How to Reach Varanasi by Train, Road, And Air

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.

The best way to reach Varanasi

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. 

How To Reach Varanasi

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: 

How To Reach Varanasi By Flight

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. 

How To Reach Varanasi By Train

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. 

How To Reach Varanasi By Bus

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. 

Local Transport In Varanasi

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.

How To Reach Varanasi From Different Cities 

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.

How To Go To Varanasi From Pune

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Bangalore

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Chennai 

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Delhi

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Hyderabad 

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Kochi

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Kolkata 

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Mumbai

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Goa

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

How To Reach Varanasi From Allahabad

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 

How To Reach Varanasi From Ayodhya

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.

Most Frequently Searched Routes To Varanasi

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.

Best Places to Stay in 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.

Best Hotels To Stay In Varanasi

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.

Book the best deals for the Uttar Pradesh tour packages from Trip Planners India.

  • Hotel Dolphin Grand
  • Stay Banaras
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi
  • Ramada By Wyndham Varanasi Katesar
  • Hotel Bachchan Palace
  • The Amayaa
  • Brijrama Palace, Varanasi - By The Ganges
  • Taj Ganges Varanasi
  • Arcadia Hotel
  • Comfort Inn Benares

Best Dharmashala to Stay in Varanasi

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.

  • Shri Kishan Beriwala Smruti Bhavan (Luxa Road)
  • Annapurna Telwala Dharamshala
  • Beriwala Smruti Atithi Bhavan Ramapura
  • Balaji Atithi Bhawan
  • Samriddhi Hall
  • Kailash Math 
  • Aditya Ashram Sewa Samiti
  • Gaudiya Mission Dharamshala
  • Laxmi Venkatesh Atithi Grih
  • Shri Jain Shwetamber Tirth Society

Important Tips And Guidelines

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.

  • Take a boat ride at sunrise or sunset.
  • Getting lost in the alleys of the old city is one of the popular things to do in Varanasi.
  • Eat Street food to the authentic taste of Varanasi.
  • Take a trip to Sarnat.
  • Talk to a sadhu and have a conversation of a lifetime. 
  • Watch the Ganga Aarti Ceremony every night at 6:45 at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
  • Staying by the Ghats will help you know the city's true essence.
  • Be prepared for crowds and dress modestly.
  • Count on smoking bhang but not drinking alcohol near the Ganges.
  • You must haggle like a pro when negotiating fares for auto rickshaws, boat rides, and taxis.
  • Mind the marauding monkeys.
  • Respect the cremation workers.
  • Remember to be mindful of the cremation rituals and the sacred nature of the river Ganges while experiencing the vibrant culture and festivals of the city.
  • Sample the best lassi in town.
  • Do yoga on the ghats.
  • Don't take photographs of the cremations.

Conclusion

If you plan to visit these parts after learning how to reach Varanasi, choose among the best tour packages in India. 

At Trip Planners India, we offer a wide range of customisable Varanasi tour packages to suit every kind of traveller looking to reach these parts from anywhere in the country. Enjoy unbeatable deals and discounts, the convenience of online booking, and instant confirmations. 

As the best Tour Planner in India, we ensure that all the essential Varanasi attractions are included in your itinerary. Alternatively, you can pick from a wide range of additional sightseeing places or activities around the city to customise your package even further. 

Intrigued to take a trip down the old lanes of Varanasi? Contact our 24/7 customer support today and partner with us, allowing us to make your holiday memorable.

FAQ