Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026: This year, the grand confluence of faith and tradition, the 'Magh Mela', promises to be extraordinary. Commencing on January 3, 2026, this mela will run until February 15. Surprisingly, in 2025, more people searched for Prayagraj—also known as the 'Kumbh City'—instead of Goa’s beaches or the snow-clad peaks of Kashmir. If you're planning to take a holy dip on the sands of this confluence, worry not about the journey. Whether by train, road, or air, reaching Prayagraj is now more convenient than ever. Let's explore how to reach the Kumbh City according to your preference.
From Flights to Railroads: Mapping Your Path to the Confluence
Not only is Prayagraj a major pilgrimage site, but it's also a hub in Uttar Pradesh, well-connected to every significant city across the nation. Here are the three main travel options available to you.
1. Rail Journey:
As the headquarters of North Central Railway, the rail route is the most favored way to reach Prayagraj. Remarkably, the city has nine railway stations. Prayagraj Junction is directly connected to major metropolitans like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Right upon exiting the station, easily available e-rickshaws, autos, and city buses can ferry you to the mela zone for a minimal fee.
During the mela, the railways operate numerous 'Special Trains' and additional buses to manage the influx of pilgrims, ensuring a comfortable journey free of overcrowding.
2. Road Travel:
Planning a road trip or bus journey to Prayagraj? The splendid road connectivity will delight you. Situated centrally in India's plains, a network of National Highways encircles Prayagraj. Prominently, the NH-2 linking Delhi and Kolkata runs directly through the city, facilitating ease of travel. For those coming from Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan, highways like NH-27 and NH-76 lead you seamlessly to the city gates. Devotees venturing from Ayodhya post visits to Ram Lalla will find NH-96 the best route. The bustling bus terminals at Civil Lines and Zero Road are sights to behold, offering frequent buses to various state regions every 15-20 minutes.
3. Air Travel:
Pressed for time? Flying is your best bet. Prayagraj's Bamrauli Airport (Prayagraj Airport) is merely 12 kilometers from the main city. Airlines like Indigo and Air India operate daily flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. If direct flights are unavailable, land at Varanasi (150 km) or Lucknow (200 km) airports, then take a taxi or bus to Prayagraj within 3-4 hours.
Travel Tip:
During Magh Mela, heavy vehicles are barred from entering the city during major bathing festivals. Hence, consider using e-rickshaws or opting for a walk to reach closer to the mela area.
