travel· 6 min read

Mumbai to Ayodhya 2026 — Train, Flight & Road Guide

Mumbai to Ayodhya: ~1,500 km. Direct flights to AYJ (2h 15m), trains 26–30 hrs via Lucknow, or fly to Lucknow + train. Full guide with fares, timings and tips.

ShareWhatsAppTwitter

Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) receives direct flights from Mumbai operated by IndiGo and Air India on select days. Flight time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

StepDetails
FlyChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM) → Ayodhya (AYJ)
Airport to Ram Mandir15 km, 30 min by prepaid taxi or Ola (₹400–600)
Booking tipBook 3–4 weeks ahead for Oct–Mar peak season; fares spike before Ram Navami and Deepotsav

Alternative — fly to Lucknow: If direct AYJ flights are sold out or expensive, fly BOM → LKO (2h), then train or cab to Ayodhya (2.5–3 hrs). Lucknow has far more daily flights and often lower fares.


By train — Mumbai to Ayodhya via Lucknow

There is no convenient daily direct train from Mumbai CSMT or Bandra Terminus to Ayodhya Dham. The standard route is two legs:

Leg 1: Mumbai → Lucknow

TrainFromDurationClasses
Saket ExpressLTT / CSMT~16–18 hrsSL, 3AC, 2AC
Kamayani ExpressLTT~18–20 hrsSL, 3AC
Pushpak ExpressCSMT~26 hrs (via Nagpur)SL, 3AC

Book on IRCTC. 3AC sleeper (₹1,200–1,800) is the sweet spot for families — comfortable enough for overnight travel without 2AC prices.

Leg 2: Lucknow → Ayodhya Dham

Multiple daily trains, 2–3 hours, fares from ₹100 (sleeper). See our full Lucknow to Ayodhya guide for train names and timings.

Total train journey: 26–30 hours door to door. Most Mumbai pilgrims leave Friday evening, reach Lucknow Saturday morning, connect to Ayodhya by noon, and begin darshan the same day.


The driving distance is roughly 1,500 km via NH52/NH27 through Indore, Jhansi, and Lucknow — 28+ hours non-stop, not feasible in one day.

If you must drive:

  • Split into 2–3 days with overnight stops at Indore and Lucknow
  • Budget ₹8,000–12,000 for fuel and tolls (one way)
  • Ayodhya has limited parking near Ram Mandir — pre-book hotels with parking

For most Mumbai pilgrims, flight or train is strictly better.


Suggested itineraries from Mumbai

Weekend warrior (3 nights)

DayPlan
Thu nightFly BOM → AYJ or train to Lucknow
FriReach Ayodhya, afternoon Hanuman Garhi + evening Saryu aarti
SatEarly Sugam Darshan at Ram Mandir, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi
SunMorning ghats, return flight or train

Leisure yatra (5 nights)

Add a day trip to Prayagraj or Varanasi for the full Ramayana circuit. October–March weather is ideal.


Practical tips for Mumbai pilgrims

  1. Book Sugam Darshan 15 days before your Ram Mandir visit — slots fill fast on weekends.
  2. Carry physical ID — Aadhaar or passport. Phones stay at the hotel; you cannot enter with them.
  3. Pack light — one small bag for the train; leave suitcases at the hotel during darshan.
  4. Currency — UPI works everywhere in Ayodhya; carry ₹2,000 cash for autos and prasad shops.
  5. Peak seasons — Diwali (Deepotsav), Ram Navami, and December holidays see 2–3× normal crowds. Book flights and hotels 4–6 weeks ahead.

Cost comparison (one person, round trip)

OptionApprox. total
Direct flight + 2 nights mid-range hotel₹12,000–18,000
Train (3AC) + 2 nights budget stay₹5,000–8,000
Fly to Lucknow + train + 2 nights₹8,000–14,000

Use our trip cost calculator for a personalised estimate.

Last updated: 1 July 2026.

Found this helpful? Share it:

ShareWhatsAppTwitter

Continue Reading

Popular searches

Share