Best way to get from Delhi to Varanasi

[ChaiNashta]

I get this question a lot in private messages and I have replied to a few of them too but those replies will not benefit those who come here looking for the same answer so I decided to write a thread about best way from Delhi to Varanasi so we can just provide the link to this thread to those who ask.

The cheapest way to get there would be trains and there are plenty of trains that go there. Apart from Varanasi junction, Varanasi city there is also Mugalsarai station which is about 20km from Varanasi so you have plenty of choices. The only problem is getting the tickets booked as they get booked well in advance so make sure you book your tickets well in advance.

Below is the list of direct trains that you can look at :

The quickest way to get to Varanasi from Delhi would be planes and there also you have plenty of flights to choose from.

Airport code for Delhi is DEL and Varanasi is VNS.

Airlines that fly from Delhi to Varanasi are :

Spicejet
Indigo
Jet Airways
Air India

A return ticket would cost around Rs6200-6500 or more depending upon the time of the year and airline you choose. Flight duration is about an hour and a half.

Going by road is not advisable as the distance is a lot and it would be very tiring taking a bus and changing in between or even driving all the way. Roads quality is also questionable.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions please ask.

 

[Chahal]

The best and fastest way to go to Varanasi from Delhi and back is by air. Just take a flight and prebook it a few days in advance and the tickets wont cost a lot either. The train journey if you ask me is not what I would recommend unless someone wants to find out what dysentery and other related problems feel like after having food at one of the platforms or on-board an Indian railways trains.

I hear about the food delivery service that have started recently where you just place an order using your mobile phone with an app and food is delivered to you at your seat in the train but even with food problem out of the way what would you do about the great Indian toilet in those trains? Although my last train journey was only from Delhi to Jalandhar in a Shatabdi train and that was in year 2003 and toilets back then were a mess. I dont know if things have improved? People that travel in those trains are the same, are they not

 

[Admin]

Best Way to Travel from Delhi to Varanasi – 2025 Updated Guide
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, is well-connected to Delhi by air, rail, and road. Your choice of transport depends on factors like time, budget, and comfort preference. Below is a detailed comparison of the available options:

1. Flights – The Fastest Option ​

• Duration: ~1.5 hours
• Fare Range: ₹3,500 - ₹8,000 (book early for lower prices)
• Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet
• Best For: Travelers short on time or those preferring comfort over cost

Tip: Booking at least 3 weeks in advance can get you the best fares. Early morning and late-night flights are often cheaper.

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2. Trains – Budget-Friendly & Convenient​

Varanasi has two major railway stations:

• Varanasi Junction (BSB)
• Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (DDU), formerly Mughalsarai

Here are some of the best train options:

Train Name	Departure (Delhi)	Arrival (Varanasi)	Duration	Classes Available
Vande Bharat Express (22436)	06:00 AM	02:00 PM	8 hrs	CC, EC
Shiv Ganga Express (12560)	06:55 PM	06:15 AM	11 hrs	SL, 3A, 2A, 1A
Kashi Vishwanath Express (15128)	11:35 PM	02:00 PM (next day)	14 hrs	SL, 3A, 2A
Magadh Express (20802)	08:00 PM	08:30 AM	12.5 hrs	SL, 3A, 2A

Tip: Shiv Ganga Express is one of the best options as it’s an overnight journey and allows you to reach Varanasi early in the morning.

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3. Buses – Overnight Journey for Budget Travelers​

• Duration: ~12-14 hours
• Fare: ₹900 - ₹2,500 (depends on the bus type)
• Types: AC Sleeper, Semi-Sleeper, Non-AC
• Boarding Points in Delhi: Anand Vihar, ISBT Kashmere Gate

Tip: Private operators like UPSRTC, RedBus, and IntrCity SmartBus offer multiple options with different comfort levels.

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4. Road Trip – Best for Flexibility​

If you love driving, a road trip from Delhi to Varanasi can be an adventure. The recommended route is:
Delhi → Agra → Lucknow → Sultanpur → Varanasi (~830 km)

• Time Required: 10-12 hours
• Fuel + Toll Cost: ₹5,000+
• Road Condition: Excellent, thanks to the Purvanchal Expressway

Tip: Take breaks at Agra for the Taj Mahal or Lucknow for delicious kebabs.

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Which Option is Best for You?​

Choose a Flight if you want to save time and don’t mind spending extra money.
Take a Train if you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet comfortable journey.
Go for a Bus if you want a cheap, overnight travel option.
Drive or Hire a Taxi if you prefer flexibility and road trips.
Each mode has its own advantages, and the best option depends on your personal preferences. Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more details.