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How to Reach Varanasi
How to Reach Varanasi
Varanasi is one of India's best-connected heritage cities — by air, rail, or road. Discover the easiest ways to arrive in Kashi and navigate its timeless lanes.
Ways to Reach Kashi
By Air
VNS · Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, 26 km northwest — 45–60 min to ghats by taxi. Direct flights: Delhi (1h 20m), Mumbai (2h), Bengaluru (2h 30m), Kolkata (1h 15m). Carriers: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air. Seasonal international routes via Colombo & Bangkok.
By Train
3 stations · 300+ daily trains. Varanasi Junction (BSB / Cantt) — main hub, 5–6 km from ghats. Banaras Station (BSBS) — closer to Assi Ghat, far less crowded. DDU Junction — 17 km away, key hub for East & South India trains. Vande Bharat Express from Delhi: premium, 8 hours flat. Also: Kashi Vishwanath Express (Delhi), Vibhuti Express (Howrah).
By Road
NH-2 · NH-7 · Deluxe Buses. NH-2 from Delhi, Agra & Allahabad; NH-7 from the South via Nagpur. Deluxe buses: Lucknow (3h), Allahabad (2h), Patna (4h). Overnight Volvo from Delhi (~9h) — comfortable and economical. UP State Roadways connects all major UP cities to Varanasi. Self-drive via Agra–Lucknow–Varanasi Expressway from Delhi.
Choosing Your Railway Station
Three stations serve Varanasi — picking the right one can save you 30+ minutes.
| Station | Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| BSB Varanasi Junction (Cantt) | Main terminus. 300+ trains daily. 5–6 km to ghats. Well-serviced by prepaid autos. | Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Main Station. |
| BSBS Banaras (Manduadih) | Closest station to Assi Ghat — short auto ride away. Much less crowded. Growing list of major trains. | If you're staying in the ghat area. 🌟 Best for Ghat Stay. |
| DDU Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn. | 17 km away in Chandauli district (formerly Mughal Sarai). Major junction for eastern & southern India. Hire a taxi from here — takes 40+ min. | Regional Junction. |
Getting Around Once You're Here
Auto-rickshaws can't enter the ghat lanes — here's every way to move around Kashi.
E-Rickshaw
₹10–20/person. Shared routes between Assi, Lanka, Godowlia & Cantt. The cheapest city option.
Ola / Uber
Metered. Available at airport & stations. Expect surge pricing during major festivals.
On Foot
Free. Last 500–800 m through galis to any ghat. Half the magic happens in these lanes.
Boat
₹100–800. Sunrise / sunset rides between ghats. Non-negotiable Varanasi experience.
Cycle Rickshaw
₹50–150. Perfect pace for the old city lanes. Negotiate price before boarding.
Bike Rental
₹300–600/day. Great for Sarnath day trips. Shops near Lanka & Assi Ghat.
Insider Tips Before You Arrive
Navigating the Old City
Quick Summary
✈ By Air
VNS Airport, Babatpur — 26 km. Prepaid taxi ~₹600–800
🚂 By Train
BSB (Cantt), BSBS (Banaras), DDU Jn. Book Vande Bharat from Delhi.
🚌 By Road
NH-2 from Delhi/Kolkata; NH-7 from South India
📅 Best Time
October to March — book ahead during festival season