Every year, thousands of travellers ask the same question before their trip: how to reach Varanasi in the easiest and most comfortable way. The good news is that Varanasi is one of the best connected cities in North India. Whether you are coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or anywhere else in the country, you have three simple options to get here: flight, train, or road. In this guide, we break down each option in simple terms so you can pick what works best for your budget and travel time. Once you land, our Varanasi trip packages can take care of the rest of your trip.

How to Reach Varanasi by Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Varanasi, and it is a good choice if you want to save time or are coming from a distant city.

Varanasi airport details

• The city is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, also known as Babatpur Airport.
• It is located about 25 kilometres from the city centre, and it takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour to reach the main city area depending on traffic.
• Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet run daily flights to Varanasi from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
• Flight time to Varanasi is usually between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on where you are flying from.
• The airport has limited international flights, mainly connecting to Kathmandu in Nepal, so most international travellers arrive through a connecting flight from Delhi or Mumbai.

Getting to the city from the airport

• Prepaid taxis and app based cabs are easily available right outside the terminal.
• If you have a package booked with us, we arrange a private airport pickup so you do not need to worry about this step at all.

How to Reach Varanasi by Train

Train travel is the most popular and budget friendly way to reach Varanasi, and the city has excellent rail connectivity with the rest of India.

Main railway stations in Varanasi

• Varanasi Junction, also called Varanasi Cantt, is the primary railway station and the one most trains arrive at.
• Kashi Railway Station, also known as Manduadih, is another major stop, located close to the city centre.
• Both stations are well connected to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the main ghats, usually just a short cab or auto ride away.

Popular trains and routes

• From Delhi, the Vande Bharat Express is one of the fastest options, covering the distance in around 8 hours.
• From Kolkata, trains like the Vibhuti Express connect to Varanasi in about 12 to 14 hours.
• From Mumbai, trains take longer, usually a minimum of 24 hours, so this route works better if you enjoy long train journeys or want to save on cost.
• Varanasi is also linked by rail to Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and most other major Indian cities.

A quick tip

Book your train tickets well in advance, especially during winter months and festival season, since trains to Varanasi fill up fast at that time.

How to Reach Varanasi by Road

If you are travelling from a nearby city or simply enjoy road trips, reaching Varanasi by road is a comfortable and flexible option.

Road distances from major cities

• Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 820 kilometres.
• Lucknow to Varanasi is around 320 kilometres.
• Agra to Varanasi is about 600 kilometres.

Travel options by road

• Varanasi is connected through a strong network of national highways, making it easy to reach by private car, taxi, or self drive.
• State run and private buses also connect Varanasi with nearby cities and towns across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.
• Roads are well maintained on most major routes, so a private taxi is a comfortable choice if you are travelling with family or in a small group.

Which Option Should You Choose

• Choose flight if you want to save time and are coming from a city far from Varanasi.
• Choose train if you are travelling on a budget or prefer a more relaxed, scenic journey.
• Choose road if you are coming from a nearby city or want the flexibility of stopping along the way.

There is no single best way to reach Varanasi, it really depends on your starting point, budget, and how much time you have. Most of our guests combine a flight or train with a private cab pickup, which makes the whole journey smooth from start to finish.

Planning the Rest of Your Trip

Once you know how to get to Varanasi, the next step is planning what to see once you arrive. Our guide on places to visit in Varanasi will help you shortlist the temples, ghats, and landmarks worth your time. It is also worth checking our guide on the best time to visit Varanasi before you book your tickets, since the season can change both your travel comfort and what you get to experience in the city.

Conclusion

Reaching Varanasi is easier than most travellers expect, thanks to its strong flight, train, and road connections to the rest of India. Once your travel is sorted, the real journey begins the moment you step onto the ghats and feel the city's energy for yourself. If you want a hassle free start to your trip, from airport pickup to a full itinerary, our team is happy to plan it all for you.