Complete Travel Guide
How to Reach Varanasi
By flight, train, bus, or car — every route, every option, every tip for reaching the spiritual capital of India.
Getting to Varanasi
By Flight
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
Varanasi's airport is 26 km from the city center. Direct flights from Delhi (1.5 hrs), Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Prayagraj. International connections via Delhi.
Airport Taxi
₹500-800
45-60 min
Ola/Uber
₹400-700
45-60 min
Prepaid Auto
₹300-400
50-70 min
Bus (Line 39)
₹30-50
70-90 min
By Train
Varanasi Junction (BSB) & Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU)
Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main station in the city. DDU junction (formerly Mughalsarai) is 17 km away and handles most long-distance trains.
Auto from BSB
₹100-200
15-30 min
Auto from DDU
₹200-300
30-45 min
Taxi from BSB
₹200-400
15-25 min
Taxi from DDU
₹400-600
30-40 min
By Bus
Varanasi Bus Stand (Kashi Vidyapith)
UPSRTC buses connect Varanasi to major cities. The main bus stand is at Kashi Vidyapith. Private Volvo/sleeper buses available from Delhi, Lucknow, Prayagraj.
Delhi to Varanasi
₹800-2000
10-12 hrs
Lucknow to Varanasi
₹400-800
6-7 hrs
Prayagraj to Varanasi
₹200-500
3-4 hrs
Patna to Varanasi
₹500-1000
6-8 hrs
By Car
Self-Drive or Cab
Varanasi is well connected by NH 2 (Grand Trunk Road) and NH 35. Parking is limited in the old city — use paid parking near ghats.
Delhi to Varanasi
₹3,500-5,000 cab
8-9 hrs (770 km)
Lucknow to Varanasi
₹2,000-3,000 cab
5-6 hrs (320 km)
Patna to Varanasi
₹2,500-4,000 cab
6-7 hrs (350 km)
Prayagraj to Varanasi
₹1,500-2,500 cab
3-4 hrs (170 km)
Getting Around Varanasi
Auto-rickshaw
₹30-200
Best for: Short distances, most common
💡 Always negotiate fare before boarding. Or use prepaid booth.
E-rickshaw
₹10-50
Best for: Very short distances within old city
💡 No meter. Fix fare before boarding. Best for 1-2 km trips.
Ola/Uber
₹100-500
Best for: Longer distances, AC comfort
💡 Works well in newer parts of city. Limited in old city lanes.
Cycle-rickshaw
₹20-100
Best for: Old city lanes, slow sightseeing
💡 Slow but charming. Great for exploring narrow galis near ghats.
Boat
₹100-500
Best for: Between ghats, sunrise/sunset rides
💡 NaviX app for fixed pricing. Walking between ghats is also possible.
Local Bus
₹10-30
Best for: Budget travel across city
💡 BSRTC buses connect major areas. Frequent but can be crowded.
Travel Tips
Best Route from Airport
Take the Varanasi-Ayodhya Expressway to city. Avoid old city in peak hours (5-8 PM). Ola/Uber recommended over autos for airport.
Train Booking Tips
Book 30-60 days in advance for popular routes. Tatkal opens at 10 AM (AC) and 11 AM (non-AC) one day before. DDU handles more trains than BSB.
Old City Navigation
Old city lanes are narrow — no cars. Walk or take e-rickshaw from Lanka/Haussiganj to Assi Ghat area. Download offline Google Maps.
Best Time to Arrive
Early morning (6-8 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid traffic. Peak hours are 10 AM-6 PM. Monsoon (Jul-Sep) roads can be waterlogged.
Luggage Tips
If staying near ghats, hire a porter (₹100-200) to carry bags through narrow lanes. Hotels near ghats often have their own pick-up service.
Safety
Varanasi is generally safe. Use prepaid taxi booths at airport and railway station to avoid overcharging. Keep emergency number 112 saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest airport to Varanasi?
Which is the main railway station in Varanasi?
How do I get from the airport to the ghats?
Is there a metro in Varanasi?
Can I drive my own car to Varanasi?
How do I reach Varanasi from Prayagraj?
Download NaviX — Navigate Varanasi Like a Local
Book boats, find ghats, and explore the city — all in one app.
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