Delhi to Varanasi: Flights, Trains & Road — Complete Journey Guide
From India's capital to its spiritual heart — 800 kilometres and several good routes
Delhi to Varanasi is one of the most-travelled routes in India, connecting the national capital to one of the country's most significant pilgrimage and cultural destinations. The journey spans approximately 800 kilometres and takes anywhere from 1 hour (by air) to 13 hours or more (by road). For most travellers, the train is the preferred option — it is comfortable, affordable, and delivers you directly into the city without the airport-to-city transfer complexity. This guide covers each option honestly, so you can choose what suits your schedule and budget.
By Flight: Delhi to Varanasi (1 Hour)
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (IATA: VNS), approximately 26 km north of Varanasi city, receives direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL) in Delhi. Flight time is approximately 55–65 minutes. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air operate on this route; frequency varies by season but there are typically multiple departures each day.
Booking in advance is important for the Delhi–Varanasi air route during peak season (October–March) and particularly around major festivals — Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Diwali, and Holi. Economy fares can be competitive if booked 4–6 weeks ahead; last-minute fares in peak season are significantly higher.
From VNS airport to the city: Pre-paid taxis are available from the official counter in the arrivals hall — fare to Dashashwamedh Ghat area is typically ₹600–1,000. App-based taxis (Ola, Uber) also operate at the airport. The journey into the city takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
By Train: The Recommended Route for Most Travellers
Delhi has several railway stations relevant to Varanasi-bound travellers. New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) are the primary departure points in central Delhi; Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) in east Delhi is also a major hub for eastern routes.
The Vande Bharat Express (semi-high speed train) is the fastest train option between Delhi and Varanasi — journey time approximately 8 hours. Seats must be booked on IRCTC well in advance; this train is consistently popular and often sold out weeks ahead, especially in peak season.
The Kashi Vishwanath Express (overnight service) takes approximately 12 hours and is a practical option for travellers who want to save a hotel night — depart Delhi in the evening and arrive Varanasi in the morning. The Shiv Ganga Express and the Magadh Express are other well-established trains on this route with similar journey times.
All trains arrive at Varanasi Junction (station code: BSB), which is the main station in the heart of the city — auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws to the ghats are available immediately outside. Note that some trains terminate at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU, formerly Mughal Sarai), approximately 18 km from Varanasi — verify your train's terminus when booking.
Book all trains through IRCTC (irctc.co.in). AC Second Class (2A) and AC Third Class (3A) offer a comfortable journey at a reasonable price. Book at minimum 4–6 weeks ahead for October–March travel.
By Road: Bus and Private Car
The road distance from Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 800 km via the Delhi–Kolkata National Highway (NH19), passing through Agra and Prayagraj (Allahabad). A well-driven private car or taxi covers the distance in 12–14 hours without major delays; with traffic and rest stops, allow 14–16 hours.
Overnight bus services operate between Delhi (Kashmere Gate ISBT or Sarai Kale Khan ISBT) and Varanasi. Private operators run Volvo AC coaches that depart late evening and arrive the following morning — a budget-conscious overnight option.
The road route is useful if you want to stop en route. A Delhi–Agra–Varanasi road journey is one of the classic North India circuits — Taj Mahal in Agra (200 km from Delhi), then onwards to Varanasi via Prayagraj (where a Sangam visit can be added). This circuit suits travellers with several days and a private car.
Arrival in Varanasi from Delhi: Practical Notes
Train arrivals at Varanasi Junction put you in the city centre — auto-rickshaws to Godaulia (for the old city and central ghats) cost approximately ₹50–100 from the station; e-rickshaws are slightly cheaper. The old city and the ghats are not accessible by vehicle — all traffic stops at Godaulia or Lanka junction and the rest is walked.
If arriving by flight, the airport-to-ghat transfer typically takes 45–90 minutes and costs ₹600–1,000 by pre-paid taxi. Pre-book your Varanasi accommodation before arriving — quality guesthouses near the ghats book out quickly during October–February.
For those combining Delhi with a Spirit of Kashi guided tour: WhatsApp us before departure to coordinate airport or station pickup and your first-day guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better — flight or train from Delhi to Varanasi?▼
For most travellers, the train is the better choice. A flight saves 7–10 hours of travel time but adds airport transfer time at both ends (Delhi airport + Varanasi airport) — reducing the net time saving to 3–5 hours. Trains arrive directly at Varanasi Junction in the city, while the airport is 26 km from the ghats. The overnight train option also saves a hotel night. If time is critical, fly. If flexibility and city-centre arrival matter, train wins.
How far in advance should I book Delhi to Varanasi tickets?▼
Book trains 4–8 weeks ahead for travel October–March; 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient for April–September (off-peak). For flights, 3–6 weeks in advance typically secures competitive fares. During major festival periods (Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Holi), trains sell out 60–90 days ahead — book as early as possible.