How to Get from Varanasi to Kolkata
Varanasi to Kolkata by train or flight: the Sealdah Express timetable, non-stop flight time of about 1 hour 20 minutes and airport distances.
Contents
Leaving behind the spiritual intensity of the Ganges in Varanasi for the grand colonial architecture and intellectual pulse of Kolkata is a journey through the heart of northern India. Varanasi feels like a city outside of time, while Kolkata is a sprawling metropolis where old trams still rattle past modern cafes. This is a classic Indian corridor, linking the holy city of Lord Shiva with the cultural capital of the East.
You can fly in little more than an hour or take the train, the most atmospheric way to go. You can compare options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Varanasi to Kolkata by Flight
A non-stop IndiGo flight from Varanasi to Kolkata takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is about 26 km from Varanasi, so allow time for the road transfer, and Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is about 17 km from the city centre.[1] Even with airport procedures, flying saves most of a day.
Varanasi to Kolkata by Train
The train lets you watch the landscape of Bihar and West Bengal change from your window. The Sealdah Express (13134) leaves Varanasi Junction at 08:40 and arrives at Sealdah at 10:55. In the opposite direction, the Sealdah-Varanasi Express (13133) leaves Sealdah at 21:15 and reaches Varanasi Junction at 21:40.[2] It is a long ride, so allow a full day for the trip.
Choose an air-conditioned class for lockable comfort and bedding, or a sleeper-class berth for a basic, authentic experience. Kolkata has several large stations, including Howrah and Sealdah, so check where your train arrives before you plan your onward ride.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration or timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | About 1h 20min non-stop[1] | Varanasi airport to Kolkata airport |
| Train | 13134 leaves Varanasi Junction at 08:40, arrives at Sealdah at 10:55[2] | A long journey, allow a full day |
Tips for Traveling from Varanasi to Kolkata
- Book trains early: Indian Railways tickets often sell out weeks in advance, especially for the air-conditioned classes.
- Plan the airport transfer: Traffic in Varanasi's narrow lanes is unpredictable, so leave for the airport with time to spare.
- Pack snacks and water: Food is sold on many trains, but bottled water and dry snacks make a long journey easier.
- Winter fog: Between December and February, heavy fog can delay both flights and trains in northern India.
Timetable
| Flight Varanasi - Kolkata $ 70.67–80.39 1h 20m | |
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| Bus Varanasi - Kolkata $ 11.14–59.27 11h 45m – 1days 6h 51m | |
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| Taxi Varanasi - Kolkata $ 172.35–352.19 10h 25m – 11h 44m | |
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| Train Varanasi - Kolkata $ 7.24–21.75 14h – 14h 30m | |
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| Train Varanasi - Howrah $ 7.29–33.64 11h – 14h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Varanasi to Kolkata, including current prices and schedules.
Fly. A non-stop IndiGo flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Yes. The Sealdah Express (13134) leaves Varanasi Junction at 08:40 and arrives at Sealdah at 10:55. In the other direction, the Sealdah-Varanasi Express (13133) leaves Sealdah at 21:15 and reaches Varanasi Junction at 21:40.
The flight runs from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) in Varanasi, about 26 km from the city, to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, about 17 km from the city centre.
Kolkata has several large stations, including Howrah and Sealdah. The Sealdah Express arrives at Sealdah, so check the arrival station of your train and plan your onward ride to your hotel accordingly.
Overnight travel is very common in India. On the train, an air-conditioned class gives more comfort and security, and you should keep valuables in a small bag next to you.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Varanasi to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 27, 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.