Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance: Road, Train & Travel Time
Last updated: August 2026 | TAXIKASHI, RK Tour And Travels, Varanasi
Quick answer: Varanasi (Kashi) to Ayodhya is approximately 200 km by road, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours by cab or car depending on traffic and the exact pickup point. By train, the journey typically takes 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the service. The same distance applies whether you’re travelling from Varanasi city, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or Varanasi Junction (BSB) railway station — the difference is a matter of a few kilometres, not a separate route.
This route gets searched under a lot of different names — Varanasi, Kashi, and Banaras all refer to the same city, and Ayodhya, Ayodhya Dham, and Ram Mandir all refer to the same destination. Below is the full breakdown, however you’re phrasing the question.
Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance — The Numbers
| From | Road Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi city (general) | ~200 km | 3.5–4 hours |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | ~205 km | 3.5–4 hours (add 15–20 min to clear the city before the highway stretch) |
| Varanasi Junction (BSB) railway station | ~198 km | 3.5–4 hours |
| Varanasi Airport (Babatpur) | ~210 km | 3.5–4 hours |
These are road-distance and drive-time estimates for a private cab; actual time depends on traffic through Jaunpur and Ayodhya’s approach roads, and can run longer during festival dates or the pilgrimage season.
By Road vs. By Train
Driving is the faster and more flexible option — around 3.5 to 4 hours door to door, with no need to plan around train schedules or change at a station. The direct train between Varanasi Junction and Ayodhya typically takes 3 to 4.5 hours depending on which service you catch, with departures roughly every few hours through the day. For a single traveller with flexible timing, the train works fine; for a family group, luggage, or an early-morning darshan slot at Ram Mandir, most people find a private cab more practical since it removes the wait-and-transfer time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ayodhya from Varanasi?
Ayodhya is approximately 200 km from Varanasi by road, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to drive.
What is the distance between Kashi and Ayodhya?
Kashi (Varanasi) and Ayodhya are approximately 200 km apart by road. Kashi is simply the traditional name for Varanasi, so the distance and travel time are the same.
What is the distance between Varanasi and Ram Mandir, Ayodhya?
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is approximately 200–205 km from Varanasi by road, roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive depending on your exact starting point in the city.
How far is Ayodhya from Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
From Kashi Vishwanath Temple, it’s approximately 205 km to Ayodhya by road. The extra few kilometres compared to a general “Varanasi” distance account for getting from the temple area to the highway.
What is the distance from Banaras to Ayodhya?
Banaras is another name for Varanasi, so the distance to Ayodhya is the same — approximately 200 km by road, about 3.5 to 4 hours by car.
How many kilometres is it from Varanasi Junction to Ayodhya?
From Varanasi Junction (BSB) railway station, it’s approximately 198 km by road to Ayodhya.
Can I cover Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya in one trip?
Yes — this is a common multi-city pilgrimage circuit. Varanasi to Prayagraj is about 125 km, and Prayagraj to Ayodhya is roughly 165 km, so the full circuit works well as a 2–3 day planned trip rather than a single long drive. See our multi-city pilgrimage planning page for route options.
What does a taxi from Varanasi to Ayodhya cost?
Fares depend on the vehicle type and whether it’s a one-way or round trip. See our Varanasi to Ayodhya taxi fare page for current rates by vehicle.
Planning the Trip
If you’re booking transport for this route rather than just checking the distance, a few pages worth a look:
- Varanasi to Ayodhya cab booking — one-way and round-trip cab options
- Varanasi to Ayodhya taxi fare — current rates by vehicle type
- Varanasi to Ayodhya cab guide — what to expect on the route, pickup points, and timing
- Ayodhya tour package — for a planned multi-day visit rather than a single drop
If your onward plans include Kashi Vishwanath Temple itself, our railway station to Kashi Vishwanath taxi guide covers that leg separately.
