Varanasi, the spiritual soul of India, is a destination that every traveler must visit at least once. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, exploring ancient history, or simply wanting to experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, the journey from the capital city is the first step of your adventure.
In this ultimate Dream Trip Guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Delhi to Varanasi train bus flight distance time so you can choose the best way to travel based on your budget and schedule.
1. Delhi to Varanasi by Flight: The Fastest Way ✈️
If time is your primary concern, flying is undoubtedly the best travel guide recommendation. The distance between Delhi to Varanasi by Flight is approximately 659 km, which is significantly shorter than the road route.
- Delhi to Varanasi distance by Flight time: A direct flight takes only 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Airlines: Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Air India Express operate multiple daily non-stop flights.
- Average Cost: One-way fares typically range from ₹3,600 to ₹5,500. For the best prices, book at least 3 weeks in advance.
- Noida to Varanasi distance by Flight: If you are staying in Noida, your journey starts with a 1-hour drive or Metro ride to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
2. Delhi to Varanasi by Train: The Most Popular Way 🚂
For many travelers, the train is the heartbeat of Indian travel. It offers a balance between cost and comfort, especially with the introduction of high-speed rails.
The Vande Bharat Express
The New Delhi to Varanasi distance by train is about 759 km to 771 km. The Vande Bharat Express (22436) is the fastest option, covering the distance in just 8 hours. It departs from New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:00 AM and reaches Varanasi Jn (BSB) by 02:00 PM.
Other Key Trains
- Shiv Ganga Express (12560): A popular overnight choice (approx. 10 hours).
- Shramjivi Express (12392): A reliable daily service (approx. 13 hours).
- Noida to Varanasi distance by train: Residents of Noida usually board from New Delhi (NDLS), Anand Vihar Terminus (ANVT), or Ghaziabad (GZB).
3. Delhi to Varanasi by Road: The Ultimate Road Trip 🚗
Driving allows you to experience the transition from the modern highways of Delhi to the rustic landscapes of Uttar Pradesh.
- Delhi to Varanasi distance by car: Approximately 820 km to 850 km via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and NH19.
- Travel Time: It takes roughly 12 to 14 hours of driving time.
- Delhi to Varanasi distance by car price: * Fuel: Around ₹7,000–₹9,000 (depending on the vehicle’s mileage).
- Tolls: Approximately ₹1,500–₹1,800.
- Total: A one-way private trip costs between ₹9,000 and ₹11,000.
- Noida to Varanasi Distance by Road: Starting from Noida is even more convenient as you can directly hop onto the Yamuna Expressway, saving you from Delhi’s city traffic.
Travel Inspiration Guide Tip: Consider a stopover in Agra. The Agra to Varanasi distance is about 590 km to 650 km (9–10 hours), making it a great place to break your journey and see the Taj Mahal.
4. Delhi to Varanasi Bus: Budget-Friendly Travel 🚌
The Delhi to Varanasi bus service has seen a massive upgrade with premium Volvo and Sleeper options.
- Bus Operators: Reliable names like zingbus, FlixBus, and RS Yadav Smart Bus operate daily from ISBT Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar.
- Noida to Varanasi bus: Many buses have boarding points in Noida Sector 148 or along the Greater Noida Expressway, making it very accessible for Noida residents.
- Price: Tickets start as low as ₹599 for standard AC seats and go up to ₹1,800 for premium multi-axle sleepers.
- Time: Expect a journey of 13 to 15 hours, usually overnight.
Summary Table: Comparison of Travel Modes
| Mode of Travel | Distance | Avg. Time | Approx. Price |
| Flight | 659 km | 1.5 Hours | ₹3,600+ |
| Train (Vande Bharat) | 759 km | 8 Hours | ₹1,800+ |
| Bus (Volvo/Sleeper) | 820 km | 14 Hours | ₹800+ |
| Private Car | 820 km | 13 Hours | ₹10,000+ |
Final Verdict from Dream Travel Guide 🌟
- For Speed: Choose a Flight. It saves you nearly a whole day of travel.
- For Comfort & Speed: The Vande Bharat Train is the best travel guide choice for a luxury daytime experience.
- For Budget Travelers: The Overnight Bus or a Standard Express Train (Sleeper Class) is unbeatable.
- For Adventure: A Road Trip via Agra allows you to explore multiple cities in one go.
Varanasi is a city of lights, rituals, and timeless beauty. No matter how you choose to get there, the destination will make every kilometer worth it. For more Travel guide blog updates and Travel inspiration guides, keep following Dream Trip Guide!
1. Vehicle Rentals: Explore at Your Own Pace 🛵🚗
Getting around Varanasi is best done on two wheels or in a comfortable private car.
- Bike & Scooty Rental: For navigating narrow lanes, rent an Activa or Jupiter starting at ₹350–₹500/day. For a classic ride, Royal Enfield 350 is available for ₹1,000–₹1,200/day. 🏍️
- Car Rental: For family trips, book a Swift Dzire or Etios for around ₹2,200/full day. Larger families can opt for an Innova Crysta at ₹3,400/day. 🚙
- Local Services: Most rentals include helmets and offer airport/railway station pickup for a seamless experience.
2. Stay Options: From Budget to Luxury 🏨🛌
- Low Price & OYO Hotels: For budget travelers, OYO Hotel Divine Destination and OYO Hotel J S Residency offer clean rooms starting from ₹450–₹950/night. 📉
- Luxury & Family Stays: Experience royalty at Taj Nadesar Palace or Radisson Hotel Varanasi. For a heritage feel by the river, Amritara Suryauday Haveli is a top-rated luxury family hotel. 🏰🌟
- Best Locations: Stay near Godowlia or Assi Ghat to be close to the main temples and ceremonies.
3. Food & Dining: Breakfast to Dinner 🍲☕
- Best Breakfast: Start your morning at Aum Cafe for healthy pancakes or try the iconic Kachori-Sabzi at the local stalls near Vishwanath Gali. Don’t miss the Blue Lassi Shop for world-famous yogurt drinks! 🥣🥤
- Dinner & Tea Points: Enjoy a fine-dining experience at The Palate or authentic thalis at Shree Shivay. For a quick break, grab a “Malai Tea” at the tea points near Assi Ghat while watching the river flow. 🍵🥘
4. Must-Visit Temples & Activities ⛩️🛶
Varanasi is the city of temples and timeless rituals.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The heart of the city, now easily accessible via the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. 🕉️
- Ganga Aarti: Witness the grand evening prayer at Dashashwamedh Ghat—the most soul-stirring activity in Kashi. 🔥🙏
- Top Attractions: Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, and the modern New Vishwanath Temple (BHU). 🛕
- Activities: Take a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges or a short trip to Sarnath (10 km away) to see where Buddha gave his first sermon. 🌅☸️
Traveler Tip: Use the Namo Ghat for a cleaner, modern walking experience, and always check the Kashi Vishwanath darshan timings online to avoid long queues.
Delhi to Varanasi Travel: Frequently Asked Questions 🗺️
Navigating the route from India’s capital to its spiritual heart can raise many questions. Here are the 10 most common FAQs answered by Dream Trip Guide for your 2026 trip! 🎒
1. What is the fastest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi? ⚡
The fastest way is by Flight. Direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you prefer the tracks, the Vande Bharat Express is the fastest train, reaching in just 8 hours.
2. How much does a flight ticket from Delhi to Varanasi cost? 💸
In early 2026, one-way flight prices typically range between ₹3,600 and ₹4,700 for budget airlines like IndiGo or Air India Express if booked 2-3 weeks in advance. Last-minute fares can soar above ₹7,000.
3. Which are the best trains for an overnight journey? 🚂
For a comfortable sleep, the Shiv Ganga Express (12560) and the Swatantrata Senani Express (12562) are top-rated. They depart from New Delhi around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and reach Varanasi early the next morning (approx. 10 hours).
4. What is the distance from Delhi to Varanasi by road? 🛣️
The Delhi to Varanasi distance by car is roughly 820 km. Most travelers prefer the Yamuna Expressway and Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which takes about 11 to 13 hours depending on your speed and breaks.
5. Are there direct buses from Noida to Varanasi? 🚌
Yes! Several private operators like zingbus, RS Yadav, and Laxmi Holidays offer Noida to Varanasi bus services. Most pick up passengers at Sector 37 or the Greater Noida Expressway. Fares start as low as ₹699 for AC sleepers.
6. Is it safe to drive from Delhi to Varanasi at night? 🌙
While the expressways are world-class and well-lit in many sections, we recommend driving during the day to avoid fatigue and better navigate local traffic near Kanpur and Prayagraj. If driving at night, ensure you have a co-driver.
7. What is the Vande Bharat Express fare for Varanasi? 🎫
As of February 2026, the Vande Bharat fare is approximately ₹1,700 to ₹1,850 for AC Chair Car (CC) and ₹3,300 to ₹3,500 for Executive Class (EC), including catering charges.
8. How far is the Varanasi Airport from the main city? 🚕
The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is about 26 km from the main city center (Dashashwamedh Ghat area). A pre-paid taxi or app-based cab (Uber/Ola) will take around 45 to 60 minutes and cost between ₹600 and ₹900.
9. Can I find budget OYO stays near the Varanasi railway station? 🏨
Absolutely! There are numerous OYO and budget hotels located within a 1-2 km radius of Varanasi Junction (BSB). Prices for a decent, clean room start around ₹800 to ₹1,200 per night.
10. What is the best time of year to visit Varanasi? ☀️
The best time is between October and March. The weather is pleasant for exploring the ghats and attending the evening Ganga Aarti. During February 2026, expect cool mornings and sunny afternoons.
