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Haridwar and Varanasi are two of India's holiest Ganges cities, far apart across the North Indian plains. Most travelers cover the distance overnight, by train, by bus or in a private car.
Haridwar to Varanasi by Train
Haridwar Railway Station is well connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun.[1] Varanasi is one of North India's main rail hubs with four major stations: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS), Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) and Kashi (KEI).[2] Check which of them your train uses before you book, because it decides how you continue in Varanasi.
Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey,[3] so book early for berths on this popular pilgrimage route. Look up the current direct and connecting trains in the IRCTC journey planner.
Haridwar to Varanasi by Bus
Booking platforms list a direct bus service in AC seater and AC sleeper versions. It takes about 17 to 21 hours and costs about $43 to $61 (October 2026).[4] It suits travelers who could not get a train berth and can cope with a very long ride.
Haridwar to Varanasi by Private Transfer
A private car gives door-to-door service without a fixed timetable and suits groups and travelers with heavy luggage. Booking platforms list this transfer at about 11 hours 40 minutes to 15 hours, with prices starting at about $183 for a standard car (October 2026).[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (AC seater or sleeper) | About $43 to $61[4] | About 17 to 21 hours |
| Private transfer | From about $183[4] | About 11 hours 40 minutes to 15 hours |
Prices and durations for the bus and the private transfer come from booking platforms. Train fares depend on the class and are shown in the IRCTC planner.
Timetable
| Bus Haridwar - Varanasi $ 42.68–60.73 17h 10m – 21h 15m | |
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| Taxi Haridwar - Varanasi $ 182.35–785.36 11h 40m – 15h | |
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| Train Haridwar - Varanasi $ 7.89–35.57 13h 27m – 18h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Haridwar to Varanasi, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list the bus from about $43 and private transfers from about $183 (October 2026). Train fares depend on the class; the IRCTC journey planner shows the current fares.
By road, booking platforms list private transfers at about 11 hours 40 minutes to 15 hours, shorter than the 17 to 21 hours listed for the bus. Check the IRCTC journey planner for current train times.
A private transfer takes about 11 hours 40 minutes to 15 hours and the bus about 17 to 21 hours, according to booking platforms. Train times depend on the service.
Varanasi has four major stations: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS), Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) and Kashi (KEI). Pick the one your train arrives at and check how far it is from your hotel.
Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey. Book early for sleeper and AC berths.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board: Haridwar. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism): Places to Visit In Varanasi. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Indian Railways: Advance Reservation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Haridwar to Varanasi timetable. Retrieved October 15, 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.