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How to Get from Kolkata to Varanasi

How to Get from Kolkata to Varanasi

Last updated: October 15, 2026
Contents

Kolkata and Varanasi are linked by flights and long-distance trains. The flight saves most of a day, while the train suits travellers who prefer to sleep on board.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Kolkata to Varanasi by Flight

IndiGo provides 2 non-stop flights from Kolkata to Varanasi, and the shortest direct flight takes about 1.5 hours.[1] Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport is about 14 km from the city, and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is about 23 km from Varanasi.[1] Incredible India gives the Varanasi distance as about 25 km, so allow time for the transfer into the old city.[2] IndiGo advertises fares from ₹5,370 on this route.[1]

Kolkata to Varanasi by Train

Trains are the traditional overnight option and offer sleeper and air-conditioned classes. Indian Railways opens reserved tickets 60 days before departure.[3] Tatkal tickets, the last-minute quota, open 1 day before the journey, at 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for non-AC classes.[4] Varanasi has 4 major stations: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS), Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) and Kashi (KEI).[2] Check which one your train uses before you arrange onward transport.

Free luggage on Indian Railways is 70 kg in AC First, 50 kg in AC 2-tier, 40 kg in AC 3-tier, AC chair car and sleeper class, and 35 kg in second class.[5]

Timetable

Flight Kolkata - Varanasi $ 74.84–80.73 1h 25m
  • →  Economy 10:00, 15:20
Train Kolkata - Varanasi $ 7.37–34.29 9h 30m – 15h
  • →  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 07:40, 11:45, 12:10, 13:10, 22:45
  • →  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 07:40, 11:45, 12:10, 13:10, 22:45
  • →  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 07:40, 11:45, 12:10, 13:10, 22:45
  • →  SL - Sleeper Class 07:40, 11:45, 12:10, 13:10, 22:45
  • →  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 13:10
Train Howrah - Varanasi $ 7.48–34.49 10h 13m – 14h 35m
  • →  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 08:15, 13:00, 19:20, 20:25, 23:30
  • →  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 08:15, 13:00, 19:20, 20:25
  • →  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 08:15, 13:00, 19:20, 20:25
  • →  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 13:00
  • →  SL - Sleeper Class 08:15, 13:00, 19:20, 20:25, 23:10

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Kolkata to Varanasi?

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

How long is the flight from Kolkata to Varanasi?

IndiGo's shortest direct flight takes about 1.5 hours, and the airline operates 2 non-stop flights.

Which railway stations serve Varanasi?

The major stations are Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS), Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) and Kashi (KEI).

How far is Varanasi airport from the city?

About 23 km according to IndiGo and about 25 km according to Incredible India.

How early can I book a train from Kolkata to Varanasi?

Reserved tickets open 60 days before departure. Tatkal tickets open 1 day before the journey, at 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for non-AC classes.

Sources and background

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

  1. [1] IndiGo: Kolkata to Varanasi Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism): Places to Visit In Varanasi. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  3. [3] Indian Railways: Advance Reservation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  4. [4] Indian Railways: Tatkal Scheme. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  5. [5] Indian Railways: Luggage rules. 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.