Travel From Delhi to Varanasi

A

Adarsh

New Member
I am from Delhi and want to go to Varanasi. I need some suggestion on the following points. Please be kind enough to answer them.
  • What is the best way to travel from Delhi to Varanasi?
  • What is the fastest way to reach Varanasi?
  • How many days should be spent at Varanasi?
  • What should be seen in Varanasi apart from the obvious the river Ganga?
 
Hi! I'll try my best to answer your questions:
  • What is the best way to travel from Delhi to Varanasi? The best way would be via airplane, it's the most comfortable and convenient, but it can be expensive. There are trains and buses as well, but it can take longer and they can be overcrowded.
  • What is the fastest way to reach Varanasi? The fastest would be via an airplane. Some examples of airlines from Delhi are Air India, JetKonnect, SpiceJet and IndiGo. From the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, it takes about an hour before you can reach Varanasi if you take a taxi. It will take about two hours if you take a bus from the airport. If you'd like to take the train, it can take about 13 hours from Delhi to Varanasi. There are three major stations in Varanasi: Varanasi Junction, Manduadhi Station and Mughal Sarai Junction.
  • How many days should be spent at Varanasi? I think anywhere from three to four days would be enough. During day one, you can see the temples like Bharat Mata and Tulsi Mantas. Day two should be spent on the Ganges with a boat tour and maybe some shopping during the afternoon. Day three should be visiting the Alamgir Mosque and the Buddhist Stupas. Then you can leave in the afternoon of day three.
  • What should be seen in Varanasi apart from the obvious the river Ganga? A few other important destinations would be the Banaras Ghats, Assi Ghat, Sarnath and the Ramnagar Fort. I mentioned a possible itinerary for you above as well and those are the must see destinations.
I hope this helps!
 
Hi there!
You should go Varanasi via air and it is the fastest mode to reach there. And answer to your third and fourth questions is that 3-4 days are more than enough to explore the lanes of Varanasi through the mirror of time. As the Varanasi , one of the oldest living city has lot to offer in terms of travelling like exploring all the age old temples and appreciating the architectural excellence, Bharat Mata Temple, Monkey Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan, BHU, or you could take a boat ride in the river Ganga and to wrap the trip in the most memorable way take part in the evening prayer on the banks of Ganga , it will not only uplift your spirit but also redefine your spiritualism. You would see this place with new lens and appreciate for what it has been giving to the people. And if you really into Varanasi then you should visit in festive months especially in Makarsankranti and Kumbh where you would witness the spirituality takig zenith at this place only and also known as the one of the massive religious gathering on earth. Great trip to enjoy. Thanks
 
Updated Guide: Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi (2025)
Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi offers multiple options, including trains, flights, buses, and private taxis. Here’s a complete breakdown of your travel choices, including updated fares, travel times, and convenience levels.

1. Best Ways to Travel from Delhi to Varanasi​

Mode of TransportDurationEstimated Cost (INR)Convenience LevelNotes
Flight1.5 hrs₹3,500 - ₹8,000★★★★★Fastest option, multiple flights available daily
Train8-12 hrs₹400 - ₹3,500★★★★☆Multiple trains, best for budget travelers
Bus12-14 hrs₹900 - ₹2,500★★★☆☆Overnight options available, can be uncomfortable
Taxi10-12 hrs₹10,000 - ₹15,000★★★★☆Comfortable for groups, can be expensive
Self-Drive10-12 hrs₹5,000+ (fuel+toll)★★★☆☆Flexible but tiring due to long-distance travel

2. Best Trains from Delhi to Varanasi (Updated 2025)​

Train NameDeparture (Delhi)Arrival (Varanasi)Travel TimeClass & Fare (INR)
Vande Bharat Express (22436)06:00 AM02:00 PM8 hrsCC: ₹1,800, EC: ₹3,500
Kashi Vishwanath Express (15128)11:35 PM02:00 PM (next day)14 hrsSL: ₹400, 3A: ₹1,200, 2A: ₹1,800
Shiv Ganga Express (12560)06:55 PM06:15 AM11 hrsSL: ₹500, 3A: ₹1,500, 2A: ₹2,100
Magadh Express (20802)08:00 PM08:30 AM12.5 hrsSL: ₹450, 3A: ₹1,400, 2A: ₹1,900
Tip: Shiv Ganga Express is the most popular choice due to its overnight travel and punctuality.

3. Flights from Delhi to Varanasi​

  • Airlines Operating: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet
  • Flight Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Cheapest Tickets: Around ₹3,500 (if booked in advance)
  • Best Time to Book: At least 3-4 weeks before travel for lower fares
If you’re short on time, taking a flight is the fastest and most comfortable option.

4. Road Trip from Delhi to Varanasi​

If you prefer road travel, you can either drive yourself or hire a taxi. The Delhi-Varanasi route via the Purvanchal Expressway has improved significantly, making road travel faster and smoother.

Recommended Route:​

Delhi → Agra → Lucknow → Sultanpur → Varanasi (~830 km)
  • Road Condition: Excellent (via Yamuna Expressway & Purvanchal Expressway)
  • Toll Charges: ₹1,000+
  • Best Stops: Agra (Taj Mahal), Lucknow (Tunday Kababi)

5. FAQs – Delhi to Varanasi Travel​

Q1: Which is the fastest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi?
A: The fastest option is a flight, which takes around 1.5 hours.
Q2: Which is the cheapest way to travel to Varanasi?
A: The cheapest option is by train, with fares starting at ₹400 (sleeper class).
Q3: What is the best train from Delhi to Varanasi?
A: Shiv Ganga Express (12560) is a great option as it’s an overnight train and reaches early in the morning.
Q4: Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Varanasi?
A: Yes, multiple buses operate daily between Delhi and Varanasi, with a travel time of 12-14 hours.
Q5: What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
A: October to March is the best time, as the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
 
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