Airport
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) — about 8 km from Ram Mandir.
How to Reach Ayodhya
Ayodhya now has its own international airport, a rebuilt railway station and expressway road links — reaching the temple city has never been easier.
Main Station
Ayodhya Dham Junction — about 3 km from Ram Mandir, walking-friendly in good weather.
Bus Stand
Ayodhya bus stand, with frequent UPSRTC services from Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi.
Nearest Big City
Lucknow is about 135 km — roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour drive on the expressway.
Option 1
By air — fastest route
✦
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (IATA: AYJ) opened in early 2024 and connects Ayodhya directly with a growing list of Indian cities. It is a modern, compact terminal — arrival to taxi in under 20 minutes on most days.
Direct connections typically include
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Kolkata
- Chennai
Tip: flight schedules on this route change often as airlines add capacity. If your city has no direct flight, flying into Lucknow (LKO) and driving down is a comfortable, often cheaper alternative.
Airport to Ram Mandir
- Distance≈ 8 km
- By taxi / cab20 – 30 minutes
- By auto / e-rickshaw30 – 40 minutes
- Approx. taxi fareConfirm locally on arrival
Arriving late at night?
Ayodhya is a safe, well-lit pilgrimage city, but e-rickshaws thin out after about 10 PM. If you land late, we strongly recommend a pre-booked hotel transfer — we arrange this as part of every package.
Option 2
By train — the classic pilgrimage route
✦
Ayodhya is served by three stations. Which one you use depends on where you are travelling from.
| Station | Code | Distance to Ram Mandir | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya Dham Junction | AYC | ≈ 3 km | The main, newly rebuilt station — most convenient overall |
| Ayodhya Cantt | AY | ≈ 2 km | Older station, close to the old town and Hanuman Garhi |
| Faizabad Junction | FD | ≈ 8 km | Extra trains; many long-distance services stop here |
Book early
Trains to Ayodhya fill up fast around Ram Navami, Diwali and long weekends. Book 60+ days ahead for sleeper and AC classes.
Getting from the station
E-rickshaws and autos wait outside all three stations. To Ram Mandir, expect a short, inexpensive ride.
Allow a buffer
Ayodhya Dham Junction is a major stop and trains are frequently busy. If you have a same-day connection, keep a generous buffer.
Option 3
By road — buses & self-drive
✦
Uttar Pradesh has upgraded the highways into Ayodhya significantly. Road travel is now smooth and predictable.
| From | Approx. Distance | Approx. Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | 135 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | Expressway route; the most common road approach |
| Varanasi | 200 km | 4 – 5 hrs | Popular extension for a combined pilgrimage |
| Prayagraj | 170 km | 3.5 – 4 hrs | Pairs well with a Triveni Sangam visit |
| Gorakhpur | 140 km | 3 – 3.5 hrs | Good link for eastern UP and Bihar travellers |
| Delhi | 630 km | 9 – 11 hrs | Usually better by train or flight |
By bus
UPSRTC runs regular services from Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur and Faizabad. Both ordinary and AC buses operate; AC Volvo services are available on the Lucknow route.
Self-drive
Roads into Ayodhya are well maintained. Parking near the temple is limited, though — most pilgrims park at designated lots and walk or take an e-rickshaw for the final stretch.
Local Transport
Getting around Ayodhya
✦
Ayodhya is compact. Most of the important temples sit within a 3 km radius, and the old town is best explored on foot.
E-rickshaw
The most common and cheapest way to move around. Ideal for short hops between temples.
Auto-rickshaw
Slightly faster for longer distances. Agree the fare before you set off.
Taxi / cab
Best for airport transfers and day trips to Nandigram or Faizabad. Book ahead for early mornings.
On foot
The old-town lane linking Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal is a delightful walk.
Practical advice: temple-adjacent roads are closed to most vehicles during major festivals, so plan to walk the final 500 m–1 km. Wear comfortable slip-on footwear, since you will remove shoes repeatedly.
Travel Help
Need help with your travel arrangements?
Tell us where you are coming from and your dates. We will suggest the most practical route, arrange station or airport pickup, and keep your darshan timing in mind.
Arriving soon? Let's plan the first day
Landing, arriving by train or driving in — we can have your darshan timing, hotel and transport ready before you reach Ayodhya.