Ayodhya Train Journey Guide: Routes, Travel Tips & What to Expect

Ayodhya, the ancient city on the banks of the Sarayu River, holds an unparalleled place in India’s religious and cultural map. Known as the birthplace of Lord Rama, it is home to iconic temples, ghats, and the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, making it one of the holiest destinations for Hindus worldwide. Over the past few years, Ayodhya has witnessed a surge in tourism, especially spiritual and cultural tourism, drawing millions of visitors annually.

For many, the journey to Ayodhya isn’t just about arriving; it is a spiritual path in itself. If you are wondering how to reach Ayodhya by train, this guide covers everything: routes, train experiences, onboard food options, and handy travel tips. 

Whether you are an explorer embracing the freedom of travel, a frolleague(a colleague who is also a friend) duo turning a work trip into a pilgrimage, or a large family seeking blessings together, this journey caters to everyone. Plus, the train adds a layer of authenticity and charm to your travel, letting you truly soak in India’s cultural richness before you even arrive.

How to Reach Ayodhya by Train – A Budget-Friendly Family Trip & Adventure

The Indian Railways connects Ayodhya with almost every major city and town across the country, making it accessible and budget-friendly for solo travelers, families, and groups of pilgrims. Here is why train travel is an excellent way to reach the city:

• Affordability: Traveling by train is significantly more economical than flights or private cabs, especially for long distances.
• Connectivity: Ayodhya is served by two key railway stations—Ayodhya Junction (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC).
• Availability: Multiple trains run weekly from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna.
• Convenient Timings: Both day and overnight trains are available so you can plan according to your schedule.

So, if you are thinking about how to go to Ayodhya by train, you must know that there are plenty of options across classes—General, Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and Executive Class. Booking is easy via the IRCTC portal or mobile app.

Ayodhya Train Journey Experience: What to Expect 

Embarking on an Ayodhya train journey is more than just a ride—it’s a culturally immersive experience, especially in the summer. Here’s what to expect:

• Spiritual Vibes: Whether you’re surrounded by chanting pilgrims or catching glimpses of temple towns en route, the train becomes a mobile spiritual sanctuary.
• Scenic Landscapes: Routes to Ayodhya pass through lush farmlands, riverside villages, and serene countryside.
• Family-friendly Fun: Trains are ideal for families with kids. There’s space to move around, and children often enjoy the excitement of the journey.
• Festive Atmosphere: During religious festivals like Ram Navami or Diwali, trains are filled with devotees, making the journey vibrant and full of energy.

If you plan to travel with little ones, this is the perfect time for engaging kids during long train rides with stories from the Ramayana or train games.

Fun trivia: Did you know that Ayodhya gets more than two crore visitors annually, with nearly 65% arriving via train?

Popular Train Routes to Ayodhya for the Coolest Train Journeys for Families This Summer

1. Ayodhya Express (14205)

• Route: Runs between Delhi and Ayodhya via Lucknow
• Frequency: Daily
• Travel Time: Approximately 12 hours
• Features: Sleeper and AC coaches, onboard pantry
• Ideal for travelers from North India looking for overnight convenience

2. Farakka Express (13484)

• Route: Connects Malda Town (West Bengal) to Delhi via Ayodhya
• Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Travel Time: Around 30 hours
• Features: Long-distance train with extensive route coverage
• Perfect for East India pilgrims planning a comprehensive religious circuit

3. Sadbhavna Express (14018)

• Route: Connects Raxaul (Bihar) to Delhi via Ayodhya
• Frequency: Weekly
• Travel Time: Around 24 hours
• Features: Budget-friendly with sleeper and general compartments
• Ideal for large groups and families looking to save costs

Many travelers planning how to reach Ayodhya by train prefer these options due to consistent timings and strategic stops along the way. Also, these trains offer opportunities to interact with fellow pilgrims, making the experience more communal and enriching. For budget-conscious families, these routes are a clear winner in terms of value and experience.

On Your Train to Ayodhya, Order Tasty Meals with Swiggy Right to Your Seat! 

Train journeys are incomplete without delicious food, and thankfully, Swiggy has made Railway Food Order as easy as ordering from home. You can now use Swiggy’s IRCTC-integrated service to order dinner in train (or breakfast/lunch!) at major stations on the route to Ayodhya.

Some meal highlights you can enjoy onboard:

• Vegetarian Thalis: Perfect for religious travelers observing dietary restrictions
• Puris with Sabzi: A North Indian comfort meal, especially for breakfast
• Paneer Butter Masala with Rice/Rotis: A creamy delight for lunch or dinner
• Snacks: Samosas, sandwiches, Haldiram mixtures, and sweets

Swiggy’s service covers stations like Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, and more—ensuring your food is hot, hygienic, and delivered to your seat.

Pro tip: Use Swiggy’s real-time tracking to get alerts on when your meal is arriving!

The answer is simple if you are wondering how convenient modern travel can be. You can combine Railway Food Order and spiritual exploration with zero hassle. It’s train travel, the smart way.

Conclusion

A trip to Ayodhya is a journey of the heart and soul. Whether you are traveling solo on a me-mooning getaway, taking a family pilgrimage, or joining friends for a spiritual weekend, the train offers the most affordable and culturally rich experience. With regular trains, tasty meals onboard, and vibrant passengers sharing similar spiritual goals, the Ayodhya train journey is unforgettable.

Now that you know how to reach Ayodhya by train, go ahead and plan your trip. Choose the right train, book your Swiggy meals in advance, and let the tracks lead you to the heart of devotion.

FAQ

1. What is the best time to visit Ayodhya by train?

The ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. Festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali also draw large crowds, enhancing the spiritual experience.

2. How far is the Ayodhya railway station from Ram Mandir?

Ayodhya Junction is around 2.5 km from the Ram Mandir site. It takes about 10–15 minutes by auto or rickshaw.

3. What kind of meals are available on Swiggy during the Ayodhya train journey?

Swiggy offers a variety of meals, including vegetarian thalis, North Indian curries, South Indian combos, snacks, and even sweets—all delivered hot and fresh to your train seat at selected stations.