How To Reach Varanasi By Train Flight Or Bus

How to Reach Varanasi by Train, Flight or Bus?

Varanasi, that city with 12 ghats and a thousand tales, sprawls along the Ganges, pulling folks from all over. Wondering how to get there? It all boils down to where you start, how much you’re willing to spend, and how fast you need to arrive. From Delhi, a night‑long Rajdhani takes roughly 26 hrs, a Delhi‑to‑Varanasi hop lands you at LBS Airport in 90 minutes, and a long‑haul bus trudges the 800‑km stretch in about a day. Every mode has its own vibe; pick what matters most—speed, comfort, or a scenic detour.

By Train

India’s railways are the go‑to for Varanasi, especially if you’re coming from Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata. Varanasi Junction—BSB—gets over 400 trains every day. The star pulls are the Rajdhani (three times a week) and the Shatabdi (daily). AC 1, 2, 3 seats are all there. Delhi‑to‑Varanasi on a Rajdhani is 24–28 hrs, depending on the run. If you’re itching for a quicker hop, the Varanasi‑Lucknow Intercity does 560 km in about 8 hrs, but only two times a week.

Grab tickets through the IRCTC site or app. Book early if you want AC; Rajdhani can run out last minute. Prefer a chill vibe? Go sleeper (SL) for about ₹1,200 for a full day from Delhi. And hey, trains let you peek at UP’s countryside, especially at dawn or dusk.

By Flight

Air is the fastest route. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport flies daily to Lal Bahadur Shastri in Varanasi, with carriers like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir. The flight clocks in at roughly 90 minutes. From the runway, grab a prepaid cab or an app‑based ride for the 15‑km hop to downtown. Delhi’s Airport Express Line stops right at the Delhi terminal, and Varanasi’s metro is coming up. One‑way fares swing from ₹1,500 to ₹4,500, depending on the season and how early you lock in.

People book flights when they’re tight on time or flying in from Bangalore or Chennai. Hunt for early‑bird deals; the Ministry says domestic fares jump 12% during festival peaks.

By Bus

If you’re watching the wallet, buses are a route to consider. UPSTC runs daily from Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur to Varanasi. The Delhi leg is 800 km and takes about 24 hrs in a deluxe AC bus, about ₹1,500. Private firms like RedBus and MakeMyTrip run similar trips, sometimes cheaper. They come with AC seats, Wi‑Fi, and in‑bus entertainment—great for a long haul.

Longer, but you’ll catch the countryside, bustling markets and villages trains miss. Get there early to dodge seat shortages, especially when Diwali or Holi hits and demand jumps 30%.

Banarasi Silk: What You Need to Know

Varanasi’s hand‑loomed Banarasi silk is a 400‑year legacy. The Silk Authority says 150,000 artisans weave 25,000 sq m daily. Prices start at ₹2,500 for a plain sari and soar past ₹50,000 for a heavy‑embroidered masterpiece. For genuine silk, hit Katraj Market or the Old Silk Bazaar along the Ganges. Spot the “Varanasi” stamp and ask the weaver’s name—hand‑loomed stuff costs more but it’s the real deal.

When to shop? Festival season—Ram Navami, Chhath Puja, and the Silk Festival—when artisans unveil fresh patterns. Tight on cash? Grab a silk scarf or dupatta; it’s roughly a third of a sari’s price but still screams Varanasi elegance.

Assi Ghat: Experience the Sacred Riverfront

Assi Ghat sits on the western Ganges and is a Varanasi staple. The UP Tourism Board says about 3,000 pilgrims hit it every day, with the most buzz at sunrise and sunset. In the morning, the Ganga Aarti starts at 6 a.m., with chants, lamps and incense. A weekly bazaar runs there too—fresh fish, holy herbs, and street bites.

Safety first: the river rises and falls, so keep a few steps off the bank. The city’s put up railings and signs to steer you. With kids, keep a tight eye. For a chill vibe, stay at a heritage hotel with a river view; rates sit between ₹5,000 and ₹12,000 a night, season dependent.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Varanasi?

When’s the sweet spot? April‑June and September‑November bring mild weather and lively festivals. Dodge July‑August monsoon when the Ganges swells.

Can I travel to Varanasi on a weekend?

Weekend trips? Sure, trains and planes run daily, but book early, especially around festivals. Expect a 15% hike over weekends.

Is it safe to buy Banarasi silk from street vendors?

Street silk? It’s a mixed bag. Counterfeits roam. Hunt for the official “Varanasi” seal and buy from known markets to stay safe.

Do I need a visa to fly to Varanasi from abroad?

Visas? International travelers need a valid Indian visa. The Varanasi flight is domestic, so no extra clearance after the visa.