Lucknow to Varanasi: Train, Road & Bus — Short-Distance Journey Guide
From Nawabs to Ghats — two UP capitals, 300 kilometres apart, easily connected
Lucknow and Varanasi are both capitals of their own kind — Lucknow, the cultural and administrative capital of Uttar Pradesh, and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh's spiritual capital. The two cities are approximately 300 kilometres apart, and the route between them is one of the most well-served in the state. Multiple trains run daily, buses depart frequently, and the road journey is straightforward. You can leave Lucknow at dawn and be at the Varanasi ghats by mid-morning — ready for a full day in the city.
By Train: Lucknow to Varanasi (4–5 Hours)
The train is the most practical option for Lucknow to Varanasi. Multiple trains depart daily, the journey takes 4–5 hours, and fares are very affordable — General and Sleeper class fares are in the range of ₹100–300; AC 3-Tier costs ₹400–600 or so for a reserved seat.
Lucknow has two main railway stations: Lucknow Junction (Charbagh, LKO) and Lucknow NR (LC). Most Varanasi-bound trains depart from Charbagh. Several express and superfast trains connect the two cities — check IRCTC for current schedules and departure times.
The arrival station at Varanasi is typically Varanasi Junction (BSB). From there, auto-rickshaws reach Godaulia (for the old city) in 10–15 minutes.
For trains on this route, a last-minute Unreserved ticket is often possible on less popular departures — though booking in advance in Sleeper or AC class is always better for a guaranteed seat.
By Road: Bus and Private Car
The road from Lucknow to Varanasi follows NH27 (via Sultanpur) or takes an alternative route via Prayagraj. Distance is approximately 300 km; journey time is 5–6 hours in normal traffic.
UP Roadways state buses run regularly between Lucknow and Varanasi — affordable and frequent. The Lucknow bus terminus (Kaiserbagh and Alambagh bus stands) has departures throughout the day. Private Volvo AC coaches are also available on this route for a more comfortable bus experience.
Private car hire is popular among families and small groups — the predictable door-to-door journey time is a practical advantage over train if the group is 3 or more people.
The route via Prayagraj adds the option of a brief stop at the Triveni Sangam (Sangam is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj) — a natural extension for those interested in the UP pilgrimage circuit.
Combining Lucknow and Varanasi
Lucknow and Varanasi complement each other well as a combined Uttar Pradesh trip. Lucknow's Nawabi culture — the Bara Imambara, the Rumi Darwaza, the kebab traditions of Aminabad — contrasts sharply with Varanasi's ancient Hindu spiritual character. Together, they offer a journey across two of the most historically layered cities in the sub-continent.
A practical 4-day circuit: 2 days in Lucknow, then a morning train to Varanasi, 2 full days in Varanasi including the Ganga Aarti and Kashi Vishwanath. Alternatively, Varanasi first and Lucknow on the return journey northward.
For travellers coming from Delhi, the Delhi–Lucknow–Varanasi train corridor is a natural choice — many trains run from Delhi through Lucknow to Varanasi, making this a single-train journey rather than a stop-and-change.
Flight from Lucknow to Varanasi
Lucknow has an international airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, IATA: LKO) but flights to Varanasi (VNS) are overkill for 300 kilometres — the flight time is approximately 45 minutes, but airport transfers at both ends and check-in time make the total journey time comparable to or longer than the train. The flight is significantly more expensive for a journey this short.
Take the train or bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way from Lucknow to Varanasi?▼
The fastest reliable option is a superfast express train from Lucknow Junction (Charbagh) to Varanasi Junction — journey time 4–5 hours. The road by private car is also approximately 5–6 hours. Flying adds airport friction that makes it slower in practice.
Can I do a day trip from Lucknow to Varanasi?▼
A day trip is possible but demanding — you would need to leave Lucknow by 5–6 AM to reach Varanasi by 10–11 AM, giving you 6–7 hours in the city before returning. This allows the old city walk and the Ganga Aarti but not the sunrise boat ride. An overnight stay is strongly recommended to experience Varanasi at its best.