How to Reach Varanasi: Air, Train & Road

By air

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) serves Varanasi and has regular flights from major Indian cities. It is roughly 25 km from the city centre, about 45 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic.

By train

Varanasi has several railway stations. Varanasi Junction (Cantt) is the main one, with Banaras (formerly Manduadih) and Kashi stations also used by long-distance trains. Check which station your train uses before arranging a pickup.

By road

Varanasi is connected by national highways to Prayagraj (about 120 km), Lucknow, Patna and Gorakhpur. Private cabs are the most comfortable option for these routes.

Reaching the ghats

Cars cannot enter the narrow lanes near the ghats. Your driver will park nearby and you will walk or take an e-rickshaw for the last stretch. If you stay near the ghats, tell your hotel your arrival time so they can arrange a guide for the final walk.

Distances from nearby cities

• Prayagraj: about 120 km, about 3 hours by road
• Ayodhya: about 200 to 230 km, 4 to 6 hours
• Lucknow: about 300 km, 5 to 6 hours
• Bodh Gaya: about 250 km, 4 to 5 hours
• Patna: about 250 km, 5 to 6 hours

Local transport once you arrive

• Private cab or taxi: best for sightseeing and day trips.
• E-rickshaw: handy in the old city and near the ghats.
• Auto-rickshaw: common for short distances; agree the fare first.
• Walking: the best way to cover the lanes and ghats.
• Boats: a pleasant way to move between ghats.

Where to stay for easy access

If you want to walk to the ghats and Kashi Vishwanath, stay in the old city near Dashashwamedh or Assi. If you prefer easier road access and quieter surroundings, the Cantonment and Sigra areas work well and are 15 to 25 minutes by car from the ghats.