Bareilly to Ujjain Travel Guide: Travel Time and Route Options

Best Routes and Travel Overview

Traveling from Bareilly to Ujjain connects the historic city of Bareilly, known for its ancient Dargah of Ala Hazrat and the Trivati Nath Temple, to the sacred city of Ujjain, home to the revered Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The direct road distance is approximately 900 km to 950 km, while the rail distance is around 1,016 km. Travel time varies significantly by mode: the fastest trains complete the journey in about 16‑17 hours, a road trip takes approximately 15‑16 hours of driving, and combining a flight from Delhi or Lucknow with onward transport can bring total travel time down to 6‑7 hours. Bareilly is well connected by the Bareilly Junction (BRY) on the main Delhi‑Lucknow rail line, and by NH30 and NH9 for road travel. This guide provides a detailed comparison of all travel options—train, bus, self‑drive, taxi, and flight—along with cost estimates, booking strategies, and essential tips for a smooth and spiritually fulfilling visit to the city of Lord Mahakal.

Understanding the Bareilly to Ujjain Corridor

Bareilly is a major city in central Uttar Pradesh, approximately 250 km east of Delhi, at the crossroads of the Rohilkhand region. It serves as a important railway junction on the Delhi‑Luckhow and Bareilly‑Moradabad lines. Ujjain is located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, about 55 km west of Indore. The typical travel route from Bareilly to Ujjain goes via Bareilly → Moradabad → Gajraula → Hapur → Delhi (through Eastern Peripheral Expressway or NH9) → Gurgaon → Jaipur → Ajmer → Bhilwara → Chittorgarh → Neemuch → Mandsaur → Ujjain. Another possible eastern route via Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, and Bhopal is longer but may have different train connections. The terrain transitions from the fertile Rohilkhand plains to the dry landscapes of Rajasthan, finally reaching the Malwa plateau.

By Train – The Most Time‑Tested Option for Pilgrims

Traveling by Bareilly to Ujjain train is the most common choice due to the affordability, overnight options, and direct connectivity. Bareilly Junction (BRY) is a major stop on the mainline, and several trains run directly to Ujjain or to nearby stations like Nagda and Indore with easy onward connections.

Direct Trains from Bareilly to Ujjain

While Bareilly does not have a daily direct train that ends exactly at Ujjain, there are convenient weekly and bi‑weekly options. Also, you can take trains going to Ujjain Junction (UJN) via a short change at Mathura or Nagda. However, here are the most practical direct connections:

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• Kushinagar Express (11016) : Departs from Bareilly at 23:40 and arrives at Ujjain Junction at 16:38 the next day. Travel time: 16 hours 58 minutes. This is a daily train, offering a reliable overnight option. Fare: Sleeper class around ₹580‑₹680, AC 3‑Tier around ₹1,550‑₹1,850.

• Gorakhpur - Okha Express (15045) : This weekly train passes through Bareilly. Check schedule: typically departs Bareilly around 15:10 and reaches Ujjain the next morning after a long journey. Travel time: approximately 17‑18 hours.

• Satyagrah Express (15273) : Another weekly service from Bareilly to Ujjain, taking about 17 hours 30 minutes.

Because direct trains are limited, many travelers prefer to take a connecting route: board a train from Bareilly to Mathura Junction (MTJ) or Delhi (NDLS) , then switch to a faster train to Ujjain. For instance, from Bareilly to Delhi (3‑4 hours), then Malwa Express or Jhelum Express from Delhi to Ujjain (10‑12 hours). Total travel time can be similar to direct trains, but with more flexibility.

Connecting Route via Mathura

• Step 1: Take a train from Bareilly to Mathura. Many trains like Kushinagar Express itself stops at Mathura, or you can take Doon Express. Travel time: 4‑5 hours.

• Step 2: From Mathura, board Malwa Express (12920) or Paschim Express (12926) to Ujjain. Mathura to Ujjain takes about 9‑10 hours.

  

Train Travel Tips for Bareilly to Ujjain

• Booking: Use IRCTC app or website. For journeys during Shravan (July‑August) or Mahashivratri, book at least 60‑90 days in advance.

• Preferred train: Kushinagar Express is the most convenient daily direct option. Its late night departure (11:40 PM) allows you to sleep on board and arrive in Ujjain late afternoon.

• Class choice: For overnight travel, AC 3‑Tier offers a good balance of comfort and cost. Sleeper class is fine for budget but can be crowded.

• Station facilities at Bareilly Junction: Has retiring rooms, waiting halls, food stalls, and prepaid auto stands. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

• Live tracking: Use Rail Madad, Where is my Train, or IRCTC Rail Connect for real‑time updates.

By Bus – Overnight Budget Travel

Direct Bareilly to Ujjain bus services are rare and not consistently available. Most travelers opt for a two‑leg journey via Delhi. However, during peak pilgrimage seasons, some private operators may run direct sleeper buses from Bareilly to Ujjain.

Direct Bus Options (if available)

• Operators to check: Laxmi Travels, Verma Travels, Hans Travels, Samay Travels.

• Bus type: AC Sleeper (2+1) or non‑AC sleeper.

• Travel time: Approximately 17‑19 hours.

• Fare range: ₹1,800 – ₹3,500.

• Boarding points in Bareilly: Civil Lines Bus Stand, Badaun Chungi, Pilibhit Bypass.

Recommended Alternative via Delhi

• Leg 1: Bareilly to Delhi. Take a luxury bus or ordinary bus from Bareilly ISBT to Delhi Kashmiri Gate ISBT. Travel time: 5‑6 hours, fare ₹300‑₹800.

• Leg 2: From Delhi to Ujjain. Several daily Volvo sleeper buses depart from Delhi in the evening (7‑10 PM) and arrive in Ujjain around 8‑11 AM next day. Travel time: 14‑16 hours, fare ₹1,200‑₹2,800.

• Total travel time via bus: 19‑22 hours, total cost ₹1,500‑₹3,600.

Bus booking tips:

• Use RedBus, Goibibo, or Paytm to compare operators and read reviews.

• Book lower berths for a smoother ride.

• Carry a light blanket or shawl – bus AC can be very cold.

• Keep a power bank and water bottle within reach.

By Road – A Scenic and Flexible Journey

A Bareilly to Ujjain road trip offers the freedom to explore offbeat destinations and carry whatever you need without luggage restrictions. The drive takes you through the heart of North India and Rajasthan, with plenty of options for food and fuel.

Fastest Driving Route

The most recommended route (good roads, plenty of amenities):

Bareilly → Moradabad → Gajraula → Hapur → Ghaziabad → Delhi Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) → Palwal → Dharuhera → Jaipur (via NH48) → Kishangarh → Ajmer → Bhilwara → Chittorgarh → Neemuch → Mandsaur → Ujjain

• Total distance: Approximately 900 km to 950 km.

• Non‑stop driving time: 15‑16 hours at 60‑70 km/h average.

• With breaks for meals, fuel, and rest: 17‑19 hours.

• Alternative – Use NH9 from Bareilly to Delhi via Rampur and Moradabad, then join NH48.

Note: To avoid Delhi city traffic, take the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) from near Ghaziabad directly to Palwal bypassing central Delhi. This adds a few kilometers but saves hours of crawling traffic.

Taxi and Cab Services

If you don't wish to drive yourself, outstation taxis are readily available:

• One‑way taxi fare (sedan like Dzire, Etios, Amaze): ₹8,000 – ₹11,500.

• Round trip with 2‑3 days waiting: ₹14,000 – ₹20,000.

• SUV or Innova (6‑7 seats): one‑way ₹11,000 – ₹16,000.

• Service providers: Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, Savaari, Bareilly Cab Services, local travel agents.

Fuel and toll cost estimate (self‑drive):

• Petrol (assuming 15 kmpl, 920 km): ₹6,100 – ₹6,800

• Diesel (18 kmpl): ₹5,100 – ₹5,700

• Toll charges (FASTag required): ₹1,400 – ₹1,900

Road Trip Pro Tips

• Start at 3‑4 AM from Bareilly to cross the Delhi region before 8 AM and avoid massive traffic jams at the Delhi‑Ghaziabad border.

• Plan fuel stops: Fill up at Moradabad or Gajraula; fuel is cheaper in UP than in Rajasthan.

• Break journey into two days if you are a first‑time long‑distance driver: stay overnight at Jaipur (about 480 km from Bareilly) or Bhilwara (about 700 km). Both have budget hotels and highway dhabas.

• Avoid driving after 9 PM between Chittorgarh and Mandsaur – the road has several blind curves, unmarked speed bumps, and occasional stray cattle.

• Emergency kit: Spare tire, jack, jumper cables, basic tool set, first‑aid, torch, and a physical map as backup.

• Food stops: Amrit Sarovar near Kishangarh, Highway King Plaza near Ajmer, Hotel Radhika at Neemuch.

By Flight – The Fastest Way to Reach Ujjain

For travelers who prioritize speed and comfort, a flight combination is unbeatable. Bareilly has a small domestic airport – Bareilly Airport (BEK) , but commercial flights are extremely limited (only a few flights to Delhi via FlyBig or other regional carriers). Therefore, the fastest and most reliable air route is via Delhi or Lucknow.

Fastest Air Route via Delhi

Step 1 – Bareilly to Delhi Airport (IGI)

• By train: Take a Shatabdi Express or Vande Bharat Express from Bareilly to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) – travel time around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, fare ₹500‑₹1,000.

• Then take Delhi Airport Express Metro from NDLS to IGI Terminal 3 – 20 minutes, fare ₹60.

• By taxi: Direct taxi from Bareilly to IGI – distance ~250 km, time 4‑5 hours, fare ₹3,000‑₹4,000.

Step 2 – Flight from Delhi (DEL) to Indore (IDR)

• Non‑stop flight duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.

• Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet.

• Daily flights: 8‑10 departures.

• Fare (booked 3‑4 weeks in advance): ₹2,500 – ₹5,500.

Step 3 – Indore to Ujjain

• By train: Frequent trains from Indore Junction to Ujjain – 1 hour 10 minutes, fare ₹50‑₹150.

• By taxi: 55 km, 53 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, fare ₹1,200‑₹1,800.

• By bus: 1.5‑2 hours, fare ₹80‑₹120.

Total travel time via Delhi flight: Approximately 6 to 7.5 hours from Bareilly city to Ujjain temple area.

Alternative via Lucknow

• Step 1: Take a train from Bareilly to Lucknow (2‑3 hours, many trains).

• Step 2: Flight from Lucknow (LKO) to Indore (IDR) – non‑stop flight duration 1 hour 30 minutes, airlines IndiGo and Air India, fare ₹3,500‑₹6,000.

• Step 3: Indore to Ujjain as above.

• Total time: About 7‑8 hours, which is slightly longer than via Delhi due to fewer flight frequencies.

Flight travel tips:

• Book flights at least 3‑4 weeks in advance for best prices.

• Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare fares.

• If you have checked luggage, factor in extra time for baggage claim at Indore.

• Check for combined train+flight packages on IRCTC or MakeMyTrip.

Reaching Ujjain City – Local Transport and First Steps

Once you arrive at Ujjain Junction (UJN) or Ujjain Bus Stand, here is how to navigate the city:

• Auto‑rickshaws: ₹30‑₹80 from station to Mahakaleshwar Temple area. Use prepaid booth at the station exit.

• E‑rickshaws: ₹20‑₹50, great for short distances.

• Cycle rickshaws: ₹20‑₹40.

• Ola and Uber: Available but limited. Wait times can be 10‑15 minutes.

• MP Tourism buses: Cover all major temples – fare ₹10‑₹20.

The Mahakal Lok Corridor (about 1.2 km) now provides a grand, clean pathway from the main road directly to the temple. It has shops, restrooms, and seating, making the approach to Mahakal a delightful experience.

Travel Checklist – What to Pack and Prepare

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport) – mandatory for train, flight, and hotel check‑in.

• IRCTC account – create and verify before booking train tickets.

• Mobile apps: IRCTC Rail Connect, RedBus, Google Maps (download offline MP map), Ujjain Darshan app.

• Cash: Keep ₹2,000‑₹3,000 in small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50). Many auto drivers and temple donation counters do not accept digital payments.

• Pilgrim essentials:

  • Small bag for shoes (footwear not allowed inside temple).

  • Shawl or dupatta – women must cover heads inside Mahakaleshwar.

  • Small mat for temple floors.

  • Reusable water bottle.

  • Dry snacks (biscuits, nuts, fruit).

• Health kit: Motion sickness tablets, antacids, basic first‑aid, hand sanitizer, face masks.

• Charging accessories: Power bank with long USB cable – limited charging points on trains and buses.

Best Time to Travel from Bareilly to Ujjain

Festivals to plan around:

• Shravan (July‑August) – peak pilgrimage to Mahakaleshwar; trains fully booked.

• Mahashivratri (February/March) – massive crowds but unforgettable spiritual energy.

• Navratri (March/April and September/October) – special aartis and decorations.

• Simhastha Kumbh Mela – every 12 years (next in 2028). The entire city transforms; plan at least 6 months ahead.

Must‑Visit Places in Ujjain Beyond Mahakaleshwar

While Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is the primary destination, Ujjain offers many other sacred and historical attractions:

1. Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The Bhasma Aarti (pre‑dawn, 4‑5 AM) is the highlight. Online booking is mandatory and opens 14 days in advance.

2. Harsiddhi Temple – One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, located near Mahakaleshwar. Famous for its deep stambh (pillar of lamps) illuminated during Navratri.

3. Kal Bhairav Temple – Dedicated to Kal Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Unique tradition: devotees offer liquor to the deity.

4. Ram Ghat – Main bathing ghat on the Kshipra River. Attend the evening Sandhya Aarti – a serene and uplifting experience.

5. Sandipani Ashram – Ancient hermitage where Lord Krishna and Sudama are believed to have studied. The original well and neem tree still exist.

6. Ujjain Observatory (Vedh Shala / Jantar Mantar) – Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 17th century; large stone instruments for astronomical measurements.

7. Mangalnath Temple – Believed to be the birthplace of planet Mars (Mangal). Very popular for astrological remedies.

8. Gopal Mandir – Maratha‑era Krishna temple with magnificent silver doors.

Suggested 2‑day itinerary in Ujjain:

• Day 1: Arrive morning → check into hotel → visit Mahakaleshwar Temple (regular darshan) → Harsiddhi Temple → Kal Bhairav Temple → evening aarti at Ram Ghat.

• Day 2: Early morning Bhasma Aarti (pre‑booked) → breakfast → Sandipani Ashram → Observatory → Mangalnath Temple → afternoon shopping at Tower Chowk → evening departure.

Returning from Ujjain to Bareilly

Plan your return journey together with your onward travel to avoid last‑minure price hikes. Direct trains from Ujjain Junction (UJN) to Bareilly Junction (BRY) are limited, but you can use the same Kushinagar Express (11015) which runs from Pune to Gorakhpur. It departs Ujjain at approximately 19:45 and arrives Bareilly at 12:15 the next day – travel time about 16 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a train from Ujjain to Mathura or Delhi, then change to Bareilly. For flight returns, take a taxi/train to Indore, fly to Delhi or Lucknow, then take a train or taxi to Bareilly. Always book return tickets simultaneously with onward tickets to secure the best fares.

A Final Word – Let the Journey Enrich Your Spirit

The road from Bareilly to Ujjain is not just about covering kilometers; it is a pilgrimage that weaves through the agricultural heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, the royal deserts of Rajasthan, and finally into the sacred Malwa region where Lord Shiva himself presides as Mahakaleshwar. Whether you choose the rhythmic rock of a sleeper train like the Kushinagar Express, the open highway in your own car, or the cloud‑skipping speed of a flight, each mode carries its own flavor of adventure and reflection. In Ujjain, the chants of "Har Har Mahadev" echo from every corner, the holy Kshipra flows with centuries of devotion, and the glimpse of Mahakal during the Bhasma Aarti is said to liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. Let your travel choices be guided by your priorities, but let your heart be open to the spiritual transformation that awaits. Plan wisely, travel safely, and may your yatra be blessed.