Varanasi to Rishikesh
Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
Tentative Fare Estimate
Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST
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.
Route Map
By Car: Varanasi to Rishikesh
915 km · ~19h 18m · About 18h of driving split over 3 days, plus stops.
- Start from Varanasi
Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 150Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
155 km · 3h 6m drive from previous stop
Overnight halt around km 305Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 455Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
155 km · 3h 6m drive from previous stop
Overnight halt around km 610Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 760Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
155 km · 3h 6m drive from previous stop
Arrive in RishikeshRishikesh, Uttarakhand
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: Varanasi to Rishikesh
915 km · ~20h 20m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Varanasi
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Varanasi. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Varanasi → Rishikesh
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~915 km
~20h 20m|Tentative fare ₹1,010–₹2,610
- Arrive in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Varanasi to Rishikesh
Nearest railway stations: Varanasi Jn for Varanasi, Raiwala for Rishikesh.
Direct trains
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.
Varanasi to Rishikesh: Route & Travel Options
Route overview
Varanasi to Rishikesh is about 915 km by road, roughly 18.3 hours of travel time.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 915 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹35,166 · Ertiga ₹44,773 · Innova ₹46,695 · Innova Crysta ₹57,552 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹79,360
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹1,010 · AC Seater ₹1,650 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹1,460 · AC Sleeper ₹2,100 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹2,610
- Train: Sleeper ₹580 · Economy ₹950 · Third AC ₹1,310 · Second AC ₹1,860 · First AC ₹2,590
Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.
Want the full Rishikesh guide?
Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Rishikesh.
Stops & Places Along the Route
Good places to break the journey from Varanasi to Rishikesh. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.
Hotels in Rishikesh
Treebo hotels in Rishikesh. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.
Itsy Hotels Nv, Tapovan
Rishikesh
Treebo Ak Residency
Rishikesh
Things to Do in Rishikesh
Attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
Join the nightly ceremony at Parmarth Niketan, where hundreds of lamps are lit and offered to the Ganges, accompanied by chanting and hymns. The atmosphere is deeply…
1-2 hours
River Rafting on the Ganges
Raft the exhilarating rapids of the Shivpuri-Kaudiyala stretch, offering grades II to IV. The season runs from mid-September to mid-June, with options for both…
2-4 hours
Walk Across Laxman Jhula
Cross the iconic suspension bridge, built in 1929, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ganges and the surrounding hills. Legend says Lakshmana crossed the river here on a…
30-45 minutes
Yoga Class in an Ashram
Take a yoga or meditation class at one of the many ashrams, such as Parmarth Niketan or Sivananda Ashram. Classes are typically held in the morning and are suitable for…
1-2 hours
Explore the Beatles Ashram
Visit the abandoned ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968, now a heritage site with vibrant murals and graffiti. It's a fascinating blend of rock history and…
1-2 hours
Day Trip to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Drive 32 km into the hills to this ancient temple dedicated to Shiva, where he is said to have consumed the poison from the churning of the ocean. The winding road…
Half-day
Suggested Rishikesh Itinerary
Day 1Day 1
- Cross Laxman Jhula (1929 suspension bridge) and take in views of the Ganges.
- Explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) and its colorful murals and meditation cells.
- Visit Swarg Ashram's vegetarian-only zone and browse its shops and cafes.
Day 2Day 2
- Drive to Shivpuri (about 30 min) and do a 16 km rafting stretch (Grade II-III, season mid-Sep to mid-Jun).
- Stop at a sandy beach for a cliff jump and swim (if water levels permit).
- Walk across Ram Jhula (1986) and visit the nearby ghats and temples.
Day 3Day 3
- Drive or take a shared taxi to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (32 km) and offer prayers at the shrine associated with Shiva's…
- Return to Rishikesh and visit Triveni Ghat for a morning dip or just to watch the rituals.
- Optional: Head to Mohanchatti for bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights (if you have a few extra hours).
Extend Your Trip
Add a nearby place to your Rishikesh trip and see the full Varanasi → Rishikesh → next stop route.
Plan My Trip: Varanasi to Rishikesh
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