How to reach Ayodhya from Agra

How to reach Ayodhya from Agra

To travel from Agra to Ayodhya, there are several options depending on your preference for comfort, speed, and budget. The distance between Agra and Ayodhya is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles), and the journey takes around 5 to 7 hours depending on the mode of transportation.

Here are the most common ways to reach Ayodhya from Agra:

1. By Train (Convenient Option)

There are direct trains that connect Agra to Ayodhya. Train travel is a comfortable, affordable, and popular option for this route.

Key Trains from Agra to Ayodhya:

• Madhya Pradesh Express (Agra to Ayodhya)
• Departure: From Agra Cantt Railway Station (or Agra Fort Railway Station).
• Arrival: Reaches Ayodhya Junction after approximately 5 to 6 hours.
• Duration: Around 6 hours.
• Other Trains: Several other trains may also run between Agra and Ayodhya. You can check availability on the IRCTC website or other travel portals like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip.

Advantages:

• Affordable: Trains are generally the most budget-friendly option.
• Comfortable: You can opt for AC coaches or sleeper classes.
• Scenic: The journey offers scenic views of the rural landscape.

2. By Car (Private Taxi or Self-Drive)

If you prefer more comfort, flexibility, and privacy, you can hire a private taxi or travel by self-drive car. This gives you the option to stop along the way, travel at your own pace, and enjoy the journey more leisurely.

Duration:

• Travel Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hours (depending on road conditions and traffic).

Route:

• The most common route is via National Highway 44 (NH44) and NH 330. The journey will pass through towns like Fatehpur and Basti before reaching Ayodhya.
• You can either drive yourself or hire a taxi from Agra, which will take you directly to Ayodhya.

Advantages:

• Flexibility: You can stop for breaks, food, or sightseeing.
• Comfort: You can travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Convenience: No need to transfer between different modes of transport.

3. By Bus (Economical Option)

There are several state-run and private bus operators that provide services between Agra and Ayodhya. These buses depart from Agra ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) and travel directly to Ayodhya.

Duration:

• Travel Time: Approx. 6 to 7 hours.

Bus Options:

• Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC): UPSRTC operates buses from Agra to Ayodhya.
• Private Bus Operators: You can also opt for private AC or non-AC buses. These buses are more frequent but might be less comfortable than trains or taxis.

Advantages:

• Affordable: Buses are one of the cheapest options.
• Direct: Some buses go directly to Ayodhya without the need for transfers.

4. By Combination of Train + Taxi (Flexible Option)

You can combine train travel and taxi travel to cover part of the journey. For instance, you can take a train to a nearby station (e.g., Faizabad Junction), and from there hire a taxi to Ayodhya (which is around 8 km from Faizabad).

Example Itinerary:

1. Agra to Faizabad: Take a train from Agra Cantt to Faizabad Junction (about 5 hours).
2. Faizabad to Ayodhya: Hire a taxi from Faizabad to Ayodhya (approximately 30 minutes drive).

Advantages:

• Flexibility: Allows you to split the journey and break it up if you're more comfortable with trains or taxis.
• Quick and Comfortable: The combination can save time if direct options are not available.

5. By Flight (Not Direct)

There are no direct flights from Agra to Ayodhya, but you can fly from Agra to Lucknow or Varanasi, and then take a taxi to Ayodhya.

Steps:

1. Agra to Lucknow/Varanasi: You can take a flight from Agra Airport (AGC) to either Lucknow or Varanasi.

• Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour.

1. Lucknow/Varanasi to Ayodhya: From Lucknow (about 130 km from Ayodhya) or Varanasi (about 200 km), you can take a taxi to Ayodhya.

• Travel Time by Taxi: Around 3 to 4 hours from Lucknow, and 5 to 6 hours from Varanasi.

Advantages:

• Fast: Flying can be quicker than other modes of transport.
• Convenient: For those who want to fly and cover a large distance quickly.

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Summary of Travel Options from Agra to Ayodhya:

Mode of Transport	Duration	Cost Range	Advantages
Train (Madhya Pradesh Express)	5 to 6 hours	Moderate	Comfortable, affordable, scenic journey
Car (Taxi or Self-Drive)	5 to 6 hours	High (Private)	Flexible, comfortable, door-to-door service
Bus (UPSRTC/Private)	6 to 7 hours	Low (Budget)	Economical, direct travel, frequent services
Combination (Train + Taxi)	6 to 7 hours (Train) + 30 minutes by taxi	Moderate	Flexibility to break up the journey
Flight (Agra to Lucknow/Varanasi)	1 hour flight + 3-4 hours by taxi	High (Flight + Taxi)	Fastest, but involves transfers