Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located in the western state of Maharashtra. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. This route connects two culturally rich cities and is commonly traveled by pilgrims and tourists alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan for first-time travelers.

Getting from Mumbai to Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance journey. It offers a chance to experience India’s vast railway network and see changing landscapes.

• The main railway station in Mumbai is Mumbai CST or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where you can board trains to Varanasi Junction, the closest major station to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The distance is about 1500 km and takes roughly 24 to 30 hours depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Mumbai-Varanasi Express and the Kashi Vishwanath Express, which run daily or several times a week. Ticket prices range from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2000+ for AC classes.

• Trains can get crowded, especially during festivals like Diwali or Maha Shivratri, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents is essential to secure a seat.

• Food options on trains vary; some trains have pantry cars, but carrying homemade snacks and water is advisable. Rest stops occur at major junctions like Jabalpur and Prayagraj, where you can stretch and buy refreshments.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to waterlogging on tracks, and winter fog in northern India can also affect punctuality, so plan buffer time in your itinerary.

Bus

Bus travel is less common for this long distance but possible for budget travelers who prefer road journeys. It is slower and less comfortable but offers a direct route.

• State-run buses like MSRTC from Mumbai connect to Varanasi via Uttar Pradesh Roadways, with journey times exceeding 30 hours over approximately 1600 km.

• Buses depart from major depots such as Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus stations and arrive at Varanasi’s main bus stand, close to the temple area.

• Bus fares range from INR 800 to 1500 depending on the type of bus (sleeper, semi-sleeper, or Volvo AC), but comfort is limited on such long routes.

• Frequent stops for meals and rest are available at highway dhabas, but hygiene standards vary, so carrying your own water and snacks is recommended.

• Road conditions on National Highways NH 27 and NH 44 are generally good, but toll plazas and traffic congestion near cities can add to travel time.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Varanasi offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. It suits travelers who enjoy road trips and want to stop at interesting places.

• The distance by road is about 1500 km via NH 44 and NH 27, with an estimated driving time of 28 to 32 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can start from Mumbai and pass through cities like Nashik, Indore, and Jabalpur before reaching Varanasi, allowing sightseeing opportunities along the way.

• Fuel costs will be significant, and tolls are charged at multiple plazas on the highways, so budgeting INR 3000 to 4000 for fuel and tolls is wise.

• Driving long hours requires planning rest breaks at highway dhabas or motels, especially near Satna and Rewa, which have good facilities.

• Monsoon rains can make some stretches slippery, and fog in northern states during winter mornings can reduce visibility, so drive cautiously and avoid night driving where possible.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Varanasi from Mumbai, especially for travelers with limited time.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers direct daily flights to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi, with flight times around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Airfares vary widely, typically ranging from INR 3000 to 7000 depending on the airline, booking time, and season.

• From Varanasi airport, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is about 25 km away, accessible by prepaid taxis, Ola/Uber cabs, or auto-rickshaws. The ride takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Flights can be delayed during foggy winters in northern India or heavy monsoon rains, so check weather updates before booking.

• Booking tickets in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip ensures better prices and seat availability, especially during festivals.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, helping you prepare and travel confidently.

• Book your tickets early, whether train, bus, or flight, using official platforms like IRCTC for trains or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and higher prices.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and comfortable clothes suitable for the season, as the journey can be long and tiring.

• Arrive at the departure point (station, airport, or bus stand) at least 1 hour before departure to manage security checks and boarding smoothly, especially in Mumbai’s busy terminals.

• On arrival at Varanasi, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fixed-price rides to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, avoiding unmetered local taxis.

• Plan your temple visit timing early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds and heat, and carry a small bag with water and a scarf for temple protocols.

• Keep your ID and booking confirmations handy throughout the journey for easy verification and emergencies.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and bus stations, as pickpocketing can occur in busy Indian travel hubs.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your trip to avoid stomach issues, and eat at clean, popular dhabas or restaurants recommended by locals or travel apps.

• Book train tickets via IRCTC well in advance, as trains to Varanasi fill quickly during festival seasons like Maha Shivratri and Diwali.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Mumbai and Varanasi for reliable and safe rides, and avoid hailing random taxis late at night.

• Carry minimal luggage to ease movement, especially when navigating crowded railway stations or narrow lanes near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

• During monsoon, expect delays and carry rain gear; in winter, pack warm clothes as northern India can get quite cold, especially early mornings and nights.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Kashi Vishwanath Temple depends on weather and crowd conditions. Avoid peak festival times if you prefer less crowded experiences.

Summer months can be hot and humid in Mumbai and Varanasi, while winters are cooler and more comfortable for travel and sightseeing.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Maha Shivratri when trains and flights are heavily booked and temples are crowded.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause travel delays due to heavy rains and waterlogging, especially on roads and rail tracks.

• Winter fog in northern India from December to February may delay trains and flights, so plan extra time for connections.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

Arrival at Kashi Vishwanath Temple & What to Expect

On reaching Varanasi, you will likely arrive at Varanasi Junction railway station or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport. Both are well connected to the city center and temple area.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. Prepaid taxis are recommended for fixed fares and safety. The temple is located in the old city area, known for narrow lanes and heavy foot traffic.

Accommodation options near the temple range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Staying close to the temple allows easy access for early morning and evening visits. Be prepared for crowds and noise, especially during religious ceremonies.

Walking is often the best way to explore the temple surroundings, but be cautious of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Kashi Vishwanath Temple offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights provide the fastest and most convenient way, while trains offer an authentic Indian travel experience at a lower cost. Road trips by car or bus are possible but require more time and planning.

Careful booking, packing, and timing will help you have a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations and enjoy the rich culture and history of both Mumbai and Varanasi.