Varanasi to Ayodhya Cab Fare 2026: Distance by Road, Route, Train & Travel Time
Varanasi to Ayodhya is about 210–220 km by road (4.5–5.5 hrs). Best route, cab fare by car, Vande Bharat train timing & tips for Ram Mandir darshan.
Last updated: 30 September 2026
Short answer: The Varanasi to Ayodhya distance by road is about 210–220 km. By car it takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours on the main route via Jaunpur and Sultanpur (NH-731 / NH-330). The fastest train is the Vande Bharat Express (22489), which takes about 2.5 hours. There is no direct flight. A private cab is the most comfortable option for families. It picks you up from your hotel or ghat and drops you close to Ram Mandir, and a one-way sedan usually costs about ₹4,500–6,000. Exact fares depend on the car, the date and whether you need a return trip.
Varanasi and Ayodhya are the two most visited pilgrim cities in Uttar Pradesh, and most devotees now cover both in one trip. Kashi Vishwanath in the morning and Ram Lalla the next day is a very common plan. This guide gives you the real road distance, the best route, the travel time, the Vande Bharat and other train options, typical cab fares by car type, and stops worth making on the way, so you can pick the right option for your family.
Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance: Quick Facts
| Route / Mode | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| By road via Jaunpur – Sultanpur (NH-731 / NH-330) | about 210–220 km | 4.5–5.5 hours |
| By road via Purvanchal Expressway | about 230 km | about 5 hours |
| By road via Prayagraj (Sangam) | about 280–290 km | 6–7 hours |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Ram Mandir | about 215–225 km | 5–5.5 hours |
| Vande Bharat Express 22489 | — | about 2.5 hours |
| Other express trains | — | about 3–5 hours |
| UPSRTC bus | — | about 5–6.5 hours |
| Flight | No direct flight | — |
Road distance changes a little depending on where you start in Varanasi (Cantt, Godowlia, Assi Ghat or BHU) and where you stop in Ayodhya.
Best Road Route from Varanasi to Ayodhya
Main route (recommended): Varanasi → Jaunpur → Badlapur → Sultanpur → Ayodhya
- This is the shortest and most used route, about 210–220 km, mostly on a good two- or four-lane highway.
- Leave by 6–7 AM to avoid Varanasi city traffic and reach Ayodhya by noon.
- Stops on the way: the historic Shahi Bridge and Atala Masjid in Jaunpur, and dhabas around Badlapur and Sultanpur for breakfast.
Alternative: Purvanchal Expressway. It is slightly longer, but the expressway stretch is smooth. It suits you if you prefer highway driving and fewer towns on the way.
Via Prayagraj: If you also want a Sangam snan, go Varanasi → Prayagraj → Ayodhya. It adds about 70 km and is best done over two days. See the Ayodhya Prayagraj Varanasi tour and the taxi fare via Prayagraj.
Varanasi to Ayodhya Cab Fare 2026
| Car type | Seats | One-way (approx.) | Round trip / 2 days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios) | 4 | ₹4,500 – ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 |
| SUV (Ertiga) | 6 | ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 | ₹9,500 – ₹12,000 |
| Innova Crysta | 6–7 | ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 12–17 | ₹10,000 – ₹14,000 | ₹17,000 – ₹22,000 |
What changes the fare: the car type, a one-way drop or return trip, the number of days, the pickup point, tolls and parking, a night driver allowance, and peak dates such as Deepotsav, Ram Navami, Dev Deepawali and long weekends. These are approximate 2026 market ranges. For a fixed, all-inclusive quote, send your dates and group size on WhatsApp.
Tip: Always confirm in writing whether tolls, parking, the driver allowance and GST are included. Most fare disputes on this route come from these "extras".
Varanasi to Ayodhya by Train
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22489 Vande Bharat Express (Varanasi Jn → Ayodhya Dham Jn) | 09:10 | 11:40 | Daily except Tuesday |
| 22490 Vande Bharat Express (Ayodhya Dham Jn → Varanasi Jn) | 15:55 | 18:25 | Daily except Tuesday |
Many other express trains run between Varanasi and Ayodhya, taking about 3–5 hours. Train timings change from time to time, so always check the latest schedule and book on IRCTC or check live running status on NTES.
Ayodhya has two main stations: Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY), which is closest to Ram Mandir, and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC). For the last stretch, see railway station to Ram Mandir and station auto and cab fare.
Varanasi to Ayodhya by Bus and Flight
- Bus: UPSRTC and private buses run from Varanasi to Ayodhya and take about 5–6.5 hours. Book on the official UPSRTC website. Buses are the cheapest option but less comfortable for elders.
- Flight: There is no direct flight between Varanasi and Ayodhya. At about 210 km, road or train is always faster than flying via another city.
Cab vs Train vs Bus: Which Is Best for You?
| You are… | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A family with elders or kids | Private cab | Hotel-to-hotel, stops when needed, luggage stays in the car |
| A couple or solo traveller | Vande Bharat | Fastest, comfortable, affordable |
| A group of 8–15 | Tempo Traveller | Cheaper per person than two cars |
| On a tight budget | Express train or bus | Lowest cost |
| Also visiting Prayagraj | Cab over 2–3 days | Covers all three cities with no transfers |
Plan Your Arrival in Ayodhya
- Book the free darshan pass before you leave Varanasi, on online.srjbtkshetra.org. Help: Sugam Darshan pass kaise banaye.
- Time it right. If you leave Varanasi early you can do Ram Mandir darshan in the afternoon and the Saryu Aarti in the evening. Check the Ram Mandir darshan timing and Saryu Aarti time.
- Phones and bags are not allowed inside Ram Mandir. Leave them in the car or use the free locker. See Ram Mandir locker and mobile rules.
- Know where cars stop: Ram Mandir car drop point.
- Where to stay: hotels near Ram Mandir. For a full plan, see the 2 day Ayodhya itinerary.
- Travelling with elderly parents? See Ram Mandir wheelchair facility.
Book a Varanasi to Ayodhya Cab
We run one-way drops, round trips and multi-day tours on this route with clean cars and drivers who know both cities well. You get pickup from your Varanasi hotel, ghat, railway station or airport, and a drop close to Ram Mandir. Going the other way? See the Ayodhya to Varanasi tour. For all three holy cities, see our 5 day Ayodhya–Prayagraj–Varanasi plan, the Varanasi package or the Ram Mandir tour package.
FAQ: Varanasi to Ayodhya
What is the distance from Varanasi to Ayodhya by road?
About 210–220 km on the main route via Jaunpur and Sultanpur. The Purvanchal Expressway route is about 230 km, and the route via Prayagraj is about 280–290 km.
How long does it take to go from Varanasi to Ayodhya by car?
About 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Leaving Varanasi early in the morning saves time.
What is the Varanasi to Ayodhya cab fare?
A one-way sedan usually costs about ₹4,500–6,000, an Ertiga about ₹5,500–7,000 and an Innova Crysta about ₹7,000–9,000. The final fare depends on the car, dates, tolls and whether you need a return trip.
Which is the fastest train from Varanasi to Ayodhya?
The Vande Bharat Express 22489 leaves Varanasi Junction at 09:10 and reaches Ayodhya Dham Junction at 11:40, taking about 2.5 hours. It runs every day except Tuesday. Check the latest timing on IRCTC before you travel.
What is the distance from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Ram Mandir Ayodhya?
About 215–225 km by road, which takes about 5–5.5 hours by car.
Is there a direct flight from Varanasi to Ayodhya?
No. There is no direct flight. Road or train is the best way to travel between the two cities.
Varanasi se Ayodhya ki duri kitni hai?
Varanasi se Ayodhya sadak se lagbhag 210–220 km hai. Car se 4.5 se 5.5 ghante lagte hain, aur Vande Bharat train se lagbhag 2.5 ghante.
Can we visit Varanasi and Ayodhya in 2 days?
Yes. Spend day 1 in Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath and Ganga Aarti), drive or take the morning Vande Bharat to Ayodhya on day 2, and do Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi and the Saryu Aarti. Three days is more relaxed, especially with elders.
Travelling from Varanasi to Ayodhya? Tell us your dates, pickup point and group size, and we'll send a fixed, all-inclusive cab quote. Send an enquiry and we'll reply on WhatsApp.
Ayodhya-based travel writer and Ministry of Tourism (India) certified guide. 12+ years guiding pilgrims across the Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj Holy Triangle. Every guide is fact-checked against current temple timings and local transport before publishing.
