The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary: Delhi to Varanasi by Bus -

Is it possible to experience the oldest living city in the world in just one long weekend? Yes.

In 2026, the road connectivity between Delhi and Varanasi has transformed. With the fully operational expressways and the rise of premium sleeper buses (operating like “hotels on wheels”), the 800 km journey is no longer a back-breaking ordeal. It is now a viable, budget-friendly alternative to the always-waitlisted trains.

This isn’t a rushed “touch-and-go” plan. This is a carefully crafted, hour-by-hour itinerary designed to help you soak in the spiritual chaos of Kashi, witness the grand Aarti, and eat your heart out—all while keeping your bank balance happy.

Here is your realistic blueprint for a 3-day spiritual detox from Delhi.

Trip Overview: The 2026 Snapshot

Feature	Details
Route	Delhi $\rightarrow$ Agra-Lucknow Expressway $\rightarrow$ Varanasi
Travel Time	Approx. 13 – 14 Hours (Overnight)
Best Bus Type	AC Sleeper (Volvo / Bharat Benz)
Avg. Ticket Cost	₹800 – ₹1,500 (One Way)
Total Trip Budget	₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per person (All inclusive)
Best Season	October to March (Avoid May-June heat)

Day 0: The Departure (Friday Night)

“Escaping the Capital”

Your trip starts on Friday night. The goal is to sleep through the boring highway miles and wake up in the Holy City.

20:00 (8:00 PM) – Reach Boarding PointMost private buses (Zingbus, IntrCity, Laxmi Holidays) depart from Kashmere Gate ISBT or Anand Vihar ISBT.
- Pro Tip: In 2026, the metro is the safest bet to reach these hubs. Avoid taking cabs to Anand Vihar during peak hours due to the choke-point traffic.
- Dinner: Eat a light dinner before boarding. Highway dhaba stops can be unpredictable (and spicy food on a moving bus is a risk).
21:30 (9:30 PM) – Bus DepartsSettle into your sleeper berth. The AC sleeper buses now come with charging points, reading lights, and fresh blankets.
- Expert Tip: Book a Lower Berth. The sway on the upper berths can be nauseating on the expressway turns.

Day 1: The Spiritual Awakening (Saturday)

“From Highway to Holy Waters”

Morning: Arrival & The First Lassi

10:30 AM – Arrival in VaranasiBuses usually drop you at the Varanasi Cantt Bus Station or near the ** लहरतारा (Lahartara) Flyover**.
- Action: Don’t take the first auto-rickshaw you see. Walk 100 meters away from the bus stand.
- Transport: Take an E-Rickshaw (Toto) to Godowlia Chowk. This is the entry point for the Ghats (vehicles are banned beyond this point). Cost: ₹50-₹80 (shared) or ₹200 (reserved).
11:30 AM – Check-In & Freshen Up
- Where to Stay: Book a hotel/hostel near Dashashwamedh Ghat or Bangali Tola. Being within walking distance of the river is crucial for this itinerary.
- Lunch: Head to Kashi Chat Bhandar near Godowlia. Order the Tamatar Chaat (Tomato Chaat)—a spicy, tangy delicacy you only get in Banaras.

Afternoon: The Ghat Walk

15:00 (3:00 PM) – Explore the LanesVaranasi is not about the monuments; it’s about the Galies (lanes). Walk from Godowlia towards the river. You will pass shops selling silk sarees, wooden toys, and brass idols.
- Stop: Grab a Blue Lassi near Manikarnika Ghat. It’s famous for a reason (try the Pomegranate Lassi).

Evening: The Grand Aarti

17:00 (5:00 PM) – Secure Your SpotHead to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the world-famous Ganga Aarti.
- The Hack: Do not sit on the plastic chairs unless you want to be blocked by cameras. Go to the stationary boats tied to the ghat. You pay approx. ₹100-₹200 for a seat on the boat deck, giving you a direct, unobstructed view of the priests.
18:00 – 19:00 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM) – The CeremonyWitness the synchronized ritual of fire, conch shells, and chanting. It is mesmerizing.
20:30 (8:30 PM) – DinnerWalk to Dolphin Restaurant (rooftop) for a view of the river at night, or stick to street food (Baati Chokha) near the station road.

Day 2: The Heart of Kashi (Sunday)

“Gods, Gold, and History”

Morning: Sunrise & Vishwanath

05:30 AM – Sunrise Boat RideThis is non-negotiable. Hire a hand-rowed boat (approx. ₹400-₹600 for a private boat).
- Route: Ask the boatman to take you from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat and back. Watching the sun rise over the Ganges while the city washes away its sins is the peak Varanasi experience.
08:00 AM – Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (Darshan)The new Corridor has transformed the darshan experience.
- Crucial Update (2026): The lines can still be long (2-3 hours).
- The Shortcut: Book the “Sugam Darshan” ticket online (approx. ₹300). This allows you priority entry. You must carry your original ID card (Aadhaar).
- Dress Code: Men should ideally wear Dhoti-Kurta (not mandatory, but respected), and women in Saree/Suit. No leather belts or bags allowed inside.

Afternoon: Sarnath Excursion

12:00 PM – Head to SarnathTake an auto-rickshaw to Sarnath (10 km away). It takes about 45 minutes.
- Why go? This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. It is a peaceful contrast to the chaos of Varanasi.
- See: Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar (National Emblem spot), and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
- Lunch: There are clean, quiet restaurants near the Sarnath museum serving Tibetan Momos and Thalis.

Evening: The Cultural Soak

17:00 (5:00 PM) – Return & ShoppingReturn to Varanasi. Visit the Thatheri Bazar for brass work or Gowdowlia for Banarasi Silk scarves.
- Expert Note: If buying a heavy Silk Saree, go to a government-authorized center (like the handloom house) to avoid buying fake polyester.

Day 3: The Local Vibe & Return (Monday)

“Breakfast of Champions”

08:00 AM – The Kachori TrailGo to Kachori Gali (near Manikarnika).
- Eat: Choti Kachori with spicy Aloo Sabzi and Jalebi. Follow it up with Malaiyyo (a frothy saffron milk dessert available only in winter mornings). It melts in your mouth like a cloud.
11:00 AM – Check Out & Last StrollCheck out of your hotel. You can leave your luggage at the reception.
- Visit: Kaal Bhairav Mandir (The Kotwal of Kashi). It is said you need his permission to leave the city.
14:00 (2:00 PM) – Departure LunchHave a final meal at Keshari near Godowlia (famous for thalis).
16:00 (4:00 PM) – Head to Bus StandBuses back to Delhi usually leave between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Reach the stand 45 minutes early.
- Return: You will reach Delhi by 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM on Tuesday morning, just in time to rush to the office (if you must!).

Pros and Cons of Bus Travel (Delhi-Varanasi)

Pros (Why do it)	Cons (The Struggle)
Last Minute Plans: Unlike trains, you can book bus tickets 24 hours prior.	Washrooms: Highway stops are decent, but on-board chemical toilets (if available) are usually best avoided.
Punctuality: Expressways have reduced delays significantly.	Motion Sickness: The Sleeper berths on upper decks can sway.
Connectivity: Drop-off is closer to the city center than the airport (which is 25km away).	Leg Space: If you are tall (>6ft), sleeper berths can feel cramped.
Budget: Saves 50% compared to last-minute flight fares.	Dinner Stops: Buses often stop at expensive, mediocre dhabas.

Expert Review (2026)

“Taking the bus to Varanasi used to be a nightmare of bumps and dust. In 2026, it is arguably the smartest way to travel for a weekend trip. The ‘Bharat Benz’ gliders are smooth, and the road quality on the Purvanchal Expressway is world-class. My advice? Spend the extra ₹300 for a premium operator like IntrCity or Zingbus. The GPS tracking and clean blankets are worth it. Also, don’t try to see 50 temples. Stick to the river. The soul of Varanasi is on the ghats, not inside the buildings.”

Dos and Don’ts

What You Should Do

DO download offline maps. The network inside the narrow galies is terrible.
DO carry small change (₹10, ₹20 notes). You will need it for boatmen, beggars, and prasad.
DO dress conservatively. This is a religious city. Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples.
DO try the Bhang Lassi only if you are experienced. It is legal here, but it is potent. Do not consume it before your bus ride back!

What You Should NOT Do

DON’T photograph cremation fires at Manikarnika Ghat. It is extremely disrespectful and can get you into trouble.
DON’T shake hands with “Sadhus” offering to bless you unless you want to pay them. A polite “Namaste” from a distance is enough.
DON’T drink tap water. Stick to bottled water to avoid the infamous “Delhi Belly” (or Banaras Belly).
DON’T bring your car. Parking in Varanasi is a myth.

Conclusion

A 3-day bus trip to Varanasi is intense, sensory, and deeply rewarding. You will return to Delhi tired, smelling of sandalwood and smoke, but with a spirit that feels a little lighter. The bus journey is just the bridge between the modern capital and the timeless city.

Pack your bags. Lord Shiva is calling.