Varanasi, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is a major cultural and religious hub. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, lies to the north of Varanasi and is a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims. Many travelers journey between these two cities for spiritual, cultural, and business reasons.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Varanasi to Kathmandu. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical advice to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Varanasi to Kathmandu – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many Indian travelers heading towards Nepal. While there is no direct train to Kathmandu, you can combine train travel with road transport for a convenient journey.

• You can take a train from Varanasi Junction (BSB) to Gorakhpur Junction (GKP), a major railway hub near the Nepal border. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours and costs between ₹150 and ₹400 depending on the train class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sunauli border, which is approximately 100 km away and takes around 3 hours. This road stretch is well connected by National Highway 27.

• After crossing the Sunauli border into Nepal, local buses or taxis can take you to Kathmandu, about 140 km further, which takes roughly 6 to 7 hours by road.

• Train services from Varanasi to Gorakhpur run frequently throughout the day, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance through IRCTC during peak seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• During the monsoon season, trains may face delays due to waterlogging on tracks near Gorakhpur, so plan accordingly and check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel from Varanasi to Kathmandu, especially for budget travelers. Several private and government buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• Direct buses from Varanasi Bus Stand to Kathmandu run daily, covering a distance of approximately 400 km and taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and border crossing times.

• MSRTC and private operators provide sleeper and semi-sleeper buses with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹1200, depending on the type of bus and season.

• Buses usually depart in the evening or early morning to avoid heavy daytime traffic and to reach Kathmandu by the next day morning.

• During festival seasons like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal, buses are crowded and tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

• The road journey passes through NH27 and the Sunauli border, with several rest stops offering food and refreshments, but hygiene standards vary, so carry your own water and snacks.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Varanasi to Kathmandu offers flexibility and comfort, especially for groups or families. The route is scenic but requires careful planning due to border formalities and road conditions.

• The distance by road is about 400 km via NH27 and the Sunauli border, taking approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can hire a private taxi or self-drive a car; however, self-driving requires an International Driving Permit and awareness of Nepal’s driving rules.

• There are toll plazas on NH27, and you should carry cash for tolls and fuel stops, which are available at regular intervals along the highway.

• Crossing the Sunauli border involves customs and immigration checks; ensure you have valid travel documents and vehicle permits if driving your own car.

• Road conditions improve after Gorakhpur, but monsoon rains can cause landslides and delays near the Nepal border, so check weather forecasts before starting your journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kathmandu from Varanasi, suitable for travelers who want to save time and avoid long road journeys.

• Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) offers direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, with flight durations around 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Airlines like Nepal Airlines and IndiGo operate regular flights on this route, with fares typically ranging from ₹3500 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and season.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog and weather conditions during winter months, so check flight status before departure.

• Tribhuvan International Airport is located close to Kathmandu city center, and prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are available for convenient last-mile travel.

• Booking flights at least two weeks in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons like spring and autumn, to get better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Varanasi to Kathmandu to help them navigate the journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets online in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute rush.

• If traveling by train, reach Varanasi Junction at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform and settle comfortably, as stations can be crowded.

• Upon arriving at Gorakhpur, use official taxi stands or government bus terminals to find reliable transport to the Sunauli border; avoid unlicensed cabs to ensure safety.

• Carry your passport, visa (if required), and other travel documents ready for smooth customs clearance at the Sunauli border crossing into Nepal.

• Once in Nepal, use local buses or shared taxis to reach Kathmandu; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs for transparent pricing.

• Keep local currency (Nepalese Rupees) handy for small expenses like tolls, snacks, and local transport, as Indian currency may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables and travel documents secure, especially at busy railway stations and bus stands, to avoid pickpocketing and theft common in crowded Indian transit points.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during the journey to prevent waterborne illnesses; carry a refillable water bottle with a purifier if possible.

• Book your tickets well in advance during festivals or holiday seasons to avoid sold-out situations, especially for trains and buses on this popular route.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based ride services like Ola or Uber in Varanasi and Kathmandu for safe and reliable local travel without haggling over fares.

• Pack light but include essentials like a power bank, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as long journeys and border waits can be tiring and unpredictable.

• During monsoon months, expect delays due to roadblocks or train cancellations; monitor weather updates and have flexible travel plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Varanasi to Kathmandu is during the cooler months from October to March when weather conditions are pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rains and possible road disruptions.

Winter mornings can be foggy, especially near Gorakhpur and the border, causing delays in train and flight schedules. Planning your departure time carefully can help avoid these issues.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali in Varanasi and Dashain in Nepal, as transport services are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon season from June to September often causes waterlogging and landslides on NH27, leading to longer travel times and cancellations.

• Early morning departures are recommended to bypass city traffic and reach border crossings before peak hours, ensuring smoother immigration processing.

• Winter fog can delay flights and trains; mid-morning or afternoon departures are preferable during December and January.

Arrival at Kathmandu & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, whether by road or air, you will find several transport options to reach your accommodation or explore the city. The city is well connected by taxis, shared jeeps, and app-based ride services.

Tribhuvan International Airport is located about 6 km from the city center. Prepaid taxi counters inside the airport offer fixed fares, and app-based cabs like Pathao provide convenient booking via mobile apps. If arriving by bus or car, you will likely reach the city via the Ring Road or Araniko Highway, where local buses and taxis are readily available.

Conclusion

Traveling from Varanasi to Kathmandu offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights provide the fastest and most convenient way, while trains combined with road transport offer an economical and culturally immersive experience. Buses and cars provide flexibility but require careful planning, especially during peak seasons and monsoons.

By following this guide’s step-by-step plan and practical tips, you can confidently plan your journey and enjoy a smooth trip between these two culturally rich cities. Remember to book tickets early, carry essential documents, and stay updated on weather and transport conditions for a hassle-free travel experience.