Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in India, is located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. Delhi, the national capital, lies in northern India and serves as a major transport hub. Traveling between these two cities is common for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Varanasi from Delhi. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Varanasi – Main Options

Train

Train travel is the most popular and economical way to reach Varanasi from Delhi. Several trains connect major stations in Delhi to Varanasi Junction daily, offering various classes and timings.

• Trains depart from New Delhi (NDLS), Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), and Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) stations, covering around 800 km in 12 to 16 hours depending on the train type and route.

• Popular trains include the Varanasi Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express, and Shiv Ganga Express, with fares ranging from ₹400 for sleeper class to ₹1500 for AC 3-tier.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day and night, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during festivals like Diwali and Maha Shivratri when demand spikes.

• Train travel is comfortable with onboard catering on premium trains; however, delays can occur during monsoon season due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings.

• Varanasi Junction has several exits; the main one leads to auto-rickshaw stands and prepaid taxi counters for easy last-mile connectivity.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option but are less comfortable for the long journey. Both government and private operators run services between Delhi and Varanasi.

• Buses depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi and arrive at Varanasi’s Ramnagar Bus Stand or Cantt Bus Stand, covering about 820 km in 14 to 18 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Options include ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC buses, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹1200, suitable for travelers on a budget who prefer overnight travel.

• Bus frequency is moderate; booking tickets through MSRTC or private portals is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during holiday seasons.

• The route mainly follows NH 19 and NH 44, passing through toll plazas and rest stops with basic food stalls; monsoon rains can cause occasional delays due to waterlogging.

• Local transport from bus stands includes cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for convenient onward travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Varanasi offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for those who prefer road trips or want to explore en route.

• The distance is approximately 820 km via NH 19, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops, with tolls on major highways costing around ₹400 to ₹600 one way.

• Popular rest stops include roadside dhabas near Mathura, Kanpur, and Allahabad, offering local cuisine and refreshments to break the journey.

• Driving through Uttar Pradesh requires caution during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional fog in winter mornings, so starting early is advisable.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi with providers like Zoomcar and Revv, offering hourly or daily packages; ensure valid documents and insurance before starting.

• Parking options in Varanasi near major ghats and hotels are limited; plan your stay accordingly to avoid last-minute parking issues.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi, suitable for travelers with limited time or those seeking convenience.

• Flights operate daily between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) near Varanasi, with a flight time of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offer multiple flights daily, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on booking time and season.

• Booking tickets in advance through airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices and preferred timings.

• From Varanasi airport, taxis and app-based cabs are readily available for the 25 km journey to the city center, taking about 45 minutes depending on traffic.

• Flight delays can occur during foggy winter mornings; check real-time status before departure to avoid inconvenience.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Varanasi to ensure a hassle-free journey.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially trains and flights, using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some journeys can be long and rest stops limited, especially on buses and trains.

• Arrive at your departure point (train station, bus stand, or airport) at least 1 hour before departure to manage security checks and boarding smoothly.

• For train travel, confirm your coach and seat number on the platform display boards and keep your ticket handy for ticket inspectors during the journey.

• If traveling by car, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check for toll plazas and fuel stations along NH 19 for timely breaks.

• Upon arrival in Varanasi, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and transparent fares to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of purified water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Varanasi to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Book train tickets through IRCTC and check train running status on their app to stay updated on delays or platform changes.

• During monsoon, expect possible delays on roads and railways; carry rain gear and check weather forecasts before traveling.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• Try local dhabas at rest stops for authentic Indian food, but choose busy and clean places to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Varanasi depends on weather and festivals. Winters are pleasant but fog can delay trains and flights. Summers are hot, making travel tiring.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains, which can cause road and rail delays. Planning your trip outside peak festival times helps avoid crowds and inflated fares.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and flights are fully booked and prices rise sharply.

• Winter fog from December to January can cause train and flight delays, so schedule extra buffer time if traveling then.

• Monsoon rains from July to September may lead to waterlogging on highways and track maintenance, causing slower journeys.

• Early morning departures often face less traffic and smoother travel, especially on road and air routes.

Arrival at Varanasi & What to Expect

On arrival at Varanasi Junction railway station or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, you will find several transport options to reach your hotel or the ghats. Prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaw stands are common outside the station.

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Varanasi city, providing convenient and affordable rides. Popular areas to stay include Cantonment, Godowlia, and near Assi Ghat, all well connected by local transport.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi is straightforward with multiple options to suit your budget and time. Trains offer an economical and comfortable choice, while flights save time for busy travelers. Buses and self-drive cars provide flexibility but require more planning.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and planning your arrival transport will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the spiritual and cultural richness of Varanasi.