The distance from Ayodhya to Varanasi is approximately 200 km. By train, the journey takes 3 to 6 hours depending on the service — the BSB Intercity Express (14214) departs Ayodhya Dham at 09:05 AM and reaches Varanasi at 01:35 PM. By road via Purvanchal Expressway, expect 4 to 5 hours by cab (₹2,500–₹4,000). Buses run from ₹350. There are no direct flights. Experience My India arranges both cities in one guided tour from ₹3,999. WhatsApp +91-7302265809. Jai Shri Ram 🙏
Why Getting This Journey Right Matters
Ayodhya and Varanasi are two of the most sacred cities in India — the birthplace of Lord Ram and the city of Lord Shiva. Most pilgrims who visit one want to visit both. The 200 km route connecting them carries its own significance, and choosing the wrong travel mode on the wrong day can turn a devotional journey into an exhausting ordeal.
I am Gurudutt, born and raised in Braj Bhoomi and founder of Experience My India. Since 2018, our team has guided over 50,000 pilgrims through India’s holiest cities — Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Prayagraj. The train schedules, road conditions, bus realities, and festival-period warnings in this guide come directly from that on-ground experience.
By the end of this guide you will know exactly which train to board and from which station, realistic cab fares verified as of May 2026, the honest truth about bus travel on this route, and how to combine both cities into a single planned pilgrimage without wasting a day.
Distance from Ayodhya to Varanasi — Quick Reference
The Ayodhya to Varanasi distance varies slightly by mode and route. Here is the complete one-table reference:
| Travel Mode | Distance | Travel Time | Approx Cost | Best For |
| Train (Express) | ~200 km (rail) | 3 – 6 hours | ₹150 – ₹1,190 | Solo pilgrims, senior travelers, families |
| Private Cab / Car | ~200–210 km (road) | 4 – 5 hours | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 (one way) | Families, groups wanting flexibility |
| Bus (UPSRTC / private) | ~200 km | 5 – 6 hours | ₹350 – ₹600 | Budget travelers |
| Flight | No direct flight | N/A | N/A | Not available on this route |
Key planning fact: Trains are the most reliable mode on this route. The Purvanchal Expressway has significantly improved road travel since 2021, but train remains faster and predictable — especially during festival periods when road traffic around Varanasi city limits builds significantly.
Experience My India arranges transport for both cities in every combo package. Call +91-7302265809 to book.
How to Travel from Ayodhya to Varanasi by Train
Train is the consistently recommended mode for this journey — faster than buses, more comfortable than road on long distances, and immune to the highway congestion that builds around both cities during festival periods.
Stations to Know
From Ayodhya:
- Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) — the primary and newer station; well-connected, cleaner infrastructure
- Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) — the older station; some trains still depart from here
To Varanasi:
- Varanasi Junction (BSB) — the main station; central location, 4 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Manduadih / Banaras Station (MUV) — closer to Kashi Vishwanath for some travellers (confirm your train’s termination point)
Popular Daily Trains — Ayodhya to Varanasi 2026
| Train Name | Train No. | From | Departure | Arrival (BSB) | Travel Time | Classes |
| BSB Intercity Express | 14214 | Ayodhya Dham (AY) | 09:05 AM | 01:35 PM | 4 hrs 30 min | SL, 2S, 3A |
| Doon Express | 13010 | Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) | 11:10 AM | 04:05 PM | 4 hrs 55 min | SL, 2A, 3A, FC |
| Kolkata Express | 13152 | Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) | 07:35 PM | 01:00 AM | 5 hrs 25 min | SL, 2A, 3A |
Note: Train schedules are subject to seasonal change. Confirm timings on IRCTC (irctc.co.in) or the National Train Enquiry System (139) 24–48 hours before travel.
Train Fare Reference — Ayodhya to Varanasi
| Class | Approx Fare | Best For |
| 2S (Second Sitting) | ₹150 – ₹200 | Day journey, budget travel |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹250 – ₹380 | Overnight or daytime budget |
| 3A (AC 3-tier) | ₹600 – ₹850 | Families, comfortable travel |
| 2A (AC 2-tier) | ₹900 – ₹1,190 | Senior pilgrims, premium comfort |
| 1A (First AC) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 | Maximum privacy and comfort |
Experience My India tip: Book train tickets at least 30 days ahead for October–March peak season and 60–90 days ahead for Maha Shivaratri, Holi, and Ramnavami periods. Waitlist tickets on this route clear slowly. Call +91-7302265809 — our team assists with travel planning and coordination around your pilgrimage dates.
What About Vande Bharat from Ayodhya to Varanasi?
As of May 2026, there is no dedicated Vande Bharat Express running directly and exclusively on the Ayodhya–Varanasi route as a scheduled service. Some Vande Bharat services passing through this corridor exist, but direct Vande Bharat connectivity specifically between these two stations is not yet confirmed as a scheduled daily service. Always check IRCTC for the latest additions — this route is actively being upgraded.
Experience My India monitors train additions on this pilgrimage corridor and updates our clients when new services launch. WhatsApp +91-7302265809 for current information.
Is Road Travel from Ayodhya to Varanasi a Good Choice?
Yes — and the opening of the Purvanchal Expressway has made it significantly better. A journey that once took 5–6 hours by road now takes 4–5 hours under normal traffic conditions.
The Route
Recommended Route: Ayodhya → NH-27 → Purvanchal Expressway → NH-19/31 → Varanasi
- Total distance: ~200–210 km
- Road quality: Excellent on Purvanchal Expressway (6-lane, limited access)
- Tolls: ₹120–₹200 (one way, standard car)
Alternative Route: Ayodhya → NH-330 / NH-31 → Jaunpur → Varanasi
- Distance: ~215 km
- Travel time: 5–6 hours (passes through Jaunpur town traffic)
- Better option if starting from Faizabad / south Ayodhya
Private Cab / Taxi Fares — Ayodhya to Varanasi (May 2026)
| Vehicle Type | One-Way Fare | Suitable For |
| Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,200 | 1–4 passengers |
| SUV (Innova, Ertiga) | ₹3,200 – ₹4,000 | 5–7 passengers, families |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 | Groups of 8–12 |
Important: Cab fares increase by 30–50% during Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, Dev Deepawali, and long weekends. Experience My India pre-books cabs at fixed rates for all our packages — no surge pricing on arrival. Call +91-7302265809 to confirm availability for your dates.
Driving yourself? The Purvanchal Expressway has clean fuel stations, food plazas, and washrooms every 30–40 km. Do not drive this route between midnight and 5:00 AM in winter (December–January) — dense fog reduces visibility to under 20 metres on the expressway.
Are Buses Available from Ayodhya to Varanasi?
Yes. Both state-run UPSRTC buses and private operators run frequent services on this route.
Bus Options — Ayodhya to Varanasi
| Operator Type | Boarding Point | Travel Time | Fare | Notes |
| UPSRTC (state) | Ayodhya Bus Stand (near old city) | 5 – 6 hrs | ₹350 – ₹450 | Frequent departures 05:00–22:00; no AC on standard services |
| Private Non-AC | Naya Ghat / Faizabad bus stands | 5 – 6 hrs | ₹350 – ₹450 | Slightly faster due to fewer stops |
| Private AC Seater | Naya Ghat area | 5 hrs | ₹500 – ₹600 | More comfortable; confirm AC is working |
| Private Volvo Sleeper | Naya Ghat area | 5 – 6 hrs | ₹600 – ₹900 | Night departures; good for overnight travel |
Drop-off: Most buses terminate at Varanasi Cantt Bus Stand — from there, an auto-rickshaw to Dashashwamedh Ghat or Kashi Vishwanath takes 20–30 minutes (₹60–₹120).
When to avoid buses: During festival weeks (Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, Dev Deepawali), bus routes into Varanasi face severe congestion. The last 15–20 km into Varanasi city can take 90 minutes on festival days. For festival travel, train is strongly preferred. Call Experience My India at +91-7302265809 for festival-specific travel planning.
Can You Take a Flight from Ayodhya to Varanasi?
No direct flight exists between Ayodhya and Varanasi. The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (Ayodhya) does not have a direct commercial service to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi) as of May 2026. The two cities are only 200 km apart — no airline currently operates a direct sector of this distance on this route.
If you are arriving by air from another city:
- Fly into Varanasi (VNS) from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, or Kolkata — then travel to Ayodhya by train or cab.
- Fly into Ayodhya (AYJ) from Delhi or Mumbai — then travel to Varanasi by train.
Experience My India handles airport pickups at both Varanasi and Ayodhya airports and connects them into a single multi-city pilgrimage itinerary. Call +91-7302265809 for a tailored routing plan.
What’s New in 2026 That Makes This Journey Easier
Several developments in 2025–2026 have changed the practical experience of this pilgrimage route:
1. Ayodhya Dham Junction — Upgraded Station Infrastructure The rebuilt Ayodhya Dham Junction now has better waiting areas, digital screens, improved food stalls, and cleaner platforms. Arriving pilgrims have a significantly smoother experience than three years ago.
2. Purvanchal Expressway Connectivity The Purvanchal Expressway (connecting Lucknow to Ghazipur) runs near the Ayodhya–Varanasi corridor. It is now fully operational and is the reason road journey times have dropped from 5–6 hours to 4–5 hours for cabs using the expressway route.
3. Ram Mandir → Varanasi Tourism Surge Following the Ram Mandir consecration (January 2024), Ayodhya visitor numbers have increased sharply. The ripple effect on the Ayodhya–Varanasi pilgrim route is real: trains are more booked, hotels in both cities fill faster, and cab availability during festival periods is tighter. Book 60–90 days ahead for October–March travel.
4. Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (fully operational) The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor — opened in December 2021 and now fully operational — has changed how pilgrims experience Varanasi. The corridor provides a direct, barrier-free walk from the Ganga ghat to the Shivling darshan. This makes Varanasi more accessible for elderly pilgrims than at any previous point.
Experience My India has updated all our Ayodhya + Varanasi tour packages to reflect these changes. Call +91-7302265809 or WhatsApp 7300620809 for a current itinerary.
Best Time to Travel from Ayodhya to Varanasi
| Season | Months | Temperature | Crowd Level | Key Events | Verdict |
| Peak (Best) | October – March | 5°C – 28°C | Moderate–High | Dev Deepawali, Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami | Best for comfortable travel and full pilgrimage access |
| Ram Navami | Mar/Apr 2026 | 25°C – 35°C | Very High at Ayodhya | Ram Navami — Ayodhya at its most crowded | Go — but book 2–3 months ahead, train only |
| Dev Deepawali | November 2026 | 10°C – 22°C | Very High at Varanasi | 84 ghats lit with oil lamps | Plan Nov visit 3 months ahead |
| Summer | April – June | 35°C – 46°C | Low | — | Possible if you travel before 9 AM and after 6 PM |
| Monsoon | July – September | 27°C – 35°C | Low | — | Road conditions variable; ghats may flood in Varanasi |
| Maha Shivaratri | Feb 2027 | 12°C – 25°C | Extremely High at Varanasi | All-night vigil at Kashi Vishwanath | Book 4 months ahead — trains and hotels fill entirely |
October to February is the window Experience My India consistently recommends for an Ayodhya + Varanasi combo trip. The weather supports walking the ghats and temple circuits, both Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath have comfortable darshan conditions, and the Ganga at Varanasi is at a good level for boat rides.
Complete Cost Comparison — Ayodhya to Varanasi 2026
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | In Package |
| Train (Sleeper) | ₹250 – ₹380 | ₹600 – ₹850 (3A) | Included |
| Private cab (one way) | — | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 | Included |
| Bus (non-AC) | ₹350 – ₹450 | ₹500 – ₹600 (AC) | — |
| Auto from Varanasi station to ghat | ₹60 – ₹120 | ₹150 – ₹200 | Included |
| Hotel Varanasi (per night) | ₹700 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,500 | Included |
| Hotel Ayodhya (per night) | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | Included |
| Guided Ayodhya + Varanasi package | — | From ₹3,999/person | All above included |
A self-planned 3-day Ayodhya + Varanasi trip for 2 people typically costs ₹8,000–₹14,000 all-in (excluding travel from your home city). An Experience My India guided combo package covers both cities from ₹3,999 per person — AC cab, hotels in both cities, guide, all temple and ghat experiences included. WhatsApp +91-7302265809 for a personalised quote within 30 minutes.
Ground Truth — What Nobody Tells You About This Journey
After planning this route for 50,000+ pilgrims since 2018, here is what most travel blogs will not say:
The last 15 km into Varanasi by road is the hardest part of the journey. NH-19 into Varanasi city passes through Mughal Sarai / Chandauli — narrow roads, heavy truck traffic, and no flyover on the city approach. On a festival day, the last 15 km can take 90 minutes. Trains bypass this entirely.
Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) and Ayodhya Dham (AY) are different stations — 4 km apart. Many first-time visitors arrive at the wrong station. Doon Express (13010) departs from AYC; BSB Intercity (14214) departs from AY. Confirm your station the night before. Auto between the two stations: ₹80–₹120.
Cab fares on this route surge 40–60% during Ram Navami and Maha Shivaratri. Aggregator apps (Ola, Uber) show higher surge pricing too. Experience My India books cabs at fixed pre-negotiated rates — no festival surcharge on our packages. Call 7300620809 to lock in your cab before your travel date.
Bus travel from Ayodhya is slower than advertised. The “5-hour bus” estimate assumes smooth flow through Varanasi city. On weekends and festival periods, add 60–90 minutes to every bus estimate. For a pilgrimage where you need to reach Kashi Vishwanath before the evening aarti, buses are not reliable enough.
IRCTC waitlist tickets on the Ayodhya–Varanasi corridor clear slowly. The Doon Express and BSB Intercity are popular trains — WL (waitlist) positions above WL/15 often do not confirm even 48 hours before departure during peak season. Book confirmed seats or contact Experience My India for alternative routing.
Know Before You Travel — Ayodhya to Varanasi
- Book train tickets 30–60 days ahead for October–March; waitlists on popular trains do not clear reliably on this route during peak season
- Confirm your Ayodhya departure station — Ayodhya Dham (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) are 4 km apart; check your ticket carefully
- Carry sufficient cash — ₹1,500–₹2,000 per person per day; ATMs in old Varanasi lanes are limited and busy post-aarti
- Auto from Varanasi Junction (BSB) to Dashashwamedh Ghat takes 20–30 minutes (₹80–₹150); do not trust 10-minute estimates from the auto stand
- Cab fares surge during festivals — book in advance at fixed rates, not through apps on arrival
- Varanasi’s old city lanes cannot be entered by vehicle — the last 300–500 metres to Kashi Vishwanath are on foot regardless of your arrival mode
- No direct flight exists between Ayodhya and Varanasi — anyone selling “Ayodhya to Varanasi flight tickets” is routing you via Delhi or Lucknow with a layover
- Night bus travel is manageable but the drop at Varanasi Cantt Bus Stand at 1:00–3:00 AM requires prior arrangement for your onward auto or hotel pickup
Experience My India coordinates all of these details in every guided package — nothing is left to chance. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ayodhya to Varanasi Travel
Yes. Both UPSRTC state buses and private operators run frequent services from Ayodhya’s main bus stand (near old city) and Naya Ghat area. Non-AC buses cost ₹350–₹450; AC seater options run ₹500–₹600; Volvo sleepers are available for ₹600–₹900. Travel time is 5–6 hours. Drop-off is Varanasi Cantt Bus Stand, from which an auto to Dashashwamedh Ghat takes 20–30 minutes. Experience My India does not recommend buses during festival periods — call +91-7302265809 for alternatives.
As of May 2026, no dedicated Vande Bharat Express runs exclusively on the Ayodhya–Varanasi route as a daily scheduled service. Some high-speed services pass through this corridor, but a direct daily Vande Bharat between these two stations is not confirmed as of this writing. Check IRCTC for updates — this corridor is actively being upgraded. Experience My India monitors new train additions for our pilgrims. Call +91-7302265809 for current connectivity.
A private cab one-way from Ayodhya to Varanasi costs ₹2,500–₹3,200 for a sedan (up to 4 passengers) and ₹3,200–₹4,000 for an SUV like an Innova (up to 7 passengers). These are May 2026 verified rates for the Purvanchal Expressway route. Fares increase 30–50% during festival periods. Experience My India pre-books cabs at fixed rates for all our packages — no surge pricing. WhatsApp +91-7302265809 to confirm.
Yes. Multiple trains run daily between Ayodhya and Varanasi Junction. The BSB Intercity Express (14214) departs Ayodhya Dham (AY) at 09:05 AM and arrives Varanasi at 01:35 PM — 4.5 hours. The Doon Express (13010) departs Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) at 11:10 AM, arriving at 04:05 PM. The Kolkata Express (13152) is a night option from Ayodhya Cantt at 07:35 PM. Fares range from ₹150 (Second Sitting) to ₹1,190 (2AC). Book on IRCTC. Contact Experience My India at 7300620809 for travel coordination.
By road via the Purvanchal Expressway, the journey from Ayodhya to Varanasi takes 4 to 5 hours for a private cab under normal traffic. The route is approximately 200–210 km. On festival days or long weekends, add 60–90 minutes for Varanasi city congestion. By bus, plan for 5–6 hours. Trains are faster and more predictable — 3 to 5 hours depending on the service. Experience My India arranges AC cab transfers between cities for all guided packages. Call +91-7302265809.
Train is the best option for most pilgrims — predictable timing, comfortable seating, no traffic delays, and fares from ₹150 to ₹1,190 depending on class. Private cab is the best for families or groups who want door-to-temple flexibility (₹2,500–₹4,000 one way). Bus is for budget travelers with time flexibility. There are no direct flights. Experience My India’s combo packages include AC cab between cities — WhatsApp +91-7302265809 for options.
October to March is the best period for this journey — weather is comfortable (8°C–28°C), temple access is fully active in both cities, and the Ganga at Varanasi is at an ideal level for boat rides. Ram Navami (March/April) is spectacular in Ayodhya — book 2–3 months ahead. Dev Deepawali (November) is Varanasi’s most visually stunning night — book hotels 3 months ahead. Avoid April–June afternoons (45°C+ by midday). Experience My India plans seasonal tours for both cities. Call +91-7302265809.
Yes. Three days works well: Day 1 — arrive Ayodhya, Ram Mandir darshan, Hanumangarhi, Saryu Ghat aarti. Day 2 — morning Ayodhya, afternoon cab or train to Varanasi (3–5 hours), evening Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti. Day 3 — Kashi Vishwanath, Manikarnika, Sarnath, night boat ride. Experience My India’s 3-day Ayodhya + Varanasi combo package is built exactly around this sequence. From ₹3,999 per person. WhatsApp +91-7302265809 to book.
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