Delhi to Ayodhya vs Delhi to Varanasi – Which Trip Is Easier?
When deciding which city to visit in Ayodhya or Varanasi as a trip starting from Delhi, consider the time of the journey, comfort, price and what you plan to do upon arrival. Both cities are significant pilgrimage sites, but they vary in their accessibility from Delhi. The article is a comparison between the two routes: door-to-door time, flight and train services, distance to station or airport, comfort when travelling alone, cost and tips, so that you can choose the easier one depending on your needs.
What to consider to make the travel easier
If you are looking for the shortest overall distance to travel, Ayodhya may be less challenging, as the new airport is located near the main Ram Mandir. Varanasi may be more accessible by train. It is all a matter of preference.
The key considerations in the mind of the majority of travellers entail: time between the Delhi home and Delhi airport or station; duration of flight or train; and time taken to reach the hotel or temple after arriving at the point of arrival. Add in the mobility requirements, the handling of the luggage and the train or flight congestion on your scheduled dates.
Delhi flight arrival and departure timings
Delhi to Ayodhya and Varanasi flights are frequent. The flights between Delhi and Varanasi have an average of about 1 hr and 25 mins of air time. In the case of Ayodhya, short non-stop flights of some of the carriers are now available between Delhi, which usually last between 1 hr 10 mins and 1 hr 25 mins, based on the flight one selects. Air transportation saves time taken to drive on long routes and should be used in cases where time is a constraint.
Journey from the Airport to the stay
The airport of Ayodhya is quite near the core temple area; the road distance is mostly 8-12 km, equivalent to an approximation of 20-30 minutes of travel time in motor vehicles basing on the traffic. This brief transit is a significant comfort to individuals who do not desire to spend time on the road after air travel.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) of Varanasi is a little more distant, a taxi ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat will be about 30-45 minutes again, depending on the traffic and destination ghat. Such a difference is important in case you wish to get to the ghats immediately after you have landed.
Trains from Delhi : choices and durations
Delhi-Varanasi trains are regular and also have luxury services like Vande Bharat, which reduces traveling time significantly during the day. The Vande Bharat between New Delhi and Varanasi is approximately 7-8.5 hours with schedule variation, good seating, onboard food and fast day travel.
Between Delhi and Ayodhya, there are trains with a combination of express and fast trains; the journey will take longer than Varanasi with Vande Bharat in most of the cases and the journey can take about 8.5-14 hours according to the train type and the train route. Overnight trains that have sleeper berths can be used by travellers who would like to sleep during the journey to the cities.
Door-to-door comparisons
Scenario 1 – Rapid short-trip to Ayodhya : When you have just one day and need to make as much out of it as possible, it is sometimes the simplest to fly to Ayodhya. Available with short flight and a 20-30 minute cab ride can make you reach Ram Mandir in no time, eliminating the tiredness of long road movements.
Scenario 2 – Morning at the ghats in Varanasi : To reach the ghats in Varanasi in the morning at sunrise, it is convenient to take an overnight train to the Varanasi Junction station, which is nearer to the old city and will help in saving on the final transfer time.
Scenario 3 – Budget traveller that likes to travel at night : Overnight sleeper train to either city will save a night of hotel bill; Varanasi is more likely to have frequent and direct trains and thus train travel is easier to include in a budget plan.
Comfort and other factors : train vs flight
Domestic short-haul flights are quick and mostly smooth and airports are now providing services to elderly or mobility-impaired travellers. Nevertheless, airplane seating might be tight during longer waits and you are forced to deal with security as well as check-in time. Trains give more room to travel, one can sleep in a berth and can easily carry the luggage on the train. A more relaxed train with a lower reserved seat can be simpler for older travellers who need to stretch their legs or who do not want to have to make several short transfers.
Station and airport facilities available for senior citizens and families
The airports of Delhi have excellent provision on senior assistance and have easier processes provided that the assistance is sought beforehand. Airports in Varanasi are also supportive; however, Ayodhya airports are also helpful, although their short transfer to the temple area makes it especially convenient to those travellers who do not need to spend much time on the road to the temple after the landing.
Large train stations do have a lift, ramp and porters increasingly, but still have congestion. When you are switching platforms or boarding a train, you will need to plan to spend more time.
Price comparison : tickets and travel costs
Trains are generally cheaper than flights within a similar route, particularly when they are booked in non-air-conditioned or sleeper seats. The premium trains and AC classes are more expensive, yet can still be cheaper than a last-minute flight.
Flights and trains are likely to be costly around festivals and holidays and trains can have quota or special trains attached. Add also the cost of the taxi on arrival: Ayodhya can have a low travel cost to the airport due to its distance and Varanasi airport travel costs are higher. When reserving early, it is generally the cheapest fare on both flights and trains.
Schedule Stability and Delays
Delays can be experienced in both trains and flights. Weather or air traffic can delay flights and alternative flights on the same day may be limited at regional airports. The winter season also slows services due to track work or fog on trains. Premium trains such as Vande Bharat have made their way in recent times and trains have become more reliable in terms of punctuality in the major routes; however, it is important to always check live status on travel day and have plans that can be changed as and when feasible.
Health, safety and convenience at arrival
The shorter distance to the airport in Ayodhya can be an obvious benefit in case of travelling with the elderly or people with mobility problems. Saving time in a taxi following a flight lessens fatigue. The coming of trains at the Varanasi Junction at Varanasi leaves you closer to the ghat-side hotels; this minimizes the distance that one has to walk to the river, but may require you to travel through narrow streets in the city to get to some hotels. Flying to Ayodhya or getting a train to Junction Varanasi, whether you want to go to the last point or not, is a reasonable alternative to those who are afraid of a long ride after arrival.
Luggage and traveling in groups
Trains will make the process of carrying luggage easier as you can hold luggage close to your berth; group travellers can reserve side berths or adjacent seats. Flights are more lenient in terms of arrival at the airports in advance and checking baggage, but speed up the primary travelling part. Trains might be easier in the case of families or groups of people who have a lot of bags. In short, pilgrimages and you want to transfer minimum, flying to Ayodhya saves time in handling post-landing.
Visiting during festival seasons
Ayodhya and Varanasi are both busy during festival seasons and religious holidays. Coming to a big festival, trains are sold quickly and special trains can be applied; flights are prone to skyrocketing and have a small number of seats. Travelling on crowded dates, then book in advance and check on arrival arrangements- the fact that Ayodhya has a close airport is an added advantage in case you have to do away with road travelling on busy dates.
Suggestions on how to make the trip easier
Book in advance on flights and trains, particularly during festivals. In case of any mobility issues, make a prior request to the airport or station to be assisted with a wheelchair and select central hotels near the temple or ghat.
In Varanasi, morning visits to the ghats take an overnight train arrival; in Ayodhya, visits to temples take a short-term flight and set up a short taxi. Always have copies of vital documents, medicines and a first aid kit. When traveling by train, lower berths would be a comfortable choice for older people during a long journey.
Final Thoughts
When the shortest total travel time and the road transfer after arrival are of the highest priority, then Delhi to Ayodhya by air is generally the less challenging route due to the closeness of the airport to the temple area. When you want easy access to Varanasi in the morning or have time to enjoy an overnight journey, then a train ride to Varanasi is usually a good and convenient choice from Delhi to Varanasi. The two cities are both connected and one has to decide on their own needs.
FAQs on Delhi to Ayodhya vs Varanasi
Flying is usually the easiest and fastest. Ayodhya airport is close to the Ram Mandir, so you avoid long road travel.
Ayodhya is easier by flight due to the nearby airport. Varanasi is very convenient by train because of frequent and fast rail options.
Around 1 to 1.5 hours, plus a short 20–30 minute drive to the temple area.
Vande Bharat takes about 7–8.5 hours. Overnight trains vary between 8–12 hours.
Trains are usually cheaper, especially sleeper and non-AC classes. Flights can be affordable if booked early.
Yes. Many travelers fly in, visit Ram Mandir, and return quickly because transfers are short.
Yes. Varanasi offers ghats, temples, Sarnath, and cultural experiences that often need 2–3 days.
Flights to Ayodhya are easier due to shorter transfers. Trains to Varanasi can be comfortable if lower berths are booked.
They save hotel costs and let you arrive fresh in the morning—great for budget and spiritual travelers.
Book early during festivals, holidays, and pilgrimage seasons to avoid high prices and sold-out seats.
