Delhi to Varanasi by Train — Routes, Trains, and Tips
Plan your Delhi to Varanasi train journey. Compare Vande Bharat, Shiv Ganga Express, Mahanagari Express fares and timings for this spiritual route.
Delhi to Varanasi (Kashi) is about 760 km — a journey that takes 8-14 hours depending on the train. With the new Vande Bharat Express cutting travel time to around 8 hours, this ancient pilgrimage route has become much more accessible for weekend travelers. Whether you're headed for the ghats, the temples, or simply to experience India's oldest continuously inhabited city, the train remains the best way to arrive.
Best Trains at a Glance
| Train | Number | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fare Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | 22435/36 | 06:00 NDLS | 14:00 BSB | ~8h | ₹900–₹1,900 |
| Shiv Ganga Express | 12559/60 | 19:00 NDLS | 04:20+1 BSB | ~9h 20m | ₹300–₹1,800 |
| Kashi Vishwanath Express | 15127/28 | 18:30 NDLS | 06:30+1 BSB | ~12h | ₹300–₹1,500 |
| Mahanagari Express | 11093/94 | 17:00 NDLS | 05:00+1 BSB | ~12h | ₹300–₹1,500 |
| Varanasi Superfast | 12561/62 | 16:45 NDLS | 04:00+1 BSB | ~11h 15m | ₹300–₹1,800 |
| Poorva Express | 12381/82 | 20:10 NDLS | 05:50+1 BSB | ~9h 40m | ₹400–₹2,200 |
Vande Bharat — Game Changer
The Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat (22435/36) has transformed this route. An 8-hour daytime journey means you can leave Delhi at 6 AM and be at the ghats by 3 PM. Previously, this required either an overnight train or a flight.
The semi-high-speed train runs at up to 160 km/h through the Gangetic plain. It stops at Prayagraj (Allahabad) en route, which is useful for pilgrims doing the Triveni Sangam visit.
CC class starts around ₹900, EC around ₹1,900. Meals are included — breakfast and lunch. The coaches are comfortable for an 8-hour sit, with adjustable seats and charging at every point.
Booking tip: This is one of the most popular Vande Bharat routes in India. It sells out fast, especially around festival periods (Diwali, Dev Deepawali, Mahashivaratri). Book the moment the quota opens at 120 days.Shiv Ganga Express — Best Overnight
The Shiv Ganga Express (12559/60) is my top overnight recommendation. It departs Delhi at 7 PM, reaching Varanasi by 4:20 AM. The timing is ideal — you get a proper night's sleep and arrive early enough for the morning Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (around 6:30 AM).
The train has SL through 1AC. The 3AC fare is around ₹800-1,000, making it the sweet spot between comfort and cost. The 9.5-hour journey means you get 7-8 hours of actual sleep, which is enough.
Name aside, this train serves both religious and secular travelers. The coaches are typically LHB (smoother ride) and the train maintains good punctuality on this route.
Budget Options
Kashi Vishwanath Express (15127/28): Slower at 12 hours but significantly cheaper in sleeper class (₹300). Departs evening, arrives early morning. Good for budget travelers who don't mind the extra time. Mahanagari Express (11093/94): Similar timing and price to the Kashi Vishwanath. This is a Mumbai-Varanasi train that passes through Delhi, so availability can be affected by upstream bookings.Station Situation in Varanasi
Varanasi has three stations you should know:
Varanasi Junction (BSB): The main station, also known as Varanasi Cantt. Most trains arrive here. It's about 4 km from the ghats and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹100-150 to the ghat area. The station has been upgraded as part of the Kashi makeover. Varanasi City (BCY): Closer to the old city and ghats (about 2 km). Fewer trains stop here, but if yours does, it's more convenient for temple visits. Manduadih (MUV): Recently renamed Banaras, this station handles some express trains. It's between Varanasi Junction and the city center.For ghat access, Varanasi City is closest, but most trains go to Varanasi Junction. Plan your last-mile accordingly.
The Route Through UP's Heartland
The Delhi-Varanasi route passes through the densely populated Gangetic plain:
Delhi → Tundla → Kanpur → Prayagraj → Varanasi
The landscape is flat agricultural land throughout — wheat in winter, rice in monsoon. The population density is visible from the train — settlements appear every few kilometers. Major stations like Kanpur and Prayagraj are busy junctions with platform food options.
The Prayagraj stop is significant for pilgrims. If you're combining a Sangam visit with Varanasi, you could break the journey here.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the sweet spot — cool weather, festival season, and the ghats are most atmospheric. Specific events:- Dev Deepawali (November): The ghats are lit with millions of diyas. Trains are packed — book 3-4 months ahead.
- Mahashivaratri (February/March): The Kashi Vishwanath Temple area is at peak activity.
- Ganga Mahotsav (November): Cultural festival, moderate crowds.
Practical Varanasi Tips
- Morning aarti timing: The sunrise aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat starts around 5:30-6:30 AM depending on season. If you arrive on an overnight train at 4 AM, head straight to the ghats — you'll see Varanasi wake up.
- Evening aarti: The famous Ganga Aarti happens at 6:30-7:00 PM at Dashashwamedh. It's spectacular but crowded. Get there by 5:30 PM for a front spot.
- Boat ride: Hire a boat at Dashashwamedh for ₹200-500 (negotiate hard) to see the ghats from the river at sunrise. This is the quintessential Varanasi experience.
- Food: BHU area has great South Indian restaurants. Lanka crossing for chaat. Kachori Gali for the morning kachori-sabzi that's been served for generations.
- Return booking: Book your return train before you go. Varanasi-Delhi trains fill up just as fast.
Flight Comparison
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is 25 km from the city center. Flights from Delhi take 1.5 hours and cost ₹3,000-6,000. The Vande Bharat CC at ₹900 is significantly cheaper, and the 8-hour journey isn't unreasonable for the savings.
Factor in the 25 km airport transfer (which can take an hour in Varanasi traffic) and the airport arrival buffer, and the effective time difference shrinks further. For most travelers, the Vande Bharat is the better deal.