Key hubs
Ayodhya airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Lucknow (Amausi) is the nearest major airport, roughly 2 hours by road. Some flights also serve Varanasi, roughly 4–5 hours away.
- Railway station
- Ayodhya Junction is the main station, recently renovated. Connections to Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities.
- Getting around
- Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common and cheap; a hired car and driver for the day is easiest for visiting multiple temples and ghats. The city is compact and some areas are walkable.
How to reach Ayodhya by air
Lucknow's Amausi Airport is the nearest major hub, roughly 2 hours by road; some flights also serve Varanasi, about 4–5 hours away.
How to reach Ayodhya by train
Ayodhya Junction, recently renovated, is the main station, with connections to Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities.
How to reach Ayodhya by road
Ayodhya sits on well-connected national highways to Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi.
Getting around Ayodhya
Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws cover the compact town cheaply; a hired car and driver for the day is easiest for moving between temples and ghats.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Ayodhya
- Hire a car and driver for the day rather than hopping between autos. It provides a cool rest spot and avoids walking in heat between distant temples.
- Dress conservatively (long trousers or long skirt, covered shoulders). Remove footwear at temple entrances; marble floors in the afternoon sun are very hot. Carry socks or slippers.
- The Panchkosi Parikrama path is a walking circuit for pilgrims; drive or auto parts of it rather than walking the full 12 km in the heat.
- Note the location of your hotel and a nearby pharmacist or hospital before you start. Emergency care is available in larger towns like Lucknow if needed.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.