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Prayagraj to Varanasi

This 125-kilometer pilgrimage route from Prayagraj to Varanasi is a journey through the heart of India's sacred geography, often combined with a visit to the Triveni Sangam—the hol

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125 kmDistance

2.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹5,855

Ertiga₹7,430

Innova₹7,745

Innova Crysta₹9,570

Tempo Traveller (12)₹13,100

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹140

AC Seater₹230

Non-AC Sleeper₹200

AC Sleeper₹290

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹400

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Train

Sleeper₹110

Economy₹160

Third AC₹210

Second AC₹280

First AC₹380

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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

This 125-kilometer pilgrimage route from Prayagraj to Varanasi is a journey through the heart of India's sacred geography, often combined with a visit to the Triveni Sangam—the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The drive takes about 2.5 hours via the excellent NH-19, passing through the rural landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Along the way, travelers can pause at the ancient city of Kaushambi, known for its Buddhist ruins, or at the modern city of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) before heading east. Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, awaits with its ghats, temples, and the spiritual energy of the Ganga. Whether by car, train, or bus, this route is a seamless blend of devotion, history, and culture, offering a profound experience for pilgrims and travelers alike.

Route Map

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By Car: Prayagraj to Varanasi

125 km · ~2h 30m · About 3h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Prayagraj
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
125 km · 2h 30m 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: Prayagraj to Varanasi

125 km · ~2h 47m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Prayagraj
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Prayagraj. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Prayagraj → Varanasi
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~125 km
~2h 47m|Tentative fare ₹140–₹400
Search buses Prayagraj 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: Prayagraj to Varanasi

Nearest railway stations: Allahabad Jn for Prayagraj, Varanasi Jn for Varanasi.

Direct trains

New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express#22812 · Rajdhani

12:19 AMAllahabad Jn

1h 41m19 stops

02:00 AMJeonathpur

1A2A3ARunning days & live status ↗

NEW DELHI - BHUBANESWAR Rajdhani Exp (Via Bokaro)#22824 · Rajdhani

12:19 AMAllahabad Jn

1h 41m19 stops

02:00 AMJeonathpur

1A2A3ARunning days & live status ↗

AnandVihar Terminal-Bhagalpur Garib Rath#22406 · Garib Rath

12:20 AMAllahabad Jn

1h 53m19 stops

02:13 AMJeonathpur

3ACCRunning days & live status ↗

Anand Vihar Terminus-Jaynagar Garib Rath Express#12570 · Garib Rath

12:20 AMAllahabad Jn

1h 53m19 stops

02:13 AMJeonathpur

3ARunning days & live status ↗

Sampoorna Kranti Express#12394 · Superfast

02:01 AMAllahabad Jn

1h 55m19 stops

03:56 AMJeonathpur

1A2A3ASLRunning 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 Prayagraj to Varanasi.

Kaushambi60 km from Prayagraj from Prayagraj
An ancient city and important Buddhist site, Kaushambi was the capital of the Vatsa kingdom. The ruins include a massive stupa, monastery remains, and the famous Ashokan pillar.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) museumSmall tea stalls and snack vendors near the siteRestrooms at the museum (basic)
Bhadohi95 km from Prayagraj from Prayagraj
Known as the 'Carpet City of India', Bhadohi is famous for its handwoven carpets. You can visit carpet showrooms or factories to see artisans at work, and buy souvenirs.
Carpet showrooms and emporiumsHighway restaurants and dhabasFuel stations and rest stops

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 (around 7 AM) to avoid traffic and reach Varanasi by late morning.

Carry valid ID for train or bus tickets; for car travel, keep driving license and vehicle papers.

If you plan to visit the Sangam, allocate an extra 2–3 hours in Prayagraj before departing.

Book train tickets at least a week in advance, especially during Kumbh Mela or peak season.

Keep small change for tolls and roadside purchases.

In Varanasi, prefer walking or auto-rickshaws for narrow lanes near the ghats.

Budget Estimate

road

Toll: approx ₹200 for a car (one-way)

Diesel price: approx ₹90/litre (as of 2024)

Driving from Prayagraj to Varanasi is the most direct and flexible option, taking about 2.5 hours on the well-maintained NH-19. You can stop at Kaushambi or other roadside eateries, and enjoy the scenic countryside.

train

Sleeper class: approx ₹120–₹150

AC Chair Car: approx ₹400–₹500

Several daily trains connect Prayagraj Junction to Varanasi Junction, taking around 2 to 3 hours. It's a comfortable and budget-friendly option, though you need to book in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons.

bus

UPSRTC ordinary bus: ₹80–₹120

UPSRTC AC bus: ₹200–₹250 (limited service)

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private operators run regular buses between Prayagraj and Varanasi. Buses are the most economical, but travel time is longer due to stops.

Extend Your Trip

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

Varanasi → Mirzapur

About 60 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Varanasi → Mirzapur Route Mirzapur guide

Varanasi → Jaunpur

About 75 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Varanasi → Jaunpur Route Jaunpur guide

Varanasi → Ghazipur

About 85 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Varanasi → Ghazipur Route Ghazipur guide

Varanasi → Sonbhadra

About 90 km by road

Plan Prayagraj → Varanasi → Sonbhadra Route Sonbhadra guide

Plan My Trip: Prayagraj to Varanasi

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far is Prayagraj from Varanasi?

The distance is approximately 125 kilometers by road, taking about 2.5 hours by car. By train, the distance is similar, but travel time ranges from 2 to 3 hours.

2. What is the best way to travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi?

For speed and convenience, a private car or taxi is best. For budget travelers, trains and buses are economical, with trains being faster and more comfortable.

3. Can I combine a visit to the Sangam with this journey?

Yes, many pilgrims visit the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj before heading to Varanasi. The Sangam is about 7 km from Prayagraj city center, so plan an extra half-day.

4. Are there direct trains from Prayagraj to Varanasi?

Yes, numerous direct trains run between the two cities, including express and passenger trains. The journey takes roughly 2 to 3 hours.

5. What are the must-see attractions in Varanasi?

Key attractions include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon), and the evening Ganga Aarti.