Ahmedabad, a major city in Gujarat, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh famous for its religious significance and the confluence of three rivers. Traveling between these two cities is common for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this route. It connects major stations and offers various classes to suit different budgets.

• Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is the main railway station where most trains to Prayagraj depart, with Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) being the primary arrival station.

• The distance by rail is approximately 1200 km, and trains take around 20 to 26 hours depending on the service and route.

• Train fares range from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2000+ for AC classes, with several weekly trains available, including express and superfast options.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals like Kumbh Mela and national holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats.

• Onboard catering is available on most long-distance trains, but carrying some snacks and water is advisable for comfort.

Bus

Buses offer a direct but longer journey. This option suits travelers looking for budget-friendly travel with flexible timings.

• State-run buses like GSRTC operate from Ahmedabad’s main bus stations, while UPRTC buses arrive at Prayagraj’s bus stands such as Civil Lines Bus Stand.

• The road distance is about 1300 km, and the journey can take 24 to 30 hours depending on traffic and route.

• Bus fares generally range from INR 800 to INR 1500, depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC).

• Buses run less frequently than trains, so checking schedules in advance is important, especially during monsoon when delays are common.

• Rest stops along NH48 and NH19 provide basic food and restroom facilities, but carrying water and snacks is recommended for long stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route, but it requires good planning due to the long distance.

• The route mainly follows NH48 and NH19, covering approximately 1300 km, which takes around 22 to 24 hours of driving without long breaks.

• Toll plazas are frequent on this route, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll costs can add up to INR 1000 or more.

• Popular rest stops include Surat, Vadodara, Ujjain, and Kanpur, where you can find decent food and fuel stations.

• Driving during night hours can be risky due to fog in northern states during winter, so plan your trip to avoid late-night driving.

• Self-drive cars or rental services like Zoomcar are available in Ahmedabad, but ensure the vehicle is well-maintained for a long journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Prayagraj from Ahmedabad, suitable for travelers short on time.

• Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) offers flights to Prayagraj’s Bamrauli Airport (IXD), though direct flights may be limited and often involve a stopover.

• Flight duration is around 3 to 5 hours including layovers, compared to over 20 hours by train or road.

• Airfares typically range from INR 3500 to INR 7000 depending on booking time and airline.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices and seat availability.

• From Bamrauli Airport, local transport options include prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach Prayagraj city center within 15 to 20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj, helping you prepare and travel confidently.

• Book your train or flight ticket early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during peak seasons.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as long journeys may have limited access to amenities.

• Reach Ahmedabad station or airport at least 1 to 2 hours before departure to manage security checks and boarding smoothly.

• If traveling by bus or car, plan your route with rest stops and fuel stations marked to avoid long stretches without facilities.

• On arrival at Prayagraj, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fixed-rate local travel.

• Keep a local SIM card or mobile internet active to access maps and contact services during your journey and after arrival.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and ticket, as Indian transport authorities frequently check documents during travel.

• Drink only bottled water and eat from hygienic food stalls, especially when traveling by road to avoid stomach issues.

• Book tickets online to avoid queues and scams at stations or bus depots, using official portals like IRCTC and GSRTC.

• Use local transport apps or prepaid taxis at Prayagraj to avoid overcharging and ensure safety after arrival.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for pickpockets.

• During monsoon, expect delays on roads due to waterlogging and slower traffic; plan extra travel time accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj is during the cooler months from October to March. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon rains may cause delays on roads.

Festivals like Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj attract large crowds, increasing travel demand and prices, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals and national holidays to escape heavy crowds and booked accommodations.

• Winter fog in northern India can delay trains and flights, so check weather forecasts and allow buffer time.

• Early morning departures are preferable for road travel to avoid city traffic and reach rest stops during daylight.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause slippery roads and train delays, so monitor weather updates if traveling then.

Arrival at Prayagraj & What to Expect

When you arrive at Prayagraj Junction or the bus stand, you will find several options for onward travel. Prepaid taxi counters are available outside stations, offering fixed fares to popular areas.

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Prayagraj, providing convenient and safe rides. Auto-rickshaws are common but negotiate fares beforehand. Popular stay areas include Civil Lines, Katra, and near the railway station for easy access.

Conclusion

Traveling from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj is manageable by train, bus, car, or flight, each with its own advantages. Trains offer a balance of comfort and cost, while flights save time but may require connections. Road travel is flexible but requires planning for a long journey.

Booking tickets early, preparing for local conditions, and choosing the right mode based on your priorities will ensure a smooth trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey and enjoy the rich culture and history that Prayagraj has to offer.