Khajuraho, famous for its stunning group of temples, is located in Madhya Pradesh, while Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Many travelers visit Khajuraho from Lucknow to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and experience its rich cultural heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Khajuraho. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and useful tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Lucknow to Khajuraho – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for many travelers between Lucknow and Khajuraho. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way.

• Khajuraho railway station is well connected to Lucknow Charbagh station, with direct trains available that take around 8 to 10 hours covering approximately 450 km.

• Train fares range from INR 200 for sleeper class to INR 800 for AC classes, making it budget-friendly for most travelers.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure a seat.

• The route passes through important stations like Banda and Mahoba, with clean restrooms and food stalls available at major stops.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to track maintenance, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a flexible option for those who want to travel by road and enjoy stops along the way. Both government and private buses operate on this route.

• MSRTC and UPSRTC run regular buses from Lucknow to Khajuraho, with journey times ranging from 9 to 11 hours depending on the service and route taken.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 400 to INR 700, depending on the type of bus such as deluxe or Volvo AC coaches.

• Buses depart from Lucknow’s main bus stations like Charbagh Bus Stand and Alambagh, arriving at Khajuraho bus stand near the town center.

• Road conditions on NH27 and NH39 are generally good, but toll plazas and occasional traffic jams near towns can add to travel time.

• Night buses are available, which can save daytime for sightseeing but may be less comfortable for some travelers.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Khajuraho offers flexibility and the chance to explore smaller towns en route. It is ideal for travelers who prefer a private and personalized journey.

• The distance by road is about 450 km via NH27 and NH39, and the drive usually takes 8 to 9 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major towns on the route include Banda and Mahoba, where you can stop for meals and refreshments at dhabas and restaurants.

• Toll plazas are present on the highways, so keep INR 200 to INR 300 handy for toll charges during the journey.

• Fuel stations are available at regular intervals, but it is wise to fill up in larger towns to avoid shortages in remote areas.

• Driving during early morning hours can help avoid city traffic in Lucknow and reach Khajuraho before evening.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Khajuraho from Lucknow, though it requires planning due to limited flight options and airport locations.

• Khajuraho Airport is about 5 km from the town center and has regular flights connecting to Lucknow via Delhi or Varanasi, with total travel time around 4 to 6 hours including layovers.

• Flight fares vary widely, generally ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers daily flights to Delhi and other hubs, making connections to Khajuraho possible.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Khajuraho Airport to hotels and tourist spots, costing around INR 150 to INR 300.

• Booking flights well in advance is important as seats on this route can fill quickly during peak tourist seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Lucknow to Khajuraho. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth trip.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or MSRTC websites at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and secure preferred travel times.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially for long train or bus journeys where stops may be limited.

• Reach the departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes early to find your platform or bus easily and avoid rushing in crowded areas.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, carry a physical map or GPS device, and plan rest stops at towns like Banda or Mahoba for meals and refueling.

• On arrival in Khajuraho, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to reach your hotel safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Keep a copy of your ID and booking confirmations handy during travel, as these may be required for ticket verification or hotel check-in.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of drinking water and avoid consuming roadside food unless it is freshly prepared and from a clean vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Use official prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for local travel in Khajuraho to ensure safety and fair pricing.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid scams and last-minute unavailability.

• During monsoon, roads may be slippery and trains can be delayed; check weather updates and train status before starting your journey.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any necessary medications, especially if you have health conditions, as medical facilities may be limited on the route.

• Travel light with easy-to-carry luggage to manage crowded platforms and bus stands comfortably and avoid theft risks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Khajuraho is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant for sightseeing and road travel.

Avoid traveling during the peak summer months of April to June when temperatures can soar above 40°C, making the journey uncomfortable. Monsoon season from July to September may cause road and train delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are heavily booked and roads are crowded.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Lucknow and allow you to reach Khajuraho before evening, especially when driving or taking buses.

• Fog in winter mornings can cause train delays, so plan for some buffer time if you have connecting travel or hotel check-in deadlines.

• Monsoon rains can cause waterlogging on some highway stretches, so check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling during July to September.

Arrival at Khajuraho & What to Expect

On arrival at Khajuraho railway station or bus stand, you will find several options for local transport including auto-rickshaws, prepaid taxis, and app-based cabs. The town is small, so most hotels and attractions are within a short drive.

Popular areas to stay include near the Western Group of Temples and the town center, where you can find budget hotels, guesthouses, and mid-range accommodations. It is advisable to book your stay in advance during peak tourist seasons.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lucknow to Khajuraho is convenient with multiple options including train, bus, car, and flight. The train is the most budget-friendly and popular choice, while flying offers the fastest travel time if you prefer speed and comfort.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, choosing travel times that avoid heavy traffic, and preparing for seasonal weather conditions. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your journey to Khajuraho and explore its magnificent temples without stress.