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How to Reach Varanasi – Air, Train & Road Travel Guide

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, has been a destination of spiritual, cultural, and historical importance since ancient times. From early trade routes to modern-day highways, the city has always been at the centre of dense transport and travel networks. Today, in the age of rapid communication and fast mobility, Varanasi is one of the most well-connected cities in India, accessible by air, rail, and road.

By Air – Nearest Airport to Varanasi

The nearest airport to Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located at Babatpur, about 22–25 km from the city centre. It was granted international status in 2012 and today handles both domestic and international flights.

Daily flights to Varanasi are available from all major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. International connections include Kathmandu, Colombo, and Bangkok. The airport is well-equipped with taxi services, buses, and rental cars, making it convenient for travellers to reach the city.

Here is a table presenting a generalized view of major air-lines operating at LBIA (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport) and destinations.

Airlines Destinations
Air India Agra, Bhubaneswar, Gaya, Delhi, Mumbai,Khajuraho
Air India Express Sharjah
Buddha Air Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad
Jet Airways Delhi, Khajuraho
SpiceJet Seasonal :Colombo
Thai Airways Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi
Thai AirAsia Chartered: Bangkok-Don Mueang
Vistara Delhi Mumbai

Flight Schedules From Delhi To Varanasi :

Dep - Arr Airlines Timing Days Duration & Stops
DEL VNS SpiceJet (SG 2173) 7:30 - 9:05 M T W T F S S 1h 35m & Non Stop
DEL VNS IndiGo (6E 308) 9:00 - 10:20 M T W T F S S 1h 20m & Non Stop
DEL VNS Air India (AI 406) 10:15 - 11:45 M T W T F S S 1h 30m & Non Stop
DEL VNS Jet Airways (9W 2423) 10:45 - 12:10 M T W T F S S 1h 25m & Non Stop
DEL VNS Vistara (UK 990) 12:50 - 14:15 M T W T F S S 1h 25m & Non Stop

For tourists short on time, air travel is the best way to reach Kashi as it saves several hours compared to road or train journeys.

By train - Easy connectivity for Kashi

Indian Railways connects Varanasi with almost every major city in India. The main station, Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cant), expressed and served by superfast trains by superfast trains and superfast trains including Shatabdi Express and Duranto Express.

Other nearby stations such as (Banaras (Manduadih) and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction (Mughalsarai) handle heavy rail traffic, giving passengers many options. Trains are one of the most economical and comfortable options, especially for traveling overnight. Popular tourist destinations like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashshwameh Ghat, and Sarnath are within 10 km from the station.

By road - Varanasi bus routes and highways

Varanasi is located on the fertile plains of North India, making it easily accessible from the road. Along with regular services operated by UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators, the city Varanasi bus routes have been well served. Luxury Volvo and sleeper buses connect Varanasi to Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Kanpur, Jaipur, Agra and Bodh Gaya.

National Highways NH19 and NH31 pass through Varanasi, making it a center for road trips. Taxi, private cars and rental vehicles are also widely available to those who prefer customized travel.

Major Cities Varanasi Distance
Delhi Varanasi 820 km
Prayagraj(Allahabad) Varanasi 125 km
Lucknow Varanasi 315 km
Patna Varanasi 220 km
Kolkata Varanasi 680 km

These distances make it easier to choose the most appropriate mode of travel, whether it is flight, train, or road.

Conclusion - The best way to reach Kashi

Varanasi is originally connected through several methods of transport. If you are looking for the best ways to reach Kashi, flights are the fastest, trains are budget -friendly and comfortable, and road travel is the best for people coming from nearby cities. With excellent connectivity, reaching Varanasi has never been easy for domestic and international travellers.

FAQs On How to Reach Varanasi

Q1. Which is the nearest airport to Varanasi?

The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), which is about 22 km from the city center.

Q2. How to reach Varanasi by train?

Varanasi Junction and Banaras (Manduadih) railway stations are the main stations with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities.

Q3. How far is Varanasi from Delhi and how can I travel?

Varanasi is about 820 km from Delhi. You can travel overnight by train, direct flights or NH19 road routes.

Q4. Are there direct flights to Varanasi from international destinations?

Yes, Varanasi has direct international flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok and Colombo along with major Indian cities.

Q5. How to reach Varanasi from Lucknow or Allahabad (Prayagraj)?

From Lucknow (315 km), you can travel by train, bus or cab. From Allahabad (125 km), frequent buses and trains are available.

Q6. What is the best way for tourists to reach Varanasi?

Flights are the fastest, while trains are economical. Road trips are good for those going to nearby cities like Prayagraj or Ayodhya.

Q7. Is Varanasi bus services well connected?

Yes, Varanasi regularly has UPSRTC buses and private Volvo services connecting Lucknow, Patna, Kanpur and other cities.

Q8. Which month is the best to travel to Varanasi?

The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and spiritual experiences.

Top Things to do in Varanasi

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