowest of all options. The trade-offs are fixed timings, limited luggage space and a tiring journey, especially for senior citizens and kids.
Cab vs Train vs Bus: which is best?
| Factor | Private Cab | Vande Bharat | Regular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 4-5 hrs | ~2.5 hrs | 3.5-5 hrs | 5-6 hrs |
| Cost | Highest | Medium | Lowest-medium | Lowest |
| Comfort | Excellent | Very good | Moderate | Basic |
| Door-to-door | Yes | No | No | No |
| Flexibility to stop | Yes | No | No | No |
| Best for | Families, seniors, groups | Solo, couples, fast trip | Budget travellers | Backpackers |
Our recommendation: Take a cab if you are travelling with parents, kids or a group of 4 or more. Take the Vande Bharat if you want the quickest trip and are comfortable with station transfers.
Same-day trip or overnight stay?
You can do Varanasi to Ayodhya as a same-day trip, but it is rushed. With 8-10 hours on the road, you have limited time for darshan, and Ram Mandir queues can be long.
We suggest at least one night in Ayodhya. This lets you see Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu Ghat evening aarti without rushing. Browse Ayodhya hotel booking options and our Ayodhya tour packages for ready plans. If you want skip-the-line support, see our Ayodhya VIP darshan ticket booking.
Best time to travel
October to March is the best season, with cool weather for temple walks. Summers (April to June) are very hot, and monsoon can slow the road journey. If you are visiting Varanasi for Dev Deepawali (24 November 2026, confirm with the panchang), book your transport early because roads and trains fill up. Our Dev Deepawali boat booking page has details on the festival evening.
Planning the full trip
Most pilgrims do Varanasi first (Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti, a boat ride), then travel to Ayodhya the next morning. For a day-wise plan with hotels, cabs and guides, check our Varanasi Ayodhya tour package. Planning the Kashi leg first? Read our Kashi Vishwanath temple darshan guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the distance between Varanasi and Ayodhya?
The road distance is about 200 km. Depending on the route, it can go up to around 220 km.
2. How long does it take to go from Varanasi to Ayodhya by road?
It takes 4 to 5 hours by cab, depending on traffic and the route.
3. Which is the fastest way to reach Ayodhya from Varanasi?
The Vande Bharat train is the fastest, at about 2.5 hours, followed by a private cab at 4-5 hours.
4. Is there a direct train from Varanasi to Ayodhya?
Yes. There are direct trains between Varanasi Junction and Ayodhya Dham Junction, including Vande Bharat. Check IRCTC for current timings and running days.
5. What is the best way to travel from Varanasi to Ayodhya with family or elderly parents?
A private cab with a driver, because it offers door-to-door pickup, no station transfers and stops whenever needed.
6. Can I visit Ayodhya from Varanasi in one day?
Yes, but it is tiring. We recommend an overnight stay for a relaxed darshan.
7. What is the best time to visit Ayodhya from Varanasi?
October to March.
8. Is Kashi to Ayodhya the same as Varanasi to Ayodhya?
Yes. Kashi is the traditional name of Varanasi, so the distance and route are the same.
9. How can I book a cab from Varanasi to Ayodhya?
Book through our cab booking page or the outstation cab service. Share your travel date, group size and pick-up point.
10. Which route is better, via Jaunpur or via Akbarpur?
The Jaunpur-Sultanpur route is usually faster. The Akbarpur route is longer, but some drivers choose it to avoid traffic.
Conclusion
Varanasi to Ayodhya is a simple 200 km journey that fits easily into a Kashi-Ayodhya pilgrimage. Pick the Vande Bharat for speed or a private cab for comfort. Want it all handled? Explore our Varanasi Ayodhya tour package or book a cab today.