Lucknow to Ayodhya has become one of the busiest pilgrim corridors in India. 5With the construction of the massive Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the inflow of visitors has increased dramatically, and the Vande Bharat Express has emerged as the best way to make this journey fast and comfortable.
What makes this route even more special is that you now have three separate Vande Bharat services operating between Lucknow and Ayodhya — giving travelers the flexibility to choose a morning, afternoon, or evening departure. Whether you’re a devotee heading for Darshan, a tourist exploring the holy city, or a business traveler, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Overview of the Route
The total Lucknow to Ayodhya distance by train is approximately 128 km. On the Gorakhpur–Prayagraj Vande Bharat route, the travel distance between Ayodhya Dham and Lucknow Charbagh NR is 134 km.
Depending on which Vande Bharat service you choose, the journey takes between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours. This is significantly faster than road travel, which can take 3–4 hours depending on traffic and highway conditions.
The route’s popularity has exploded since the Ram Mandir inauguration. The demand is so high that Indian Railways upgraded the Anand Vihar–Ayodhya Vande Bharat from 8 coaches to 16 coaches in January 2025, and further expanded it to 20 coaches from July 2025. Similarly, the Prayagraj–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat was upgraded to a new 16-coach rake from June 15, 2025.
Lucknow – Ayodhya Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
Unlike most routes in India where you have just one Vande Bharat option, the Lucknow–Ayodhya corridor is served by three Vande Bharat Express trains. This gives you excellent flexibility — you can pick a morning, afternoon, or evening departure based on your schedule.
Below are all the Vande Bharat timings for both directions. Please note that each train operates on a slightly different schedule and terminates at different Ayodhya stations (Ayodhya Dham Junction vs. Ayodhya Cantt).
Lucknow → Ayodhya
| Train Name & No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time | Running Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anand Vihar–Ayodhya Cantt VB (22426) | Lucknow NR (LKO) – 12:40 | Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) – 14:30 | Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| Meerut–Varanasi VB (22346) | Lucknow NR (LKO) – 15:20 | Ayodhya Dham (AY) – 17:15 | Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat |
| Prayagraj–Gorakhpur VB (22550) | Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO) – 18:25 | Ayodhya Dham (AY) – 20:26 | Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri |
Ayodhya → Lucknow
| Train Name & No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time | Running Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorakhpur–Prayagraj VB (22549) | Ayodhya Dham (AY) – 08:17 | Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO) – 10:20 | Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri |
| Ayodhya Cantt–Anand Vihar VB (22425) | Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) – 15:25 | Lucknow NR (LKO) – 17:10 | Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Vande Bharat Lucknow – Ayodhya Detailed Time Table
Each of the three Vande Bharat services has a slightly different route and stopping pattern. The key difference for Lucknow–Ayodhya passengers is that Train 22549/22550 runs non-stop between Lucknow and Ayodhya, while Train 22426 stops at Lucknow NR as an intermediate halt on its longer Delhi–Ayodhya route.
Below are the station-wise timetables for the Lucknow–Ayodhya segment of each service.
Train 22550 — Prayagraj to Gorakhpur Vande Bharat (Lucknow → Ayodhya Segment)
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO) | 18:20 | 18:25 |
| 2 | Ayodhya Dham Jn (AY) | 20:26 | 20:28 |
| 3 | Basti (BST) | 21:35 | 21:37 |
| 4 | Gorakhpur Jn (GKP) | 22:40 | — |
Train 22426 — Anand Vihar to Ayodhya Cantt Vande Bharat (Lucknow → Ayodhya Segment)
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucknow NR (LKO) | 12:35 | 12:40 |
| 2 | Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) | 14:30 | — |
Train 22549 — Gorakhpur to Prayagraj Vande Bharat (Ayodhya → Lucknow Return)
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayodhya Dham Jn (AY) | — | 08:17 |
| 2 | Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO) | 10:20 | 10:25 |
| 3 | Prayagraj Jn (PRYJ) | 13:35 | — |
Summary:
- Departure Station: Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO) / Lucknow NR (LKO)
- Arrival Station: Ayodhya Dham Jn (AY) / Ayodhya Cantt (AYC)
- Approximate Journey Duration: 1 Hour 50 Minutes to 2 Hours 1 Minute
- Ideal Travel Option: Train 22549 for early morning arrival in Lucknow from Ayodhya; Train 22426 for afternoon arrival in Ayodhya; Train 22550 for evening departure from Lucknow.
Vande Bharat Express Lucknow – Ayodhya Ticket Price
The Vande Bharat Express is a premium service, and the fares reflect the superior speed, comfort, and onboard catering. While tickets are priced higher than regular mail or Intercity trains, the time saved and the travel experience make it excellent value — especially for families and elderly pilgrims visiting the Ram Mandir.
Note: Fares vary depending on which Vande Bharat service you choose, as each has a different originating station and route length. Below are approximate fares specifically for the Lucknow to Ayodhya segment.
Train 22426 (Anand Vihar – Ayodhya Cantt Vande Bharat)
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹705 – ₹750 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹900 – ₹975 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,180 – ₹1,250 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹1,600 – ₹1,750 |
Train 22550 (Prayagraj – Gorakhpur Vande Bharat)
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,015 – 1,100 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,100 – ₹1,200 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,785 – ₹1,985 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹2,050 – ₹2,250 |
What Is Included in Your Ticket?
When you book a Vande Bharat ticket from Lucknow to Ayodhya, you are paying for a premium experience:
- Catering: Depending on the train and journey timing, you will receive tea, snacks, or a light meal served directly at your seat. You can select Veg or Non-Veg during booking.
- Seat Type: AC Chair Car (CC) offers comfortable reclining seats in a 3×2 configuration. The train offers travellers multiple class coaches to select seats from — Executive Class (EC) and AC Chair Car (CC). EC features spacious 2×2 seating with 180-degree rotating chairs.
- Comfort Features: Large panoramic windows, individual charging ports at every seat, onboard Wi-Fi infotainment, GPS-based passenger information display, and bio-vacuum toilets for superior hygiene.
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO): This is the departure station for Train 22550 and Train 22426 (listed as Lucknow NR on IRCTC). It is located in the heart of Lucknow and is well-connected by Metro, auto-rickshaws, and city buses. Be sure to arrive at the NR (Northern Railway) side of the station.
Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY): This is the stop for Train 22549/22550. The station is located in the Ayodhya district. It has been recently renovated with modern facilities and is close to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex. E-rickshaws are easily available outside.
Ayodhya Cantt (AYC): This is the terminal station for Train 22426. The train connects Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal with Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Auto-rickshaws and shared transport are available from this station to the main temple area.
Important: Please note that Ayodhya Dham Jn (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) are two different stations. Make sure you book the correct one based on which Vande Bharat you are taking.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
- Visit www.irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect App.
- Enter “LKO” (Lucknow NR / Lucknow Charbagh) in the ‘From’ field and “AY” (Ayodhya Dham) or “AYC” (Ayodhya Cantt) in the ‘To’ field.
- Select your travel date and hit “Search.”
- Choose the relevant Vande Bharat Express (22426, 22346, or 22550) from the results.
- Select your class (CC or EC), enter passenger details, and choose your food preference (Veg/Non-Veg/No Food).
- Complete payment via UPI, Debit/Credit Card, or Net Banking.
- Your e-ticket will be sent to your registered email and mobile.
Tatkal Booking Option
Seats on this route fill up extremely fast, especially on weekends and during festival seasons. If you couldn’t book in advance, try the Tatkal quota. Bookings open exactly 24 hours before departure — 10:00 AM for EC and 11:00 AM for CC. Keep your IRCTC login ready and payment details pre-filled; seats vanish within minutes on this route.
Assisted Booking Support
If you find the IRCTC website confusing or are worried about missing out during the Tatkal rush, let our Assisted Booking Support handle it for you. Our experts monitor availability in real-time and take care of the entire process — so you can focus on planning your pilgrimage instead of battling with the booking screen.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Best days to book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally have better availability compared to weekends.
- When seats fill fast: Fridays and Saturdays see the highest demand. Festival periods like Ram Navami, Diwali, and Chhath Puja cause a massive surge in bookings.
- Expert advice: Book at least 15–20 days in advance for a confirmed seat. You can book train tickets for the Lucknow to Ayodhya route up to 60 days in advance. Since there are three Vande Bharat options now, if one is sold out, immediately check the other two before resorting to Tatkal.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
- Unmatched Speed: The Vande Bharat is the fastest way to reach Ayodhya from Lucknow, completing the journey in under 2 hours — saving you 1–2 hours compared to a road trip.
- Three Daily Options: With three separate Vande Bharat services, you have flexibility to pick a morning, afternoon, or evening slot.
- Premium Comfort: Ergonomic reclining seats, wide aisles, and a spotlessly maintained cabin make this a world-class experience.
- Minimal Stops: The Ayodhya–Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is a non-stop service between the two cities on certain trains, meaning zero delays from intermediate halts.
- Ideal for Pilgrims & Families: The smooth ride, clean bio-toilets, and onboard meal service make it the safest and most comfortable choice for elderly devotees and families with children.
- Arrive Early: Reach Lucknow Charbagh NR at least 30 minutes before departure. Security checks can take time during peak hours.
- Know Your Station: Ayodhya Dham Jn (AY) and Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) are different stations. Double-check your ticket before boarding.
- Pack Light: This is a Chair Car train with overhead luggage racks only. Avoid carrying large suitcases.
- Food Preference: Select your Veg/Non-Veg choice at the time of booking. For Ayodhya-bound travelers, most passengers prefer the vegetarian option.
- Carry ID: Always carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID) — TTE checking is strict on Vande Bharat trains.
- Mobile Charging: Every seat has an individual charging point, so you don’t need to carry a power bank.
- Day Trip Planning: Take Train 22426 (departs Lucknow at 12:40, arrives Ayodhya at 14:30) for your visit, and return the next morning via Train 22549 (departs Ayodhya at 08:17, arrives Lucknow at 10:20) for a comfortable overnight itinerary.
FAQs — Lucknow to Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express
There are three Vande Bharat Express services — Train 22426, Train 22346, and Train 22550 — that depart from Lucknow and reach Ayodhya. This gives travelers the flexibility to pick a morning, afternoon, or evening slot based on their schedule.
Train 22426 departs Lucknow at 12:40 and reaches Ayodhya at 14:30. Train 22550 departs Lucknow at 18:25 and reaches Ayodhya at 20:26. Train 22346 departs Lucknow at 15:20 and reaches Ayodhya at 17:15.
For Train 22426, the approximate fare is ₹705 for AC Chair Car (CC) and ₹1,180 for Executive Chair Car (EC). For Train 22550, fares are slightly lower. Exact prices will be visible on IRCTC during booking.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on which Vande Bharat service you choose. Train 22549 (Ayodhya to Lucknow return) has a journey time of 2 hours 3 minutes.
Train 22550 runs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (off Saturday). Train 22426 runs on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (off Wednesday). Between the three services, you have at least one Vande Bharat available every single day of the week.
The passengers are provided with meals, snacks, and tea by the IRCTC. You can opt out of food to reduce the fare — for instance, the CC fare is approximately ₹540 without food and ₹665 with food on Train 22550.
All three Vande Bharat trains depart from Lucknow Charbagh NR (LKO) — the Northern Railway side of the Charbagh station. Do not confuse this with Lucknow Junction (LJN) or the NER side.
No. Indian Railways has currently suspended all senior citizen concessions on premium trains, including the Vande Bharat Express. All passengers, regardless of age, must pay the full adult fare.
These are two separate stations. Train 22549/22550 stops at Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY), while Train 22426/22425 terminates at Ayodhya Cantt (AYC). Both are within the city but at different locations. Always check your ticket carefully.
Yes, it is possible but requires careful planning. You could take Train 22426 (arrives Ayodhya at 14:30) and return via Train 22550’s return service the next morning. For a true same-day trip, you would need to take an early morning departure and return by evening — but the current timings make an overnight stay more practical and relaxing.
Final Verdict
The Lucknow to Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express route is one of the best-connected pilgrim corridors in India. With three separate Vande Bharat services operating daily, you have unmatched flexibility — something very few routes in the country can offer.
Expert Recommendation: If you’re visiting the Ram Mandir, take Train 22426 (arrives Ayodhya at 14:30) for a comfortable afternoon arrival, spend the evening at the temple, stay overnight, and return the next morning via Train 22549 (departs Ayodhya at 08:17). This gives you the most relaxed and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Booking Advice: Don’t wait for the last minute. These trains run at near-100% capacity throughout the year. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance on IRCTC to secure your preferred seat and class. If one Vande Bharat is sold out, immediately check the other two before falling back on Tatkal.
