How to Reach Varanasi: Complete Travel & Transport Guide

Planning a trip to Varanasi and wondering how to reach Varanasi?

Banaras is well connected by air, rail and road, making it accessible from major cities across India. The city has an international airport, several important railway stations and good road connections with destinations across North India.

But reaching Varanasi is only the first part of the journey.

Once you arrive, understanding which station or airport to use, how to reach your hotel, and how to travel around the Old City and ghats can make your trip much easier.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to reach Varanasi by flight, train and road, along with practical local transport tips.

How to Reach Varanasi

There are three main ways to reach Varanasi:

• ✈️ By Air

• 🚆 By Train

• 🚗 By Road

The right option depends on where you are travelling from, your budget and how much time you have.

If you're visiting Varanasi for the first time, you can also start with our complete Varanasi Travel Guide to understand the city's major attractions, ghats, temples, food and experiences before planning your transport.

1. How to Reach Varanasi by Flight

Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), commonly known as Varanasi Airport.

The airport is located near Babatpur, outside the main city area. Incredible India currently places the airport at approximately 25 km from the city centre.

Flights connect Varanasi with major Indian cities and selected international destinations. Flight routes and schedules can change, so check the latest availability before booking.

Why Choose a Flight?

Flying can be convenient if you are travelling from cities such as:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Bengaluru

• Hyderabad

• Kolkata

• Chennai

• Ahmedabad

• Other major Indian cities

For travellers coming from far-away cities, flying can significantly reduce travel time.

Varanasi Airport to City

After arriving at Varanasi Airport, travellers can continue towards the city using:

• Taxi

• App-based cab services where available

• Pre-arranged hotel transfers

• Private vehicles

If you are staying around Godowlia, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the Old City, remember that the final part of the journey may involve walking because some historic lanes are narrow and unsuitable for larger vehicles.

2. How to Reach Varanasi by Train

For many travellers, the train is one of the most practical ways to reach Varanasi.

Varanasi has several important railway stations serving different routes.

The major railway gateways include:

• Varanasi Junction (BSB)

• Banaras Railway Station (BSBS)

• Kashi Railway Station (KEI)

• Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU)

Varanasi Junction

Varanasi Junction, commonly known as Cantt station, is one of the city's principal railway stations.

It has extensive connections with cities across India and is an important arrival point for long-distance travellers.

Banaras Railway Station

Banaras Railway Station is another important railway station serving the city.

Some long-distance trains use this station instead of Varanasi Junction, so always check your ticket carefully before travelling.

Kashi Railway Station

Kashi Railway Station can also be useful depending on your train route and where you are staying.

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction

Located outside central Varanasi, DDU is another major railway junction.

Some long-distance trains arriving in the Varanasi region use DDU instead of the central city stations.

Important: Don't simply search for "Varanasi railway station" on your travel day. Check the exact station code and station name mentioned on your ticket.

3. How to Reach Varanasi by Road

Varanasi is well connected by road with cities across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.

Road travel can be particularly useful if you are travelling from nearby destinations such as:

• Prayagraj

• Lucknow

• Ayodhya

• Bodh Gaya

• Gorakhpur

• Patna

• Kanpur

• Other cities across North India

You can travel to Varanasi by:

• Private car

• Taxi

• Bus

• Self-drive vehicle

Travelling to Varanasi by Bus

Government and private buses operate on routes connecting Varanasi with different cities.

Bus travel can be useful for shorter regional journeys, especially from nearby cities.

However, journey time can vary depending on traffic, road conditions and the service you choose.

How to Reach Varanasi from Major Cities

Delhi to Varanasi

You can travel from Delhi to Varanasi by:

• Flight

• Train

• Road

Flights are useful when travel time is a priority, while trains provide several options depending on your schedule.

Mumbai to Varanasi

Travellers from Mumbai can reach Varanasi by:

• Flight

• Long-distance train

• Road

For this long-distance journey, flight and train are the main options most travellers consider.

Kolkata to Varanasi

Kolkata has good transport connectivity with Varanasi through:

• Flights

• Trains

• Road

Train travel can be particularly convenient for travellers who prefer overnight journeys.

Prayagraj to Varanasi

Prayagraj and Varanasi are relatively close compared with many other major city pairs.

You can travel between them by:

• Train

• Bus

• Taxi

• Private car

A road or train journey can also work well if you're planning a combined Prayagraj and Varanasi trip.

How to Reach Varanasi Old City

This is one of the most important things first-time visitors should understand.

Reaching Varanasi city and reaching your hotel near the ghats are not always the same thing.

The Old City contains narrow lanes and pedestrian-heavy areas.

If your accommodation is near:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Godowlia

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Manikarnika Ghat

• Vishwanath Gali

• Assi Ghat

you may need to complete the final stretch on foot.

This is completely normal in the historic parts of Varanasi.

If you're specifically visiting the riverfront, our detailed Ghats of Varanasi guide explains the character and location of some of the city's major ghats.

How to Travel Around Varanasi

Once you arrive, several local transport options are available.

Auto-Rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws are useful for short and medium-distance journeys.

If the vehicle does not use a meter, clarify the fare before starting.

E-Rickshaw

E-rickshaws are common in many parts of Varanasi and can be useful for local travel.

Cycle-Rickshaw

Cycle-rickshaws can be useful around busy market areas and narrower roads.

Taxi or Cab

Taxis and cabs are useful for:

• Airport transfers

• Railway station transfers

• Sarnath

• BHU

• Ramnagar

• Longer local journeys

Walking

Walking is often the best way to explore the historic lanes around the ghats.

Don't try to rush through the Old City.

Part of the Varanasi experience is walking through its streets, discovering small temples, shops, food stalls and connections between the lanes and riverfront.

How to Reach the Ghats of Varanasi

There isn't one single road destination called "Varanasi Ghats."

The Ganga riverfront stretches across numerous ghats, and your route depends on which ghat you want to visit.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

One of the city's best-known ghats and the main location for the famous Ganga Aarti.

If you're planning to attend the ceremony, read our complete Ganga Aarti in Varanasi guide before visiting.

Assi Ghat

Located towards the southern end of the main riverfront, Assi Ghat is popular for its riverside atmosphere and morning experiences.

Manikarnika Ghat

A significant cremation ghat and an important spiritual site in Varanasi.

Kedar Ghat

Known for its temple and distinctive riverfront character.

If your main goal is to explore the riverfront, choosing accommodation near the Old City or southern ghats can reduce daily travel time.

Airport vs Train: Which Arrival Point Should You Choose?

There isn't one universally suitable option.

Consider your starting city, schedule and accommodation.

The best option depends on your specific route and current availability.

What to Know Before Booking Your Journey

1. Check the exact railway station

Your ticket may show BSB, BSBS, KEI or DDU.

Don't simply search for "Varanasi" on the day of arrival.

2. Check your hotel location

A hotel listed as being in "Varanasi" may still be far from the ghats.

Check the actual neighbourhood before booking.

3. Plan your airport transfer

If your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, arranging your transfer beforehand can make arrival easier.

4. Keep extra time for traffic

Varanasi's busy roads can take longer than expected, particularly during festivals and peak travel periods.

5. Don't expect every vehicle to reach the riverfront

Near some Old City areas, you may have to walk the final stretch.

How to Plan Your Arrival Day in Varanasi

If you arrive in the morning, you can potentially use the first day for:

Arrival → Hotel check-in → Lunch → Old City exploration → Ganga Aarti

If you arrive later in the day:

Arrival → Hotel → Rest → Evening ghats / Ganga Aarti

If you arrive early enough, you can also plan a sunrise boat ride the following morning.

For travellers interested in experiencing the Ganga from the river, explore our Signature Boat Experiences.

Reaching Varanasi for a First-Time Trip

If this is your first visit, don't try to cover the entire city immediately.

A simple structure works well:

Day 1

Arrival + Old City + Ganga Aarti

Day 2

Sunrise boat ride + Kashi Vishwanath Temple + Ghats

Day 3

Sarnath + remaining local experiences

For a shorter visit, our 2 Days in Varanasi itinerary can help you organise the major experiences without making the trip too rushed.

If you have three full days, you can use our 3 Days in Varanasi itinerary to build a more relaxed plan.

Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple After Arriving

For many visitors, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the main reasons for visiting Varanasi.

If the temple is part of your itinerary, it's useful to understand the current darshan and visitor arrangements before arriving.

Read our Kashi Vishwanath Temple guide for information about darshan, Aarti, entry, booking and practical visitor tips.

Need Help Getting Around Varanasi?

If you don't want to spend your trip figuring out routes, local areas and sightseeing logistics yourself, a local guide can make the experience easier.

A local guide can help you understand the Old City, ghats, temples and local experiences while keeping your itinerary organised.

Explore our Local Guide Services for assistance with planning your Varanasi experience.

Combine Your Arrival With a Varanasi Experience

Once you reach Varanasi, one of the easiest ways to start experiencing the city is through the Ganga and its historic riverfront.

You can plan:

• Sunrise boat ride

• Evening Ganga Aarti

• Ghat exploration

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple visit

• Local food experiences

• Sarnath excursion

The key is not to pack everything into one day.

Give yourself time to experience the city rather than simply checking places off a list.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to reach Varanasi is relatively straightforward because the city has strong air, rail and road connectivity.

The more important part is planning what happens after you arrive.

Choose your airport or railway station carefully, check your accommodation's exact location, allow extra time for city traffic and remember that the historic Old City is best explored on foot.

Once those basics are sorted, you can focus on what makes Banaras special — the Ganga, the ghats, temples, food, rituals and the atmosphere of the ancient city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nearest airport to Varanasi?

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the main airport serving Varanasi.

Which railway station is best for Varanasi?

Varanasi Junction (BSB) is one of the city's principal railway stations, but Banaras Railway Station, Kashi Railway Station and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction also serve the Varanasi region.

Can I reach Varanasi by road?

Yes. Varanasi has road connections with major cities across Uttar Pradesh and North India.

How do I reach the Varanasi ghats?

Depending on the ghat and your starting point, you can use an auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, taxi or walk. Some parts of the Old City have narrow lanes where the final section is easier on foot.

Is Varanasi easy to explore without a car?

Yes. You can use local transport for longer distances and walk through many historic areas around the ghats.

How many days are enough for Varanasi?

For a first visit, 2–3 days can provide enough time to experience major ghats, temples, Ganga Aarti, a boat ride and Sarnath without making the itinerary excessively rushed.

About BookMyBanaras

BookMyBanaras helps travellers plan and experience Varanasi through practical travel information, local experiences and curated services.

From Ganga boat experiences and local guides to spiritual services and Varanasi travel planning, the goal is to make exploring Banaras simpler and more meaningful.

Pravesh Mishra — Founder, BookMyBanaras

Pravesh Mishra is the Founder of BookMyBanaras, a Varanasi-focused travel and experiences platform. His work combines tourism, technology and digital growth, with a focus on helping travellers discover Banaras through practical travel information, local experiences and curated Varanasi journeys.