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Delhi to Varanasi

The journey from Delhi to Varanasi is a classic Indian pilgrimage route, blending the vibrant capital with the spiritual heart of the country. Covering approximately 820 kilometers

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820 kmDistance

12 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹31,774

Ertiga₹40,384

Innova₹42,106

Innova Crysta₹51,966

Tempo Traveller (12)₹71,380

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹900

AC Seater₹1,480

Non-AC Sleeper₹1,310

AC Sleeper₹1,890

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹2,350

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Train

Sleeper₹520

Economy₹850

Third AC₹1,180

Second AC₹1,670

First AC₹2,330

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

The journey from Delhi to Varanasi is a classic Indian pilgrimage route, blending the vibrant capital with the spiritual heart of the country. Covering approximately 820 kilometers, the trip takes around 12 hours by road, with the most common route passing through Kanpur and Lucknow. Travelers can choose between a direct flight (about 1.5 hours), an overnight train (8-12 hours), or a long but scenic road trip. Each mode offers its own unique experience, from the comfort of air travel to the cultural immersion of a train journey. Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities, awaits with its ghats, temples, and the sacred Ganges River, making the journey a deeply rewarding prelude to the spiritual exploration ahead.

Route Map

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By Car: Delhi to Varanasi

820 km · ~17h 44m · About 16h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.

Start from Delhi
Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 150
Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 300
Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
110 km · 2h 12m drive from previous stop
Overnight halt around km 410
Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 560
Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 710
Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
110 km · 2h 12m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Varanasi
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Delhi to Varanasi

820 km · ~18h 13m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Delhi
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Delhi. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Delhi → Varanasi
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~820 km
~18h 13m|Tentative fare ₹900–₹2,350
Search buses Delhi to Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Hotels in Varanasi

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Delhi to Varanasi

Nearest railway stations: New Delhi for Delhi, Varanasi Jn for Varanasi.

Direct trains

New Delhi-Puri Superfast Express#12816 · Superfast

06:31 AMShivaji Bridge

11h 10m106 stops

05:41 PMAhraura Road

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

DELHI ANAND VIHAR - GUWAHATI North East Exp#12506 · Superfast

06:50 AMAnand Vihar Trm

11h 12m113 stops

06:02 PMJeonathpur

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Jharkhand Sampark Kranti Express#12826 · Sampark Kranti

07:11 AMShivaji Bridge

11h 42m107 stops

06:53 PMJeonathpur

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

New Delhi-Howrah SF Express#12324 · Superfast

07:11 AMShivaji Bridge

12h 4m107 stops

07:15 PMJeonathpur

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Seemanchal Express#12488 · Superfast

07:40 AMAnand Vihar Trm

11h 55m104 stops

07:35 PMJeonathpur

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Delhi to Varanasi.

Agra230 km from Delhi (on Yamuna Expressway) from Delhi
Agra is a natural first stop, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. A short detour of 2-3 hours is worth it if you haven't visited before.
Hotels and guesthouses for overnight stays.Restaurants serving Mughlai cuisine, including petha (sweet).ATMs and fuel stations near the expressway exit.
Prayagraj (Allahabad)650 km from Delhi (via NH19) from Delhi
Prayagraj is a major pilgrimage site at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The Triveni Sangam is a must-visit for a holy dip.
Dharamshalas and budget hotels near the Sangam.Boat rides available for ₹100–₹300 per person.Local eateries serving kachori-sabzi and jalebi.

Hotels in Varanasi

Treebo hotels in Varanasi. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Little Budhha

Varanasi

Itsy Hotels Kashi Grand, BHU

Varanasi

Treebo Raj Palace

Varanasi

Treebo Om Shree Banaras

Varanasi

Things to Do in Varanasi

Explore the Silk Weaving Quarter in Bhelupur or Chauk

Visit a family-run silk workshop where you can watch artisans hand-weave Banarasi brocade and zari saris on traditional pit looms. You’ll learn about the 600-year-old…

1.5 hours

Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Arrive by early evening to see priests perform the spectacular fire ritual with lamps, incense, and chants on the main ghat, facing the river. The synchronized…

1.5 hours

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a shared or private wooden rowboat at sunrise from Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat, gliding past the historic ghats, temples, and bathers performing rituals.…

2 hours

Walk the Ghats from Assi to Manikarnika (South to North)

Stroll along the continuous stone steps and platforms, passing the tulsi groves of Tulsi Ghat, the painted walls of Rana Mahal, and the bustling laundry and bathing…

3 hours (with stops)

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

This most sacred of Shiva temples, with its golden spire, is the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual life. Expect long queues and strict security; you can book a fast-track…

2 hours (including queue time)

Attend a Morning Havan and Temple Tour at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Reach this famous monkey temple (dedicated to Lord Hanuman) by 5:30 AM to join the lively morning prayers and havan (fire offering) led by priests. Afterwards, walk…

1.5 hours

See all places in Varanasi →

Suggested Varanasi Itinerary

Day 1Day 1

Take a leisurely walk from your hotel to the Assi Ghat area, observing daily life and street vendors.
Visit the small but revered Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, a peaceful spot away from the main crowds.
Witness the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (arrive by 5:30 PM for a good viewing spot from the steps or a boat).

Day 2Day 2

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Jyotirlinga) early morning; be prepared for security checks and queue.
Explore the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali, stopping at small shops for Banarasi silk scarves and sweets.
Take a shared or private boat ride from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat (sunrise or late afternoon) to see the burning ghats and…

Day 3Day 3

Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Sarnath (30-40 minutes one way).
Visit the Dhamek Stupa, the main stupa marking Buddha's first teaching, and the adjacent archaeological museum (closed on…
Walk through the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple and the deer park, a peaceful green space.

Food & Rest Stops in Varanasi

Kerala Cafe3.4 km from centre
Phulwari Restaurant3.5 km from centre
Marwadi Bhojanalay3.8 km from centre
I:ba3.8 km from centre

Travel Tips

Book train tickets at least 2-3 months in advance, especially during festival seasons like Dev Deepawali.

If driving, start early (around 5 AM) to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Varanasi before nightfall.

Carry valid ID proofs for train and bus travel; they are mandatory for boarding.

Stay hydrated and carry snacks, but also enjoy local food at stops like Kanpur's famous 'thaggu ke laddoo'.

For flights, check both Indira Gandhi International (DEL) and Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) airports for direct connections.

In Varanasi, prefer walking or taking cycle-rickshaws for short distances within the old city.

Budget Estimate

road

Toll charges: ~₹1,800 for a standard car (one-way).

Petrol cost: ~₹6,500 (at ₹100/litre, assuming 12 km/l).

Driving from Delhi to Varanasi is a smooth and scenic journey on the Yamuna Expressway and NH19. It offers flexibility to stop at interesting towns and enjoy local cuisine along the way.

train

Sleeper class: ₹500–₹700.

AC 3-tier: ₹1,200–₹1,500.

Trains are the most popular and comfortable option, with several direct services from New Delhi to Varanasi. Overnight trains save hotel costs and arrive fresh in the morning.

bus

UPSRTC ordinary bus: ₹800–₹1,000.

Private AC seater/sleeper: ₹1,200–₹2,000.

Several state-run and private buses operate between Delhi and Varanasi, offering an economical but longer alternative. Volvo AC buses provide more comfort for the overnight journey.

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Varanasi trip and see the full Delhi → Varanasi → next stop route.

Varanasi → Mirzapur

About 60 km by road

Plan Delhi → Varanasi → Mirzapur Route Mirzapur guide

Varanasi → Jaunpur

About 75 km by road

Plan Delhi → Varanasi → Jaunpur Route Jaunpur guide

Varanasi → Ghazipur

About 85 km by road

Plan Delhi → Varanasi → Ghazipur Route Ghazipur guide

Varanasi → Sonbhadra

About 90 km by road

Plan Delhi → Varanasi → Sonbhadra Route Sonbhadra guide

Plan My Trip: Delhi to Varanasi

Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the fastest way to travel from Delhi to Varanasi?

The fastest way is by air, with direct flights taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. However, including airport transfers and security, the total time is around 4-5 hours. Trains are the next best option, with the fastest ones taking 8-9 hours overnight.

2. Are there direct trains from Delhi to Varanasi?

Yes, several direct trains run daily, including Shiv Ganga Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express, and Rajdhani Express (on certain days). They depart from New Delhi Railway Station and arrive at Varanasi Junction (BSB) or Manduadih (MUV).

3. How much does a bus ticket cost from Delhi to Varanasi?

Bus fares range from ₹800 for state-run ordinary buses to ₹2,500 for private AC sleeper buses. Prices vary based on operator, season, and booking time. It's advisable to book online via RedBus or similar platforms.

4. Is it safe to drive from Delhi to Varanasi?

Yes, the route is generally safe and well-maintained, especially the Yamuna Expressway and NH19. However, driving at night is not recommended due to heavy truck traffic and occasional fog in winter. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and take breaks.

5. What is the best time to visit Varanasi?

The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant (10-25°C). Avoid the summer months (April-June) when temperatures exceed 40°C. If you wish to witness special rituals, plan around festivals like Maha Shivaratri or Dev Deepawali.