Arrivals
Getting to Varanasi
Varanasi is well connected by air and rail to all major Indian cities. Step off the platform and the eternal city greets you instantly.
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Located 26 km from the city centre. International flights connect to Bangkok, Colombo, and a few Middle Eastern cities.
Delhi (DEL)
IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet · 10+ daily flights
~1h 20m
💡 Book 2–3 weeks ahead for best fares
Mumbai (BOM)
IndiGo, Air India, Vistara · 6–8 daily flights
~2h 10m
💡 Early morning flights are cheapest
Kolkata (CCU)
IndiGo, Air India · 4–5 daily flights
~1h 15m
💡 Often cheaper than other routes
Bangalore (BLR)
IndiGo, Vistara · 3–4 daily flights
~2h 30m
💡 Connecting via Delhi is often cheaper
International
Connecting via Delhi or Mumbai · No direct international flights
~Varies
💡 Fly into Delhi then take connecting flight or overnight train
Airport to City
Prepaid taxi
₹600–800
⏱ 45–60 min
Most convenient. Book at the prepaid counter inside arrivals.
App cab (Ola/Uber)
₹400–600
⏱ 45–60 min
Available outside the terminal. Reliable with fare fixed in app.
Auto rickshaw (shared)
₹150–200
⏱ 60–75 min
Cheapest option — ask about shared autos to Varanasi city.
City bus
₹30–50
⏱ 75–90 min
Infrequent and crowded — only for the very budget-conscious.
By Train
Varanasi Junction (BSB)
The main station. Located 2 km from the old city. Pre-paid autos outside take you to any ghat for ₹80–150.
Delhi → Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Express (12559)
~12–13 hours
🕐 6:20 PM from Hazrat Nizamuddin
💡 3A/2A sleeper — comfortable overnight journey
Mumbai → Varanasi
Mahanagari Express (11093)
~22 hours
🕐 17:05 from Mumbai CST
💡 Long journey — 2AC recommended for comfort
Kolkata → Varanasi
Vibhuti Express (12333)
~10–12 hours
🕐 Morning departures
💡 Easy overnight journey from Howrah Station
Agra / Mathura → Varanasi
Multiple options via Allahabad
~6–8 hours
🕐 Various timings
💡 Stop at Sarnath on your way for a day visit
Prayagraj → Varanasi
Multiple daily trains
~2–3 hours
🕐 Frequent throughout the day
💡 Take the Prayagraj–Varanasi train — runs every 2 hours
Next: Getting Around Varanasi
Rickshaws, boats, and walking the galis