Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express — Quick Overview
The Vande Bharat Express has become the most popular, punctual, and comfortable way for pilgrims and families to reach Ayodhya Dham without overnight fatigue. Operating at speeds up to 130–160 km/h, it connects major transport hubs directly to the newly renovated Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY).
Key Vande Bharat Routes to Ayodhya Dham (2026)
| Route | Train No. | Operating Days | Dep Time | Arr Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anand Vihar (Delhi) → Ayodhya Dham | 22426 | Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue (No Wed) | 06:10 AM | 02:30 PM | 8h 20m |
| Ayodhya Dham → Anand Vihar (Delhi) | 22425 | Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue (No Wed) | 03:40 PM | 11:40 PM | 8h 00m |
| Gorakhpur → Lucknow (via Ayodhya Dham) | 22549 | 6 days a week (No Sat) | 06:05 AM | 08:15 AM (AY) | 2h 10m |
| Lucknow → Gorakhpur (via Ayodhya Dham) | 22550 | 6 days a week (No Sat) | 07:15 PM | 09:13 PM (AY) | 1h 58m |
| Patna → Gomti Nagar (via Ayodhya Dham) | 22345 | 6 days a week (No Fri) | 06:05 AM | 01:20 PM (AY) | 7h 15m |
Note: Train schedules and halts can change with seasonal rail revisions; verify current availability and timings on IRCTC before booking.
Chair Car (CC) vs Executive Class (EC): Which Should You Choose?
Both classes on the Vande Bharat provide a premium, climate-controlled journey with large panoramic windows, bio-vacuum toilets, GPS-based passenger info displays, and CCTV security.
- AC Chair Car (CC - 3x2 Seating): Highly recommended for budget-conscious families and solo travelers. Seats recline comfortably with footrests, fold-down meal trays, and charging sockets beneath every seat.
- Executive Chair Car (EC - 2x2 Seating): Offers 180-degree rotating seats, significantly wider legroom, plush headrests, and upgraded multi-course sattvic catering options. Recommended for senior citizens who need maximum leg room.
Catering & Sattvic Meals on Board
The catering on the Ayodhya route offers pure-vegetarian North Indian meals. Breakfast includes poha/upma or cutlets with tea/coffee and juice, followed by a hot lunch (paneer curry, dal, rice, parathas, dahi, and dessert like gulab jamun). You can opt out of meals during IRCTC booking to reduce the fare if you prefer packing your own food.
Arriving at Ayodhya Dham Junction: Station Amenities & Transfers
Ayodhya Dham Junction is designed with a multi-level airport-like concourse, escalator access to all platforms, clean waiting lounges, executive VIP rooms, and wheelchair assistance.
Getting from Station to Ram Mandir & Hotels
- Prepaid / Shared E-Rickshaws: Stand right outside the main porch. Standard fares to Ram Mandir entrance or Hanuman Garhi are ₹20–30 per seat, or ₹100–150 for a full private rickshaw.
- Pedestrian Route (Ram Path): The station exit connects directly to Dharm Path and Ram Path. It is a paved 15–20 minute walk (1.5 km) along decorated heritage streetlights.
- Luggage Cloakroom: If visiting for a same-day day trip, you can deposit larger luggage bags at the official railway cloakroom at Platform 1 before proceeding to the temple (where large bags are prohibited).
IRCTC Booking Tips & Tatkal Hacks
- Advance Booking Window: Book your ticket 30 to 60 days ahead on IRCTC. Vande Bharat seats on Friday and Sunday departures sell out within hours of opening.
- Tatkal Booking: Opens at 10:00 AM daily (1 day prior to departure date) for AC classes on IRCTC. Ensure your IRCTC master passenger list is filled in advance for rapid 1-click booking.
- Boarding Station Confirmation: Double check whether your ticket mentions Ayodhya Dham (AY) or Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) so you know which platform exit to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Ram Mandir and return the same day by Vande Bharat from Delhi?
The Anand Vihar train arrives at 2:30 PM, and the return departs at 3:40 PM on the same day, which leaves only 1 hour and 10 minutes (not enough time for darshan). We recommend a minimum 1-night stay or taking the morning Vande Bharat inbound and an overnight train like the Kaifiyat/Saryu Yamuna Express back to Delhi.
Are wheelchairs available at Ayodhya Dham Junction?
Yes, free railway wheelchairs and battery-operated carts for elderly passengers can be requested from the Station Master office or porter helpdesk on Platform 1.
What is the luggage weight limit on Vande Bharat?
Passengers in Chair Car can carry up to 40 kg, and Executive Class up to 50 kg of personal luggage. Compact trolley bags fit easily in the overhead luggage racks.
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