How to Reach Varanasi: Complete Transport Guide (Air, Train & Road)
Three ways to reach one of the world's oldest cities
Varanasi is well-connected to the rest of India by air, rail, and road. It is not always the easiest city to reach — the airport is small, the best trains book out months in advance during peak season, and road distances from major cities are long. But the journey is part of the experience, and with the right information, reaching Varanasi is straightforward.
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Varanasi's airport — Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (IATA code: VNS), also called Babatpur Airport — is located approximately 26 kilometres north of the city centre. It handles both domestic and international flights.
Domestic routes: Direct flights connect Varanasi with Delhi (approximately 1 hour), Mumbai (2 hours), Kolkata (1.5 hours), Bengaluru (2.5 hours), Chennai (2.5 hours), Hyderabad, and several other cities. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara (now merged with Air India) are the primary carriers. Flight prices vary enormously by season — October to February (peak season) and especially around Diwali, Dev Deepawali, and Mahashivratri can see prices spike significantly. Book 2–3 months in advance for peak season.
From the airport to the city: Pre-paid taxis are available at the official counter outside arrivals. The fare to Dashashwamedh Ghat area is approximately ₹600–1,000. App-based taxis (Ola, Uber) also work at the airport. The journey takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
By Train: Varanasi Junction and Other Stations
Varanasi is well-served by Indian Railways, with connections to virtually every major city. The main station is Varanasi Junction (station code: BSB), located in the city centre.
Key trains from major cities: From Delhi, the Kashi Vishwanath Express (14257/14258) takes approximately 12 hours; the Vibhuti Express (11107/11108) is faster at 11 hours. From Mumbai, the Mahanagari Express or the Pushpak Express take approximately 24 hours. From Kolkata, the Vibhuti Express from Howrah takes approximately 12–14 hours. From Lucknow, several trains cover the 300 km in 4–5 hours.
Booking in advance is essential for Varanasi train travel. The city is one of India's most popular pilgrimage and tourist destinations, and the good-quality AC classes sell out weeks to months ahead, particularly during festival seasons. Book through IRCTC (Indian Railways' booking portal) or a travel agent.
There is also Varanasi Cantt station (BCY), near the Cantonment area south of the city, and Mughal Sarai Junction (now Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, station code DDU), approximately 18 km away, which handles many long-distance trains. Ask at booking which station your train arrives at.
By Road: Bus and Private Car
Varanasi is connected to the national highway network (NH19/NH2, Delhi–Kolkata corridor), making road travel viable from several regional cities.
From Prayagraj (Allahabad): 120 km, approximately 2–3 hours by car or state bus. From Lucknow: 300 km, approximately 5–6 hours. From Delhi: 800 km, approximately 13–15 hours — possible but long; train or flight is preferable for this distance. From Gorakhpur: 260 km, approximately 5 hours.
State-run buses (UP Roadways) connect Varanasi with most Uttar Pradesh cities. Private bus operators also run services on key routes, often with air-conditioned Volvo coaches on routes like Lucknow–Varanasi.
The main bus stand is in the Civil Lines area (Varanasi Cantt Bus Terminal). Many private buses stop at Cantt, Godaulia, or other points within the city based on the route.
Getting Around Varanasi on Arrival
The old city and the ghats are not accessible by car — the lanes are too narrow. All vehicles stop at major junctions (Godaulia for Dashashwamedh area; Lanka/Assi Crossing for Assi Ghat). From these points, the ghats are walked.
For navigation within the city: auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the standard short-distance transport. Agree on a price before boarding (no meters). Cycle-rickshaws operate in the most congested lanes. Boats on the Ganga are both transport and experience — for moving along the riverfront, a boat is faster than walking the ghats and gives a different perspective on the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi?▼
For most travellers, a direct flight from Delhi (Indira Gandhi International) to Varanasi (LBS Airport) is the quickest option at approximately 1 hour and is often affordable if booked in advance. The overnight train (Kashi Vishwanath Express, 12 hours) is a good budget alternative and allows you to arrive in Varanasi in the morning. The road journey (800 km, 13+ hours) is not recommended for this route.
Is there a metro or reliable public transport in Varanasi?▼
Varanasi does not currently have a metro system. E-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the primary intra-city transport. The narrow lanes of the old city mean that much of the core tourist area must be explored on foot. A local guide helps enormously with navigation in the old city.