How to Reach Banaras (Varanasi)

How to Reach Banaras (Varanasi) - Complete Guide

Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is one of India’s most visited spiritual and cultural destinations. Thanks to excellent transportation links, it is easy to reach from all major cities in India by air, train, or road. Whether you are planning a pilgrimage, a cultural trip, or a leisure holiday, this guide explains the best ways to reach Banaras.

By Air - Fastest Way to Reach Banaras

Banaras is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) in Babatpur, approximately 22–25 km from the city center.

• Domestic Flights: Regular flights connect Banaras with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

• International Flights: Limited international flights operate to destinations such as Kathmandu, Colombo, Bangkok, and Sharjah.

• Once you land, you can reach the city via prepaid taxi, app-based cabs, or bus services.

Tip: Booking flights in advance can often get you better fares and seat availability.

By Train - Best Option for Budget Travelers

Varanasi is a major railway hub with excellent connectivity to almost all parts of India. The city has multiple railway stations including Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras Railway Station (BSBS).

• Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, and Patna run frequently.

• Popular trains include Kashi Vishwanath Express, Shiv Ganga Express, Mahamana Express, and Vande Bharat Express on some routes.

• The train journey from major cities can be a comfortable, scenic, and economical choice - e.g., from Delhi (about 650–900 km) it takes roughly 12–20 hours depending on the train you choose.

After arriving at the station, you can take cabs, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws or local buses to reach your hotel or destination.

By Road – Convenient & Scenic Routes

Varanasi is well connected by national highways and state roads, making road travel a viable choice.

• National Highway 19 (NH19) links Varanasi with cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.

• Buses: UPSRTC and private operators run regular services from Lucknow, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Patna, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi.

• Self-Drive or Cab: You can opt for a private cab or rental car for flexibility and comfort — great for families and groups.

Approximate Distances by Road:

• Lucknow to Varanasi – ~286 km

• Prayagraj to Varanasi – ~128 km

• Patna to Varanasi – ~246 km

• Agra to Varanasi – ~565 km

Road journeys can be scenic and comfortable, especially when planned outside peak traffic hours.

Tips to Plan Your Travel to Banaras

✔ Advance Booking: Trains and flights fill up quickly, especially during festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Dev Deepawali, so book early.✔ Night Travel: Many long-distance trains and buses operate overnight — plan your arrival time and onward local travel accordingly.✔ Local Transport: Once in Varanasi, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis are available for city travel.✔ Traffic Alert: Narrow lanes near ghats and markets may restrict larger vehicles — walking can often be the quickest option.

Reaching Banaras is simple and comfortable thanks to its excellent air, rail, and road connectivity with major Indian cities. Whether you prefer speed, comfort, or economical travel, there’s a perfect option for every traveler. Planning ahead gives you more choices and flexibility, especially during peak travel seasons.

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