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Lucknow to Varanasi

The journey from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is a classic pilgrimage route covering approximately 320 kilometers. By road, the

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320 kmDistance

6 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹12,424

Ertiga₹15,784

Innova₹16,456

Innova Crysta₹20,316

Tempo Traveller (12)₹27,880

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹350

AC Seater₹580

Non-AC Sleeper₹510

AC Sleeper₹740

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹950

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Train

Sleeper₹220

Economy₹350

Third AC₹480

Second AC₹670

First AC₹930

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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 Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is a classic pilgrimage route covering approximately 320 kilometers. By road, the trip takes about 6 hours via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and NH-19, offering a smooth and scenic drive through the Gangetic plains. This route is popular among devotees heading to the ghats of the Ganges, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Sarnath. Travelers can choose between private cars, express trains, or state-run buses, each providing a unique perspective on the region's rural and urban landscapes. The journey is not just a transfer but a prelude to the spiritual immersion that awaits in one of the world's oldest living cities.

Route Map

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By Car: Lucknow to Varanasi

320 km · ~6h 44m · About 6h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Lucknow
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near Antu
About 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
170 km · 3h 24m 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: Lucknow to Varanasi

320 km · ~7h 7m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Lucknow
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Lucknow. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Lucknow → Varanasi
AC Seater / Volvo · ~320 km
~7h 7m|Tentative fare ₹350–₹950
Usual tea / meal halts: Bela (~170 km)
Search buses Lucknow 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: Lucknow to Varanasi

Nearest railway stations: Lucknow for Lucknow, Varanasi Jn for Varanasi.

Direct trains

New Delhi-New Farakka Express#14004 · Express

02:35 AMLucknow

5h 30m40 stops

08:05 AMVaranasi Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Delhi Anand Vihar Terminus-Varanasi Garib Rath#22408 · Garib Rath

02:35 AMLucknow

5h 30m40 stops

08:05 AMVaranasi Jn

3ARunning days & live status ↗

Marudhar Express#14864 · Express

03:15 AMLucknow

5h 20m35 stops

08:35 AMVaranasi Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Old Delhi-Muzaffarpur Sadbhavana Express#14008 · Express

03:35 AMLucknow

5h 40m35 stops

09:15 AMVaranasi Jn

3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Indore-Patna Express#19313 · Express

05:35 AMLucknow

5h 35m35 stops

11:10 AMVaranasi Jn

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 Lucknow to Varanasi.

Prayagraj (Allahabad)Approximately 200 km from Lucknow, 120 km before Varanasi from Lucknow
Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, is a major pilgrimage site. The Triveni Sangam is a must-visit, especially during the Kumbh Mela, and the city also houses the…
Multiple dhabas and restaurants along NH-19Fuel stations and restrooms at highway plazasAuto-rickshaws available for local sightseeing
RaebareliAbout 80 km from Lucknow, 240 km from Varanasi from Lucknow
Raebareli is a historical town known for its connection to the Nehru-Gandhi family. While it is not a major tourist stop, it offers a convenient break with local eateries serving Awadhi cuisine. The Samaspur Bird…
Highway restaurants and tea stallsPublic restrooms at bus stopsPetrol pumps and minor repair shops

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

Start early (by 6 AM) to avoid traffic and reach Varanasi by noon.

Carry valid ID for hotel check-ins and temple entry.

Use the Agra-Lucknow Expressway for a faster exit from Lucknow.

If traveling by train, book tickets at least a week in advance, especially during festival seasons.

Keep small change for tolls and temple offerings.

Stay hydrated and carry snacks for the journey, as food options on the expressway are limited.

Budget Estimate

road

Agra-Lucknow Expressway toll: ₹195 (from Lucknow to Unnao)

NH-19 toll plazas: ~₹650–₹800 total

Driving from Lucknow to Varanasi is the most flexible option, allowing you to stop at roadside eateries and explore stopovers like Prayagraj. The route via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and NH-19 is well-maintained, with tolls and fuel stations along the way.

train

Sleeper Class: ₹290–₹340

AC 3-Tier: ₹780–₹850

Varanasi is well-connected to Lucknow by several daily express trains, with journey times ranging from 5 to 7 hours. Trains offer a comfortable and affordable option, especially for overnight travel, arriving directly at Varanasi Junction (BSB) or Manduadih.

bus

Ordinary bus: ₹400–₹500

Janrath AC bus: ₹700–₹800

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular AC and non-AC buses from Lucknow to Varanasi. Private operators also offer luxury Volvo buses, making this a budget-friendly choice.

Extend Your Trip

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

Varanasi → Mirzapur

About 60 km by road

Plan Lucknow → Varanasi → Mirzapur Route Mirzapur guide

Varanasi → Jaunpur

About 75 km by road

Plan Lucknow → Varanasi → Jaunpur Route Jaunpur guide

Varanasi → Ghazipur

About 85 km by road

Plan Lucknow → Varanasi → Ghazipur Route Ghazipur guide

Varanasi → Sonbhadra

About 90 km by road

Plan Lucknow → Varanasi → Sonbhadra Route Sonbhadra guide

Plan My Trip: Lucknow to Varanasi

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The fastest way is by train, with the Shiv Ganga Express taking about 5.5 hours. By car, the journey takes 6 hours on a good day, but traffic can extend it.

2. Are there direct buses from Lucknow to Varanasi?

Yes, UPSRTC and private operators run direct buses from Lucknow's Alambagh Bus Station to Varanasi. The journey takes 7–8 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

3. What is the approximate cost of a road trip by car?

For a standard car, expect to spend around ₹3,000–₹3,500 on tolls and fuel, excluding food and other expenses. Car rental with driver may cost ₹4,500–₹6,000.

4. Which is the best stopover for a break?

Prayagraj is the ideal stopover, as it is roughly halfway and offers the chance to visit the Triveni Sangam. Many travelers also stop at Raebareli for a quick meal.

5. Is it better to travel by road or train for a pilgrimage?

It depends on your preference. Trains are more comfortable and economical, while driving offers flexibility to visit Prayagraj and other stops. For a spiritual journey, many prefer the train to avoid road fatigue.