GoAsia
How to Get from Darjeeling to Varanasi

How to Get from Darjeeling to Varanasi

Last updated: October 17, 2026
🇮🇳 India
Contents

Darjeeling has no airport of its own, so the trip to Varanasi combines the road down to Bagdogra with two flights, or a very long private drive across the plains.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

Booking and payment are handled by 12Go, not GoAsia. We may receive a commission when you book through our links.

Darjeeling to Varanasi by flight via Kolkata

The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), about 65 km from Darjeeling and about 9 km west of Siliguri.[1] IndiGo operates one non-stop flight from Bagdogra to Kolkata, listed at 1 hour 5 minutes,[2] and provides two non-stop Kolkata to Varanasi flights, the shortest taking about 1 hour 30 minutes.[3] This is a two-flight trip with a change in Kolkata, so leave a comfortable connection time.

Arriving in Varanasi

Varanasi airport is about 25 km from the city centre, so allow time for the transfer into town. The major railway stations are Varanasi Junction, Banaras, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction and Kashi, and buses and taxis link Varanasi with Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Bodh Gaya and Gorakhpur.[4]

Darjeeling to Varanasi by private transfer

A private car runs door to door, but it is a very long drive across hills and plains. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $168 (October 2026), and the drive takes from about 9 hours, up to 17 hours on some offers. Vehicles range from hatchbacks and sedans to SUVs and vans for up to 8 passengers.[5]

If you have time in the hills before leaving, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which opened in 1881, is part of the UNESCO Mountain Railways of India.[6]

If you would rather route through Delhi, IndiGo lists 2 direct Delhi to Bagdogra flights a day taking 2 hours 5 minutes, departing at 07:30 and 14:10 (times may vary).[1]

Timetable

Darjeeling - Varanasi More info / Tickets
Taxi Darjeeling - Varanasi $ 166.49–1,549.49 9h 20m – 17h
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan
  • →  Comfort 3pax
  • →  Van 6pax
  • →  Economy 3pax
  • →  Van 8pax

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Darjeeling to Varanasi?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Darjeeling to Varanasi, including current prices and schedules.

Is there a direct flight from Darjeeling to Varanasi?

No. Darjeeling has no airport. The nearest is Bagdogra, about 65 km away. IndiGo lists a non-stop flight from Bagdogra to Kolkata and non-stop flights from Kolkata to Varanasi, so the trip needs a change in Kolkata.

How long are the flights?

IndiGo lists 1 hour 5 minutes for the non-stop Bagdogra to Kolkata flight, and the shortest non-stop Kolkata to Varanasi flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Connection time, the drive to Bagdogra and the transfer from Varanasi airport come on top.

How much does a private transfer from Darjeeling to Varanasi cost?

On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $168 (October 2026). Larger vehicles and longer routes cost more.

How long does the drive from Darjeeling to Varanasi take?

From about 9 hours, and up to 17 hours on some offers, depending on the route and conditions.

Which vehicles are available for groups?

Booking platforms list hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs, and vans for up to 8 passengers.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] IndiGo: Delhi to Bagdogra Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] IndiGo: Bagdogra to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
  3. [3] IndiGo: Kolkata to Varanasi Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  4. [4] Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism): Places to Visit In Varanasi. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  5. [5] 12Go: Darjeeling - Varanasi timetable. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
  6. [6] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Mountain Railways of India. Retrieved October 17, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.