India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from anywhere in India and abroad. Whether you’re traveling for spiritual reasons, cultural experiences, or historical exploration, here’s how you can reach Varanasi hassle-free.
By Air – The Fastest & Most Convenient Option
Varanasi has its own international airport with direct flights from major Indian and international cities.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Distance from City Center: ~25 km
Travel Time to City: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Direct Flights to Varanasi Available From:
Transport from Varanasi Airport to the City:
Prepaid Taxi / Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/Ola): ₹700 – ₹1,500
Airport Shuttle Buses (Budget-Friendly): ₹50 – ₹150
Auto-Rickshaws: ₹300 – ₹600 (Bargain for a fair price)
By Train – The Most Affordable & Well-Connected Option
Varanasi is one of the most important railway hubs in India, connecting all major cities.
Major Railway Stations in Varanasi:
✔️ Varanasi Junction (BSB) – The main railway station.
✔️ Manduadih Railway Station (MUV) – Ideal for luxury trains like Vande Bharat.
✔️ Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) – Formerly known as Mughal Sarai, 18 km from Varanasi.
Major Trains to Varanasi
Train Name |
From |
Travel Time |
Vande Bharat Express |
Delhi → Varanasi |
8 hours |
Kashi Vishwanath Express |
Delhi → Varanasi |
12 hours |
Shiv Ganga Express |
Delhi → Varanasi |
11 hours |
Howrah Express |
Kolkata → Varanasi |
13 hours |
Mumbai LTT Express |
Mumbai → Varanasi |
24 hours |
Bangalore SF Express |
Bangalore → Varanasi |
38 hours |
Train Ticket Prices: ₹300 – ₹3,500 (Depending on class & distance)
Transport from Varanasi Railway Stations:
By Road – Comfortable for Short-Distance Travelers
Varanasi is well-connected by highways, making road travel an easy option from nearby cities.
Major Highways & Expressways to Varanasi:
✔️ NH2 (Delhi–Kolkata Highway) – Connects Delhi, Kanpur, and Allahabad to Varanasi.
✔️ NH31 (Patna–Varanasi Highway) – Best route for travelers from Bihar.
✔️ Purvanchal Expressway (Best Route from Lucknow) – New expressway reducing travel time.