Distance from Lucknow to Prayagraj: Best Travel Routes & Transport Choices
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in the country, containing several cities of historical and cultural significance. These cities include Lucknow and Prayagraj, which are significant for their glorious past, economic significance, and administrative and educational roles. State capital Lucknow is famous for Nawabi culture, architectural beauty, and being an economic hub. Previously known as Allahabad, Prayagraj is a city of major religious and historical significance that hosts the world-famous Kumbh Mela and has India’s best universities, such as Allahabad University.
Importance of the Lucknow-Prayagraj Path
The distance between Lucknow and Prayagraj is 200 km , making it a popular route for many different reasons. This routes importance is:
- Many students travel between these two locations for university admissions, coaching centres, and further study.
- Professionals often travel for business and trade as Lucknow is known for its major commercial centre and Prayagraj is growing economically.
- Prayagraj is the city of Triveni Sangam, which is the point of intersection of the river Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati .
- Both cities have Rich landmarks, namely the Bara Imambara in Lucknow and the Allahabad Fort in Prayagraj, making this route popular among visitors.
Distance from Lucknow to Prayagraj
The distance by road is 200-210 km, the journey requires 4 to 5 hours. The distance by Train is around 190-200 kilometres, it will take 4 to 6 hours to reach your destination. Aerial distance is roughly 170 kilometres by air. Usually, there are no direct flights.
Travel Options From Lucknow to Prayagraj
According to your preferences for comfort, Time, and budget, there are many ways to travel from Lucknow to Prayagraj. These includes of air, rail, and road transportation.
Travel via Road
traveling by car,bus is one of the most convenient means to travel between these cities. the road trip takes 3 to 5 hours.
Road routes:
The most travelled route is NH30 (National Highway 30), which is about 200 km . It navigates smoothly on properly maintained roads and passes through Raebareli.
The shortest route is from Lucknow to Raebareli, Unchahar, and finally to Prayagraj (NH30).
Alternative Route via NH19: This route takes a little longer because of more traffic in some places, but it covers about 210 km.
Modes of road transportation:
- Private Car/ Taxi: Driving your own car or taking a cab offers comfort and freedom. Many taxi services, such as Ola, Uber, and nearby car rental companies, run on this route.
- Bus Services: Between Lucknow and Prayagraj, a number of private and state-run buses run. Frequent buses with and without air conditioning run by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).
- Bike Rides: Riding a bike is an amazing alternative for adventurers. However, appropriate safety measures need to be taken.
Road conditions and highway toll charges:
- Depending on the type of vehicle you are travelling , toll prices can differ, but they are usually between 150 to 300.
- NH19 might have more traffic jams, NH30 is well-maintained and recommended for a smooth drive.
Train Transportation
Train travel is the most affordable and comfortable choice because of the well-connected railway network that linked Lucknow and Prayagraj.The trip takes between 4 and 6 hours.
Popular Trains on This Path:
- The Lucknow-Allahabad Intercity Express is a short, efficient route which includes few stops.
- The Shram Shakti Express has excellent on-time arrival and comfortable seating between Prayagraj and Lucknow.
- Chauri Chaura express is a budget-friendly travel choice.
- Prayagraj Express and Sangam Express are additional options for express and superfast trains.
Classes Available:
- General class (cheap but crowded)
- Sleeper class (cost-effective for longer trips)
- For a more comfortable and peaceful ride, choose Air Conditioned coaches (AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier).
You can purchase tickets on the IRCTC website or at railway reservation counters
Air travel
For Visitors who value convenience and speed, taking a flight is a right option. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport of Lucknow and Bamrauli Airport of Prayagraj are 200 kilometres away. Currently, there are very few direct flight.
Airline Options:
- Connecting flights between these cities are occasionally provided by airlines such as IndiGo and Air India.
- Alternative Flights: Lucknow to Varanasi (with a road/train journey to Prayagraj ) or Lucknow to Allahabad (Bamrauli Airport) via Delhi.
Estimates of duration and ticket prices:
- Flight mostly takes 3 to 5 hours to reach destination, including the layovers.
- The ticket price ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000, depending on the airline and time of booking.
Best time to travel from Lucknow to Prayagraj
- Summer (March-June) ,During the day, temperatures are between 35-45°C making travel uncomfortable. Wear light clothing, drink lots of water, and choose transportation with air-conditioning only.
- During Monsoon season (July–September) .Rainfall is moderate to heavy and it can cause delays. Train schedules may be impacted, and roads may become slippery.
- The winter (November–February) is the best time of year to travel because of the great weather (10–25°C). Ideal for sightseeing . Rarely, fog can cause delays for trains.
- During the Kumbh Mela Millions of devotees attend India’s biggest religious gatherings. Consider traffic jams, book lodging and tickets.
Places to Visit in Prayagraj
- Triveni Sangam is an important destination for pilgrims and a sacred intersection of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the mythological Saraswati rivers.
- A museum paying tribute to India’s independence movement, the former home of the Nehru family is now accessible.
- Khusro Bagh consists of tombs of Prince Khusro’s and other royal family members, it is a garden from the Mughal era.
- Allahabad Fort was Built in 1583 by Emperor Akbar, the fort is a masterpiece of architecture t.
- Company Garden & Chandrasekhar Azad Park is a beautiful garden, this place is ideal for historians and those who enjoy nature.
Places to Visit in Lucknow (Before Starting Your Journey)
- In the 18th century Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula constructed the outstanding Bara Imambara. Another excellent example of Mughal architecture is the Chota Imambara. Both represent the royal past of Lucknow.
- Known as the centre of Lucknow, Hazratganj is a lively spot to eat and shop. From mouth watering Tunday Kebab to local handicrafts, it offers the perfect mix of dining, shopping, and cultural events.
- During the royal era of Lucknow,Rumi Darwaza is an example of Mughal architecture. Also called the Turkish Gate, it is a wonderful gateway that is tall and unique.
Comparison of Travel Options
| Modes of transport | Distance | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Best For |
| Car/Bus | 200–210 km | 4–5 hours | ₹400–₹1,500 (Bus) ₹1,500–₹3,000 (Car) | Comfortable road trip with flexibility |
| Train | 190–200 km | 4–6 hours | ₹150–₹1,000 (varies by class) | Budget-friendly and convenient |
| Flight | 170 km (Aerial) | 3–4 hours | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | Time-saving but expensive |
Travel Tips and Safety Guidelines
Road Trip (Car/Bike/Bus):
- Check that the brakes are working, the tires are properly inflated, and the fuel tank is full.
- Maintain speed limits; highway police and speed cameras are present on NH30 and NH19.
- Avoid travelling at night because of poor visibility and a lot of truck traffic.
Train Journey
- AC coaches and sleeper classes usually sell out during festivals, so make reservations in advance.
- Carry cash in different places and use a simple lock for luggage to keep valuables safe.
- Check the train timings. Trains may be delayed or postponed by Indian Railways because of maintenance or bad weather.
- Bring water and some snacks. It’s a good idea to have some homemade or pre-packaged snacks even though IRCTC serves food.
Air travel
- Since there are no direct flights to Prayagraj onsider layovers in Delhi or Varanasi.
- In order to save money on tickets, book flights in advance.
- Airlines charge extra for excess weight and have various baggage restrictions.
FAQs
What is the exact distance between Lucknow and Prayagraj by road?
It Depends on the route you select but approximately it is 200–210 km.
Which is the fastest train from Lucknow to Prayagraj?
Fastest train is Prayagraj Express. It takes 5 hours to reach destination.
How long does it take to reach Prayagraj from Lucknow by bus?
Depending on traffic and road conditions, it takes approximately 4 to 6 hours.
Are there direct flights from Lucknow to Prayagraj?
There are no direct flights, but there are connecting flights via Varanasi or Delhi.
Which is the best route to take by car?
The fastest and well maintained route is from Lucknow → Raebareli → Unchahar → Prayagraj (via NH30).
What is the cheapest way to travel from Lucknow to Prayagraj?
Train is the most budget-friendly option, starting at ₹150.
Is there any expressway between Lucknow and Prayagraj?
NH30 provides a comfortable and stress-free drive, but there is no direct expressway.
What are the main railway stations in Prayagraj?
Naini Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, and Prayagraj Junction.
Can I rent a self-drive car for this trip?
Yes, self-drive car rentals are available in Lucknow.
What are the famous dhabas or restaurants along the route?
Some famous choices include Sultanpur Highway Dhabas, Unchahar Food Court, and Shiv Sagar Dhaba (Raebareli).
Conclusion
Traveling from Lucknow to Prayagraj can be easy and flexible, with multiple options available to make your journey happy and satisfying. Trains are the most budget-friendly choice, starting at ₹150, while flights offer a quicker but quite expensive choice , ticket prices are from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000.traveling via NH30 can be a smooth and comfortable ride, taking 4–5 hours to reach destination.
November to February, the winter season is the best time to visit prayagraj due to peaceful weather, while monsoons may bring delays. With proper planning and choosing the right travel mode, you can ensure a stress-free and comfortable journey.
