Ayodhya Airport Guide 2026 — Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ)
Complete guide to Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya (AYJ): airlines, routes, terminal tips, cab fares to Ram Mandir, and alternatives via Lucknow.
Ayodhya Airport — quick facts
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (IATA: AYJ) is the city's own airport, inaugurated in late 2023 as part of the Ram Mandir development push. It sits ~15 km from the Ram Mandir complex — roughly 25–35 minutes by cab.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full name | Maharishi Valmiki International Airport |
| IATA code | AYJ |
| Distance from Ram Mandir | ~15 km |
| Cab time to Ram Mandir | 25–35 min |
| Terminal type | Single terminal (domestic + select international) |
| Pre-paid taxi counter | Yes, inside arrival hall |
Related: How to reach Ayodhya · Hotels near Ram Mandir · Darshan timings
Airlines and routes
Domestic routes currently include Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Kolkata (CCU), Hyderabad (HYD), and Ahmedabad, served by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and other carriers. Routes and frequencies are seasonal — new routes are added around major festivals like Ram Navami and Deepotsav.
| Airline | Key routes (check current availability) |
|---|---|
| IndiGo | Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata |
| Air India | Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad |
| SpiceJet | Delhi, Ahmedabad |
| Others | Check airline websites for latest |
Always verify current schedules directly on airline websites or via booking portals — routes to AYJ are growing but still subject to seasonal changes.
Getting from the airport to Ram Mandir
There is no metro or city bus service connecting AYJ to the city centre. Your options:
| Option | Fare (approx.) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-paid taxi (terminal counter) | ₹400–600 | 25–35 min | Recommended; fixed fare, no haggling |
| App cab (Ola / Uber) | ₹350–550 | 25–35 min | Availability limited — app may not find a driver quickly |
| Hotel pickup | Varies | 30–40 min | Book in advance with your hotel |
Use the pre-paid taxi counter inside the arrival hall for the smoothest experience — especially if you land late evening or are unfamiliar with the area.
Terminal tips
AYJ is a compact, single-terminal airport — a feature, not a flaw, for pilgrims.
- Arrive 1.5 hours before domestic departure — check-in and security are quick but there is only one security lane during peak periods.
- Baggage claim is fast — typically 10–15 minutes from touchdown to bags.
- Food and shopping: the terminal has a basic café and a few shops selling prasad, religious souvenirs, and snacks. Bring cash; card acceptance at smaller stalls can be unreliable.
- No hotel at the airport — all accommodation is near Ram Mandir (~15 km away). There is no reason to linger at the airport.
- Parking: available for drop-off/pick-up; if someone is seeing you off, confirm current parking fee at the entrance.
Alternative airports — when AYJ doesn't work
If your city has no direct flight to AYJ, or you find fares too high, two alternatives are worth considering:
| Airport | Distance to Ayodhya | Road time | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow (LKO) | ~134 km | 2–3 hours | More routes, better international connections |
| Prayagraj (IXD) | ~166 km | 2.5–3.5 hours | Combine with Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam) visit |
Lucknow is the stronger alternative — it has far more daily flights, better international connections (via layovers), and the cab journey to Ayodhya is well-served by reliable outstation taxis (~₹2,000–2,800 one way).
Practical tips
- Book cabs to Lucknow airport in advance if catching an early morning flight from LKO — departures before 7 AM from Ayodhya require a 3–4 AM cab start.
- Festival travel: during Ram Navami and Deepotsav, AYJ operates at near capacity. Book flights 6–8 weeks ahead and confirm your cab pickup in advance — airport taxi availability tightens on peak days.
- Locker/storage: no left-luggage facility confirmed at AYJ as of mid-2026. Travel light or confirm with your hotel for early bag storage.
FAQ
Is AYJ an international airport?
It carries the "international" designation and handles select charter and regional international flights. For most travellers, it functions as a domestic airport — check current international routes with airlines directly.
Can I get an Ola or Uber from AYJ?
App-based cabs are available but unreliable near the terminal. The pre-paid taxi counter is the dependable choice.
Airport information current as of June 2026 — verify routes and facilities on airline websites and the AAI airport portal before travel.
Last updated: 29 June 2026.
Continue Reading
Ayodhya by Train — Station Guide and Tips
Ayodhya railway station — a complete guide for pilgrims and visitors to Ayodhya.
Lucknow to Ayodhya 2026 — Train, Bus & Road Guide (134 km)
Lucknow to Ayodhya: 134 km via NH27. Train 2–3 hrs from ₹100, bus 3–4 hrs from ₹150, cab ₹1,200–1,800. Day trip possible. Full guide with timings.
Prayagraj to Ayodhya 2026 — Train, Bus & Ramayana Circuit Guide (166 km)
Prayagraj to Ayodhya: 166 km via NH27. Train 3–4 hrs from ₹120, bus ~4–5 hrs from ₹180, cab ₹1,500–2,200. Ramayana Circuit guide included.
2-Day Ayodhya Itinerary
Day-by-day plan for Ram Mandir yatra.
How to Reach Ayodhya
Flights, trains and buses from major cities.
Trip Cost Calculator
Estimate your Ayodhya yatra budget.