Varanasi is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India, known for its spiritual significance and vibrant culture. Nepal, a neighboring country to the north, offers stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Traveling from Varanasi to Nepal is common for pilgrims, tourists, and traders.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Nepal from Varanasi, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on local transport to help you plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Varanasi to Nepal – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for reaching Nepal’s border areas from Varanasi. While there is no direct train to Nepal, you can reach nearby Indian border towns by train and continue by road.

• Take a train from Varanasi Junction (BSB) to Gorakhpur Junction (GKP), a major railhead about 270 km away. Trains run frequently, taking around 5 to 7 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli, the main border crossing to Nepal. The road distance is about 100 km and takes 3 to 4 hours by bus or car.

• Trains on this route are generally reliable but can be crowded during festivals like Diwali and Holi. Booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is advisable to secure seats.

• Facilities at Varanasi and Gorakhpur stations include waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters for onward travel. Avoid late-night arrivals at Gorakhpur for safety and convenience.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Nepal from Varanasi, especially to border towns like Sunauli. This mode suits travelers comfortable with long road journeys.

• State-run and private buses operate from Varanasi’s main bus terminals such as Varanasi City Bus Stand and Cantt Bus Stand towards Sunauli and other Nepal border points. The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours covering roughly 370 km.

• Bus fares range from ₹300 to ₹700 depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo). Buses usually depart early morning or late evening to avoid daytime heat.

• Road conditions on NH27 and connecting highways are generally good but can be affected by monsoon rains causing delays and occasional landslides near the Nepal border.

• There are several rest stops with dhabas and eateries along the route, including near Gorakhpur and Basti, offering local snacks and tea.

• During peak travel seasons like Dashain and Tihar festivals in Nepal, buses may get fully booked, so advance reservations are recommended.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Varanasi to Nepal is suitable for travelers seeking flexibility and comfort. The route passes through scenic areas and allows stops at interesting towns.

• The distance from Varanasi to the Sunauli border by road is about 370 km via NH27, taking approximately 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Driving your own vehicle or hiring a taxi offers door-to-door convenience, with toll plazas on NH27 charging moderate fees. Fuel costs vary but expect around ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 for a one-way trip.

• Ensure your vehicle documents and permits are in order for crossing the India-Nepal border. Indian citizens do not need a visa but must carry valid ID like Aadhaar or passport.

• Roads are mostly well maintained, but monsoon season can cause slippery conditions and occasional delays near river crossings.

• Plan stops at towns like Gorakhpur and Siddharthnagar for refreshments and rest. Avoid night driving in rural stretches for safety.

Flight

Flights offer the fastest way to reach Nepal from Varanasi, mainly to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. This option suits travelers with limited time and higher budgets.

• Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) has direct flights to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, operated by airlines like Nepal Airlines and IndiGo. Flight time is about 1 hour.

• Airfares range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one-way depending on booking time and season. Booking tickets 2-3 weeks in advance can secure better prices.

• Flights are generally reliable but can be affected by fog in winter or monsoon weather, causing delays or cancellations.

• Airport facilities in Varanasi include prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for easy airport transfers.

• Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can use taxis, buses, or app-based cabs to reach your destination within the city or beyond.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Varanasi to Nepal. It covers preparation, travel, and arrival to make your journey smooth and stress-free.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially during festivals. Use IRCTC for trains, official bus websites or counters for buses, and airline portals for flights to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include essentials like valid ID, water bottle, snacks, and a small first-aid kit. Carry Indian Rupees and some Nepalese currency for border crossing expenses.

• Reach your departure point (station, bus stand, or airport) at least 1 hour before scheduled time to avoid rush and last-minute confusion.

• If traveling by train or bus, confirm your seat and platform or bus number. For flights, check-in online and keep boarding passes handy to save time.

• At the India-Nepal border (Sunauli), complete customs and immigration formalities. Carry your ID and any required documents. Be prepared for possible queues during peak hours.

• After crossing, use local transport like shared jeeps, taxis, or buses to reach your final destination in Nepal. Negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a photocopy and digital scan of your ID and travel tickets to avoid issues if originals are lost or stolen during the journey.

• Drink bottled water and eat from clean, busy dhabas or restaurants to prevent stomach issues common in road travel across India and Nepal.

• Book tickets well in advance during peak seasons like Dashain, Tihar, and Indian festivals to avoid sold-out situations and inflated prices.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Varanasi and Kathmandu for safer and transparent local travel.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly. Use lockable bags and keep important items in a carry-on during bus or train travel.

• Be cautious during monsoon season (June to September) as roads may be slippery and prone to landslides near the Nepal border, causing delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Varanasi to Nepal is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant and roads are generally clear.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season when heavy rains can disrupt road and rail services, especially near the border areas. Winter fog in December and January can also delay early morning trains and flights.

• Avoid peak festival periods like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal and Diwali in India, as transport gets crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions, so plan extra travel time or consider alternate routes.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid city traffic in Varanasi and to reach the border before afternoon heat or evening closures.

• Winter months may have fog causing flight delays, so allow buffer days if your schedule is tight.

Arrival at Nepal & What to Expect

After crossing the Sunauli border, you will enter Nepal’s customs and immigration area. The process is straightforward for Indian citizens but may involve queues during busy times. Carry your ID and any necessary documents ready.

Local transport options include shared jeeps, taxis, and buses that connect to major Nepalese cities like Bhairahawa and Kathmandu. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle operate in urban areas. Popular places to stay near the border include Bhairahawa and Lumbini, both well connected by road and rail.

Conclusion

Traveling from Varanasi to Nepal is convenient with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train and bus travel offer economical choices, while flights provide speed and comfort. Driving gives flexibility but requires careful planning.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, carrying valid ID, and checking weather conditions. With proper preparation and awareness of local travel nuances, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Varanasi to Nepal.