Contents
Leaving behind the frantic energy of India's capital for the spiritual heart of the country is a rite of passage for many travelers. While Delhi is a city of wide boulevards and Mughal grandeur, Varanasi is a labyrinth of ancient alleys and sacred ghats where life and death dance openly along the banks of the Ganges. This journey takes you from the modern political center of India to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, a transition that is as much a shift in soul as it is in geography.
The route is served by flights and by overnight express trains. You can compare the options and book through GoAsia.cc.
Delhi to Varanasi by Flight
Flying is the quickest way to reach the holy city. IndiGo operates multiple flights on this route, and the flight time is generally about 1 hour on an aerial distance of around 664 kilometers.[1] IndiGo quotes fares of roughly INR 4,000 to 7,000 depending on when you book.[1]
Flights leave from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which lies about 16 km from the main city of Delhi,[1] and land at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), about 25 km from the centre of Varanasi.[2] Plan time for the transfer into town.
Delhi to Varanasi by Train
Several express trains link New Delhi with Varanasi overnight. According to the Indian Railways timetable list, the Kashi Vishwanath Express (14258) leaves New Delhi at 11:35 and reaches Varanasi Junction at 04:35.[3] The Mahamana Express (22418) leaves New Delhi at 18:35 and arrives at Varanasi Junction at 08:25.[3] The Shiv Ganga Express (12560) leaves at 18:55 and arrives at Manduadih at 07:00,[3] and train 12582 leaves at 22:35 and arrives at Manduadih at 11:10.[3] The list gives clock times only; these are overnight services, so arrival falls on the next day.
Choosing a class
Indian Railways sells several reservation classes. AC First Class has lockable private cabins. AC 2-Tier has curtained berths in open bays. AC 3-Tier fits more berths into each bay and has no curtains. Sleeper Class is not air-conditioned and has open windows.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Example services | Journey | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | IndiGo, non-stop | About 1 hour in the air[1] | High |
| Train | Kashi Vishwanath Express, Mahamana Express, Shiv Ganga Express | Overnight, arriving between 04:35 and 11:10 the next day[3] | Medium to High, depending on class |
Tips for Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi
- Book in Advance: Popular Indian trains fill up well before departure, especially the AC classes. Use GoAsia.cc to book as soon as your plans are firm.
- Station Logistics: The trains listed above leave from New Delhi (NDLS).[3] Check the departure station on your ticket carefully.
- Arrival in Varanasi: Varanasi has 4 main stations: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS), Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) and Kashi (KEI).[2] Check which one is on your ticket and pre-arrange a pickup through your hotel if you arrive early in the morning.
Timetable
| Flight Delhi - Varanasi $ 56.29–185.09 1h 20m – 2h 50m | |
|
|
| Train Delhi - Varanasi $ 34.54–45.96 10h 50m – 13h 45m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Delhi to Varanasi, including current prices and schedules.
Train travel is usually cheaper than flying, especially in the lower classes. Fares depend on the train and class. IndiGo quotes flight fares of roughly INR 4,000 to 7,000.
Flying is the fastest option. The flight time is generally about 1 hour, while the trains listed on this page are overnight services.
A flight takes about 1 hour. The overnight express trains leave New Delhi between 11:35 and 22:35 and arrive at Varanasi Junction or Manduadih between 04:35 and 11:10 the next day.
The Kashi Vishwanath Express, Mahamana Express, Shiv Ganga Express and train 12582 all leave from New Delhi (NDLS). Always check the station named on your ticket.
An overnight train saves a night of accommodation and lets you arrive in the morning. A flight is better if you have limited time.
Meal service depends on the train and the class you book. It is wise to carry your own water and snacks on a long train journey.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Delhi to Varanasi Flights Ticket. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism): Places to Visit In Varanasi. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 18, 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.