Varanasi is one of the most important spiritual and tourist destinations in India. Because of its popularity, the city is well connected by air, rail, and road to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Kolkata.
This guide explains all transport options clearly so you can choose the best way to reach Varanasi based on your location, budget, and comfort.
How to Reach Varanasi by Flight
The city is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located about 25 km from the city center.
Major cities with direct flights to Varanasi:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Jaipur
- Hyderabad
- Bangalore
- Kolkata
After reaching the airport:
You can reach the city by:
- Taxi
- Cab services
- Private transfers
Travel time from airport to city:
45 minutes to 1 hour
Best for:
- Fastest travel option
- International travellers
- Long-distance travellers
How to Reach Varanasi by Train
Varanasi has excellent railway connectivity. The main stations are:
- Varanasi Junction Railway Station
- Banaras Railway Station
Major cities connected by train:
- Delhi
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
- Kolkata
Travel time examples:
- Delhi to Varanasi: 10–14 hours
- Agra to Varanasi: 8–10 hours
Best for:
- Budget travellers
- Comfortable long-distance travel
- Domestic tourists
How to Reach Varanasi by Road
Varanasi is well connected through national highways.
You can reach Varanasi by:
- Private car
- Bus
- Taxi
Road distance from major cities:
Delhi to Varanasi: approx. 820 km
Agra to Varanasi: approx. 600 km
Lucknow to Varanasi: approx. 320 km
Travel time example:
Lucknow to Varanasi: 6–7 hours
Best for:
- Nearby city travellers
- Flexible travel planning
How to Reach Varanasi from Delhi
By Flight:
Fastest option
Travel time: 1.5 hours
By Train:
Most popular option
Travel time: 10–14 hours
By Road:
Longest option
Travel time: 12–14 hours
Local Transport After Reaching Varanasi
Once you reach the city, you can use:
- Taxi
- Auto
- Cab services
These easily connect to:
- Ghats
- Hotels
- Tourist areas
Best Transport Option Based on Travel Needs
For fastest travel: Flight
For budget travel: Train
For nearby cities: Road
Travel Tips
- Book tickets in advance during peak season
- Choose flight if you have limited time
- Choose train for economical travel
- Plan road travel carefully for long distance
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is well connected with all major cities in India. You can easily reach the city by flight, train, or road depending on your budget and comfort.
Flight is the fastest option, train is the most economical, and road travel is best for nearby cities.
With proper planning, reaching Varanasi is simple and convenient for every traveller.
FAQS
The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located about 25 km from the city center.
You can reach Varanasi via major railway stations like Varanasi Junction Railway Station, which is well connected to cities like Delhi, Agra, and Kolkata.
Yes, Varanasi is connected by national highways and can be reached by bus, taxi, or private car from nearby cities like Lucknow and Agra.
The fastest way is by flight, which takes around 1.5 hours from Delhi.
The cheapest option is by train, which offers budget-friendly travel from most Indian cities.
Varanasi is approximately 820 km from Delhi, and you can travel by flight, train, or road.
Varanasi Junction Railway Station is the main and most convenient station for tourists.
You can take taxi, cab, or private transfer, and it usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the city.
