How to Reach Varanasi

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Varanasi has an impressive range of transport connections to major destinations in India via air, train, and road. If you are short on time, catching a flight to Varanasi is recommended. Government and private buses are also readily available for those coming to Varanasi from Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Bangalore, Patna, and many nearby towns. Moreover, these towns and the southern side of India are well-connected with direct trains.

If you are still confused about how to reach Varanasi, here are the best ways.

How to Reach by Flight

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is an international airport in Varanasi that connects the city to the country. Almost every domestic airline operates regular flights to and from this airport, and international flights also land here, making it easy for travellers worldwide.

How to Reach by Train

The city’s primary railheads are prominent stops for almost all the trains covering the northern region of India. Reaching Varanasi by train is one of the most convenient ways, as railway stations are close to the town.

Major Railway Stations in Varanasi

  • Varanasi Cantt Highway
  • Kashi Railway
  • Banaras Railway Station

How to Reach by Road/Bus

National and state highways connect this city better and faster with neighbouring states. Many inter- and intrastate buses run from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and many more.

Major Highways that Connect Varanasi

  • NH 45
  • NH 19
  • NH 7
  • NH 233

How to Get Around Varanasi

Narrow streets connected with its ghats and vibrant market would be the highlight of exploring this ancient city. But your choices to get around are diverse and allow you to experience the sights and sounds of this city. Walk: Discover tourist attractions in Varanasi, close by strolling along the river. Observe the daily lifestyle, savour street food, and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Bicycle Rickshaw/E-Rickshaw: These are ideal for short distances, especially along wider roads and near the railway station. Be sure to negotiate a fair rate, typically between INR 20 and INR 50. Auto Rickshaw: These autos are widely available near the railway station and cover longer distances across the city.

How to Reach Varanasi from Major Cities

This holy city of India is quite popular among travellers and gives them an insight. Here is the guide on how to get to Varanasi from major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, and Kolkata.

Varanasi from Delhi

Travel Mode Duration Route/Station/Airport Distance
By Road 12 hr 30 min Agra – Lucknow Expy 850 km
By Rail 8 hr Vande Bharat Express (New Delhi) 747 km
By Flight 1 hr 25 min Indira Gandhi International Airport 676 km

Varanasi From Kolkata

Travel Mode Duration Route/Station/Airport Distance
By Road 15 hr 30 min NH 19 684 km
By Rail 10 hr Durgiana Express (Kolkata) 747 km
By Flight 1 hr 25 min Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose 631 km

Varanasi From Kerala

Travel Mode Duration Route/Station/Airport Distance
By Road 1 day, 20 hr NH 44 2,365 km
By Rail 2 days 1 hr, 50 min Patna SF Express (Cochin) 1848 km
By Flight 4 hr 10 min (+1 stop) Cochin International Airport 1851 km

Varanasi From Mumbai

Travel Mode Duration Route/Station/Airport Distance
By Road 1 day, 5 hr NH 45 1,542 km
By Rail 1 day 3 hr Lokmaniyatilak (Mumbai) 1,250 km
By Flight 2 hr 10 min Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport 1,244 km

Tips Regarding How to Get Varanasi

  • Mughal Sarai Junction is the nearby stop—Varanasi’s “almost there” station.
  • Choose a classic Golden Triangle that covers Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with a spiritual Varanasi twist.
  • Take the overnight train to maximise your time and get the best of Ganges City.
Now, you must have a clear idea about how to get here, but if you want to know more about this city, check out our detailed Varanasi Travel Guide.

FAQs

Q: Which is India’s fastest train from Delhi to Varanasi?
Ans. Vande Bharat Express is the fastest train to reach Varanasi from Delhi. It takes 8 hours and has 4 stops: Delhi—Kanpur—Prayagraj (Allahabad)—Varanasi Junction.
Q: How many railway stations does Varanasi have?
Ans. Varanasi Junction, Varanasi City, Kashi, and Sarnath Railway Station are major railheads for visiting this holy city by rail.
Q: How do you go to Varanasi from Kolkata?

Ans. The distance between these cities is around 685 km, which you can cover by road within 18 hours. However, this city has various railway stations and an international airport, which open major windows for how to reach Varanasi.

Q: How far is Varanasi from Kolkata by flight?

Ans. The aerial distance between Kolkata and Varanasi is around 631 km, which you can cover within 1 hour and 30 minutes. Plus, more than 30 flights are regularly operating between these two major cities of India.