How to Get from Varanasi to Mumbai
How to travel from Varanasi to Mumbai: the Mahanagari Express, daily IndiGo flights from about ₹4,000, AC sleeper buses and private transfers.
Contents
- 1. Varanasi to Mumbai by Train
- 1.1 AC First Class (1A) and 2-Tier (2A)
- 1.2 AC 3-Tier (3A) and Sleeper Class (SL)
- 2. Varanasi to Mumbai by Flight
- 3. Varanasi to Mumbai by Bus
- 4. Varanasi to Mumbai by Private Transfer
- 5. Comparing Your Options
- 6. Tips for Traveling from Varanasi to Mumbai
- 7. Timetable
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
- 9. Sources and background
Leaving the Ganges ghats of Varanasi for the Arabian Sea coast of Mumbai is a journey across the heart of the subcontinent: the two cities are about 1,244 km apart as the crow flies.[1] Varanasi offers ancient rituals and a labyrinth of narrow alleys, and Mumbai greets you with colonial architecture, a glittering coastline and a pace that never slows. Because of the distance, the way you travel decides your comfort and your budget.
You can compare trains, flights and buses and book your tickets on GoAsia.cc.
Varanasi to Mumbai by Train
A long train ride is the classic Indian way to cross the country, with a front-row seat to the changing landscape. Several direct trains leave Varanasi Junction for Mumbai every day: the Mahanagari Express (11094) at 11:20 for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), where it arrives at 14:15, the Kamayani Express (11072) at 15:50 and the superfast trains 12166 at 20:20 and 12168 at 10:25, which all end at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT).[2] The ride takes about a day and a night, so choose a sleeper class.
AC First Class (1A) and 2-Tier (2A)
The AC First Class (1A) is the most private way to travel, with lockable compartments. The AC 2-Tier (2A) has two levels of bunks with privacy curtains. Both give you clean bedding and a quiet carriage for the long ride.
AC 3-Tier (3A) and Sleeper Class (SL)
The AC 3-Tier (3A) is the backbone of Indian long-distance travel: air-conditioned, with three levels of bunks in an open layout, and a good balance of cost and comfort. The Sleeper Class (SL) is the cheapest option. It has no air conditioning and can get crowded and dusty, but it is the most social way to travel.
Varanasi to Mumbai by Flight
When time matters, flying is the practical choice. IndiGo runs Varanasi to Mumbai flights daily, and fares typically fall between ₹4,000 and ₹8,000, depending on when you book.[1] Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is about 25 km from the city center of Varanasi,[3] and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is about 7 km from the main city.[1]
Varanasi to Mumbai by Bus
Buses are an option if you miss out on train tickets, although few people choose them for such a long distance. On booking platforms, AC sleeper buses cost about $60 to $120 (October 2026), and the ride takes from about 26 hours, longer with delays.[4] The AC sleeper gives you a bed for the long road through the Indian interior.
Varanasi to Mumbai by Private Transfer
A private car suits groups who want door-to-door service and total flexibility. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $330 (October 2026), and the drive takes from about 23 hours.[4] Larger groups can book an SUV or a van.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Mahanagari Express 11094 (to CSMT), Kamayani Express 11072 and superfast trains 12166 and 12168 (to LTT)[2] | Comfort and the classic journey |
| Flight | Daily IndiGo flights, fares typically ₹4,000 to ₹8,000[1] | Saving time |
| Bus | AC sleeper coaches, about $60 to $120 (October 2026)[4] | Budget travelers without a train ticket |
| Private Transfer | Car with driver, from about $330 (October 2026)[4] | Groups and flexibility |
Tips for Traveling from Varanasi to Mumbai
- Book Trains Early: Indian Railways tickets for the popular AC classes often sell out well in advance. Use GoAsia.cc to secure your spot as soon as your plans are firm.
- Airport Transit: Allow at least an hour for the drive from Varanasi to the airport, as traffic near the old city can be unpredictable.[1]
- Food on Trains: Many trains have pantry cars or e-catering, but carry dry snacks and bottled water for a journey of a full day.
- Mumbai Arrival: Direct trains end at either CSMT or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which lie in different parts of Mumbai. Check your ticket for your exact arrival station.
- Pack a Layer: The air conditioning on trains and planes can be cold, so keep a light shawl or jacket in your carry-on.
Timetable
| Flight Varanasi - Mumbai $ 66.29–198.59 2h 25m – 2h 45m | |
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| Bus Varanasi - Mumbai $ 60.09–119.58 1days 2h – 2days | |
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| Taxi Varanasi - Mumbai $ 328.08–1,840.67 23h 27m – 1days 1h | |
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| Train Varanasi - Mumbai $ 10.02–49.30 23h 15m – 1days 7h 10m | |
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| Train Sarnath - Mumbai $ 10.12 1days 56m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Varanasi to Mumbai, including current prices and schedules.
The Sleeper Class (SL) on a train is the cheapest option. AC 3-Tier and AC sleeper buses cost more but give you air conditioning and a bed.
Flying is the fastest way. IndiGo runs daily flights, which save you nearly a full day compared with the train or the road.
A flight is the quickest. The train takes about a day and a night, and the road journey takes more than a day.
Yes. Trains offer AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier and the non-AC Sleeper Class, all with a berth to sleep on during the long overnight ride.
Flights from Varanasi land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), about 7 km from the main city and easy to reach by taxi or app-based ride.
Yes, rail travel on this route is generally safe for solo travelers. A berth in an AC class (2A or 3A) gives you a quieter, more regulated carriage.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Varanasi to Mumbai Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [3] Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism): Places to Visit In Varanasi. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Varanasi - Mumbai timetable. Retrieved October 25, 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.