January 20, 2025
The deep faith traditions evident at every ghat, the photogenic colours, and the tableau of humanity that comes to partake of the Ganges’ sacred waters here make Varanasi a magnet for spiritual seekers, intrepid travelers, and documentary filmmakers alike.
On the banks of the holy river, which is said to have originated from the tresses of Mahadev, Varanasi has been a hub of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. Knowledge, philosophy, religion, and culture have flourished through numerous places to visit in Varanasi for centuries.
However, being a prominent cultural and religious hub, the city draws many foreign visitors annually. It is well-connected to other parts of the country and has a good network of flights, trains, and buses. To get a glimpse of how to reach Varanasi, join us in this piece as we provide in-depth information.
The city of Varanasi is well connected by air railways or roadways. To explore all the attractions, you must get down at either of the two major railway junctions, the Mughal Sarai junction or the Varanasi junction. Let us provide you with a comprehensive overview:
To answer your question about how to reach Varanasi, the fastest way is via flight.
The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Airport. Although the city has an international airport, it is not connected by many international flights. However, almost all domestic airlines, like Jet Airways, Spice Jet, or Air India, operate regularly from this airport, connecting you to prime cities like Mumbai and Delhi. After reaching the airport, you can hire a cab or board a bus to get to your hotel.
A couple of major railway stations in Varanasi are where almost all trains destined for Northern India pass through. The Mughal Sarai junction is located 18 km from the main city and is connected to all the major cities in India. Once you reach any of these railway stations, you can hail a cab or board a bus to reach the various places to visit in Varanasi.
The roadways are well maintained and convenient, which leads to Varanasi. One of the most thrilling journeys you can experience is traveling on a bus. Most travellers usually club 2 or 3 nearby cities and commute them through the motor-able road while travelling to Uttar Pradesh. Numerous state or private bus services, including some comfortable air-conditioned Volvo buses that ply frequently from Lucknow to Varanasi. You can avail of those as they drive through NH2 and NH28, providing a unique opportunity to travel through beautiful forests.
Varanasi's most common means of local transportation are cycle rickshaws, buses, auto rickshaws, and river steamers. For tourists' convenience, there are auto-rickshaw stands, and taxi stands outside the railway station and airport. As the airport is 25 km from the city, it is best to hire a taxi to reach the city center.
At the nook of every street, you can see auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Travelling through cycle rickshaws is very interesting and, of course, very cheap compared to auto rickshaws.
Several modes of transportation connect Varanasi to other parts of India and beyond. This guide explores how to Reach Varanasi, including flights, trains, and roadways, offering insights into travel times, costs, and other essential details to help you plan your journey.
The best way to get from Pune to Varanasi is to fly, which takes 3h 55m. To reach Varanasi by air, you can fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), the only airport in the city. Alternatively, you can train, which takes 27h 10m. The Pune to Varanasi train services, operated by Indian Railways, arrive at Varanasi Jn station.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Pune to Varanasi |
1,450 km |
1 day 3 hours |
IndiGo Airlines, Starlight Airline, and two other airlines fly from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Varanasi Airport (VNS) every 2 hours. Alternatively, Indian Railways trains from Ksr Bengaluru to Varanasi Jn twice weekly.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Bangalore to Varanasi |
1,819 km |
1 day 6 hours |
The fastest way to reach Varanasi from Chennai is by Flight. It takes approximately 3 hours. The cheapest way to reach Varanasi from Chennai is by train, which takes approximately 31 hours.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Chennai to Varanasi |
1,855 km |
1 day 8 hours |
Varanasi has three major railway stations – Varanasi City, Varanasi Junction, and Kashi Railway Station, which regularly receives trains from Delhi. The best way to get from New Delhi to Varanasi is to fly, which takes 3h 11 minutes.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Delhi to Varanasi |
817 km |
11 hours 50 mins |
Varanasi is approximately 1100+ km from Hyderabad. The fastest way to reach Varanasi from Hyderabad is by Flight. It takes approximately 2 hours. The cheapest way to reach Varanasi from Hyderabad is by train via Nagpur, which takes approximately 24 hours.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Hyderabad to Varanasi |
1,230 km |
22 hours 45 mins |
The best way to get from Kochi to Varanasi is to fly, which takes 6h 22m. Alternatively, you can train, which takes 2 days and 1 hour. Kochi to Varanasi train services, operated by Indian Railways, depart from Ernakulam Jn station.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Kochi to Varanasi |
2,356.5 km |
42 hr |
The cheapest way to get from Kolkata to Varanasi is to train, which costs ?380 - ?9,500 and takes 13h 30m. VIBHUTI EXPRESS (12333) departs daily from Kolkata at 20:00 and arrives at Varanasi at 09:40, covering the entire distance in 13 hrs 30 mins. AKAL TAKHT EXP (12317), KOAA NLDM EXP (12325), UPASANA EXP (12327), and HIMGIRI EXPRESS are some other trains. Alternatively, the fastest way to get from Kolkata to Varanasi is to line 31835 train and fly, which takes 3h 31m.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Kolkata to Varanasi |
683 km |
11 hours 59 mins |
Varanasi is approximately 1350 km from Mumbai. The fastest way to reach Varanasi from Mumbai is by Flight, which takes approximately 3 hours. The cheapest way to reach Varanasi from Mumbai is by train, which takes approximately 28 hours.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Mumbai to Varanasi |
1,678 km |
1 day 2 hours |
Air India Express, IndiGo Airlines, and Air India Limited fly from Varanasi Airport (VNS) to Goa International Airport (GOI) every 3 hours. Alternatively, Indian Railways operates a train from Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn. to Vasco Da Gama once a week. Tickets cost moderately, and the journey takes 36 hours.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Goa to Varanasi |
1,846 km |
1 day, 10 hours |
The distance between Allahabad and Varanasi is ideal for a road trip. The two cities are only 121 km apart. The travelling time taken to cover this distance is between 2 and a half and 3 hours, depending on the route you choose and the number of stops and detours you make along the journey. However, the Train is the fastest way to reach Varanasi from Prayagraj(Allahabad). It takes approximately 3 hours.
Route Name |
Distance |
Time |
Allahabad to Varanasi |
122.1 km |
3 hr 28 min |
The distance between Ayodhya and Varanasi is approximately 1,450 km, with a travel time of around 1 day and 3 hours. You can travel by car, bus, or train, depending on your preference. The journey offers scenic views, but it’s important to check road conditions for a smooth trip.
Here is the table with the normal distances to Varanasi without mentioning the mode of travel:
Starting Location | Distance |
---|---|
New Delhi | 800 km |
Kolkata | 500 km |
Lucknow | 320 km |
Patna | 250 km |
Jaipur | 750 km |
Mumbai | 1,500 km |
Allahabad | 120 km |
Bhopal | 500 km |
Chennai | 1,400 km |
Indore | 650 km |
These are the approximate normal distances from various cities to Varanasi.
Apart from knowing how to reach Varanasi, you must also know the places to stay.
Most budget accommodations in Varanasi are located close to the ghats. Popular areas in Varanasi are centred around Dhasaswamedh Ghat, providing an authentic city taste. Wake up to the clanking of bells, merge with the pilgrim crowds, and wander along the labyrinths amidst the colourful, narrow lanes. Guesthouses and restaurants are also found along the Ganges River and down the surrounding narrow lanes.
The area around Assi Ghat (about a 30-minute walk South of Dhasaswamedh) is quieter. It also has suitable accommodation and eating options close to the river.
The winding streets around the ghats can be pretty disorientating and are often too small for vehicles, but if you book a reputable hotel in advance, they may be able to send someone to help you find the way.
Varanasi, a city steeped in ancient traditions and spiritual significance, offers diverse accommodations for every traveller. From luxurious havelis overlooking the Ganges to serene ashrams and boutique hotels tucked away in quiet lanes, finding the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after exploring this vibrant city is essential.
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Looking forward to visiting one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India?
Finding the perfect accommodation is key to a memorable trip to Varanasi. This section highlights some of the best Dharmashalas in the city, catering to various budgets and preferences and ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay.
Varanasi, the ancient city on the banks of the Ganges River, is a profound and transformative experience for many travellers. This spiritual heart of India, steeped in history and tradition, can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Careful planning of how to reach Varanasi and preparation are key to ensuring a meaningful and enriching journey.
This section will equip you with essential tips and tricks to navigate the sacred city, from understanding local customs and etiquette to finding the best places to stay, eat, and explore.
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