Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, one of India's oldest and holiest cities. Delhi, the national capital, is a major hub connecting many parts of India, including Varanasi. This route is popular among pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual experiences and cultural heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival in Varanasi.

Getting from Delhi to Kashi Vishwanath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Varanasi from Delhi. It offers a balance of comfort, cost, and experience, especially for those who want to see the Indian countryside.

• Major trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB), covering about 800 km in 12 to 15 hours, with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,500 depending on class.

• Popular trains include the Vande Bharat Express, Shiv Ganga Express, and Kashi Vishwanath Express, offering both day and overnight options with air-conditioned coaches.

• Train frequency is good, with multiple departures daily, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during festivals like Diwali and Maha Shivratri.

• Varanasi Junction is about 4 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple; local rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for the last-mile journey, usually costing ₹30–₹60.

• During monsoon, trains may face delays due to waterlogging; winter fog can also affect timings, so check live status before travel.

• Food options on trains vary; some trains have pantry cars, but carrying light snacks and water is advisable for comfort.

Bus

Bus travel from Delhi to Varanasi is less common for long-distance but remains an option for budget travelers. It is suitable if you want a direct road journey and flexibility with stops.

• Buses depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi to Varanasi’s main bus stands like Varanasi City Bus Stand, covering around 820 km in 14 to 16 hours.

• Both government (UPSRTC) and private operators run buses, including sleeper and semi-sleeper coaches, with fares between ₹600 and ₹1,200.

• Night buses are popular to save daytime hours, but comfort varies widely; air-conditioned buses are less frequent and more expensive.

• Road conditions on NH19 and NH31 are generally good, but toll plazas and traffic near cities can cause delays, especially during peak festival seasons.

• Rest stops with food and restroom facilities are available every 3–4 hours, but quality can vary; carry bottled water and snacks for safety.

• Booking tickets online or at ISBT counters is recommended; buses can get crowded during holidays and weekends.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kashi Vishwanath offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. It suits travelers who prefer privacy and want to stop at places along the way.

• The distance by road is about 800 km via NH19, taking roughly 13 to 15 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can hire a self-drive car from Delhi or book a taxi with drivers through Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, or private agencies, with fares ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 one way.

• Major toll plazas on NH19 include Mathura, Kanpur, and Mirzapur; toll charges can total around ₹500 to ₹700, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Good rest stops with dhabas and restaurants are available near Agra, Kanpur, and Mirzapur; try local cuisine but avoid roadside water to prevent illness.

• Driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting and occasional stray animals on highways; start early morning for safer travel.

• Parking near Kashi Vishwanath Temple is limited; use designated parking areas and walk or take local rickshaws to the temple.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi, ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking comfort and speed.

• Flights operate from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) in Varanasi, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours.

• Multiple airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offer daily flights with fares typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on booking time.

• From Varanasi airport, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is about 30 km away; prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available, costing ₹600 to ₹900.

• Airport facilities include car rentals and bus services, but buses are less frequent; booking cabs in advance is recommended for convenience.

• Flight delays can occur during winter fog or monsoon rains; check weather and flight status before departure.

• Booking flights well in advance during festival seasons is crucial as seats fill quickly and prices rise.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best seats and fares, especially during peak seasons.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, hand sanitizer, and comfortable footwear for temple visits and local travel.

• Reach your departure point (New Delhi Railway Station, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, or Delhi Airport) at least 1.5 hours before scheduled time to avoid last-minute rush.

• On arrival at Varanasi Junction or airport, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple safely and avoid overcharging.

• Plan your temple visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid heavy crowds and heat; wear modest clothing and carry a small bag for offerings.

• Use local cycle rickshaws or electric rickshaws for short distances inside Varanasi; negotiate fares beforehand or use meter apps where available.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and tickets, as security checks are common at railway stations and airports in India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat at well-known eateries to avoid stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and UPSRTC to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Varanasi for safe and fair local transportation.

• Pack light luggage as crowded trains and buses have limited space; keep valuables close and use lockable bags.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and expect travel delays; in winter, carry warm clothes as northern India can get chilly at night.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kashi Vishwanath is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for temple visits and sightseeing.

Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Maha Shivratri unless you want to experience the crowd and festivities, as transport and accommodation get crowded and expensive.

• Peak traffic occurs during festivals and weekends; book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause road and rail delays due to heavy rains and waterlogging.

• Winter mornings may have dense fog affecting train and flight schedules, so plan for possible delays.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival in Varanasi.

Arrival at Kashi Vishwanath & What to Expect

On arriving in Varanasi, you will find the city vibrant and bustling with pilgrims and tourists. The local transport options are plentiful but can be crowded and chaotic.

From Varanasi Junction, rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the most common and affordable ways to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are available but may charge more for short distances. Popular areas to stay include Godowlia, Dashashwamedh, and Cantonment, all within easy reach of the temple.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Kashi Vishwanath Temple can be a smooth and enriching experience if planned well. Train travel offers a good balance of comfort and cost, while flights save time for those in a hurry. Road travel provides flexibility but requires careful planning.

Remember to book tickets early, carry essentials, and use trusted local transport for the last mile. With these tips, you can confidently plan your spiritual journey to one of India’s most revered temples and enjoy the rich culture of Varanasi.