Lucknow to Varanasi by Train — Best Options and Route Guide

Lucknow to Varanasi is one of those routes where you're spoiled for choice. Dozens of trains connect these two cities daily, covering the 300 km distance in anywhere from 3.5 to 8 hours. The trick is knowing which trains are worth booking and which ones will test your patience with pointless halts at every small station.

Route Overview

The main rail line between Lucknow and Varanasi runs through Sultanpur, Jaunpur, and then into Varanasi. Some trains take the slightly longer route via Pratapgarh. There's no Konkan Railway-style scenic drama here — it's flat Gangetic plain the entire way — but the journey is short enough that you won't be bored.

Varanasi has two main stations:

• Varanasi Junction (BSB) — the main station, closest to the ghats and old city


• Manduadih (MUV) / Banaras (BSBS) — newer station, less crowded, but further from the ghats


• Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) — formerly Mughal Sarai, about 17 km from Varanasi. Many trains stop here instead of BSB.

Always check which Varanasi station your train goes to. Getting from DDU to the ghats takes another 45 minutes by auto.

Best Trains Compared

Train	Number	Departs LKO	Arrives	Station	Duration	Fare Range
Vande Bharat Express	22437/38	06:00	09:30	BSB	~3h 30m	₹800–₹1,700
Shatabdi Express	12231/32	14:30	18:25	BSB	~3h 55m	₹700–₹1,500
Lucknow Mail	14235/36	22:00	04:30+1	BSB	~6h 30m	₹200–₹1,200
Mahamana Express	22161/62	15:35	19:45	BSB	~4h 10m	₹250–₹1,300
Godan Express	15027/28	06:45	13:00	BSB	~6h 15m	₹200–₹900
Padmavat Express	14007/08	23:45	06:35+1	BSB	~6h 50m	₹200–₹1,000

Which Train Should You Take?

For speed: The Vande Bharat is the clear winner at 3.5 hours. Morning departure, arrive in Varanasi before lunch. The seats are comfortable and you get complimentary breakfast. This is what I'd pick if I'm doing a day trip or short visit. For afternoon travel: The Shatabdi departs after lunch and gets you to Varanasi by evening. Similar speed to Vande Bharat, slightly lower fares. For budget overnight: The Lucknow Mail leaves at night and reaches early morning. Book sleeper class for under ₹250. You save a night of hotel rent. Avoid the slow passenger trains unless you genuinely enjoy watching the train stop at every platform for 10 minutes. Several trains on this route take 7-8 hours for a 300 km journey. There's no reason to put yourself through that when the Vande Bharat does it in half the time.

Fare Comparison

Class	Regular Train	Shatabdi	Vande Bharat
Sleeper (SL)	₹200–₹250	N/A	N/A
CC / AC Chair Car	N/A	₹700–₹800	₹800–₹950
3A	₹550–₹650	N/A	N/A
2A	₹900–₹1,100	N/A	N/A
EC (Executive)	N/A	₹1,400–₹1,500	₹1,500–₹1,700

Platform and Station Tips

Lucknow Junction (LJN) is the primary departure station. Don't confuse it with Lucknow Charbagh (same station, different name) or Lucknow City (a different, smaller station). The station has decent food options — the platform stalls sell good chai and samosa, and there's a food plaza near the main entrance. Varanasi Junction (BSB) can be chaotic on arrival. Auto-rickshaw drivers will swarm you the moment you step out. The going rate to Dashashwamedh Ghat area is ₹100-150 by auto, but drivers will start at ₹300. Use the pre-paid auto stand inside the station if available, or just book an Ola/Uber from the parking area.

Connecting to the Ghats

If you're visiting Varanasi for the ghats (and let's be honest, that's why most people go), here's what to know:

• From BSB station, Dashashwamedh Ghat is about 4-5 km. Auto takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
• From DDU station, it's 17 km and 45-60 minutes. Significantly more inconvenient.
• Many hotels near the ghats are in narrow lanes where autos can't go. You'll walk the last stretch with your luggage.

Booking Tips

1. Vande Bharat sells out fast — book 15-20 days in advance, especially for Friday-Sunday travel
2. Tatkal works well on this route for most regular trains because there's enough frequency
3. During Kashi Vishwanath rush (major festivals, Monday pilgrim rush), all trains fill up. Plan ahead during Mahashivratri, Dev Deepawali, and Navratri.
4. Return journey: If you're doing a weekend trip, book your return train before you leave. Varanasi to Lucknow availability drops fast on Sundays.

Day Trip Feasibility

With the Vande Bharat, a Lucknow-Varanasi day trip is genuinely possible. Depart at 6 AM, arrive 9:30 AM, spend the day visiting ghats and Kashi Vishwanath, take the evening Shatabdi back. You'd get about 5-6 hours in Varanasi. Tight, but doable if you know what you want to see.

For a proper visit though, I'd recommend staying at least one night. The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of those experiences that changes how you think about India, and you can't see it on a day trip from Lucknow.

Food on the Route

The Vande Bharat and Shatabdi include meals in the fare. The food is standard railway catering — edible but nothing special. On regular trains, the platforms at Lucknow Junction and Sultanpur have decent snack options. Varanasi is obviously a food paradise once you arrive — the kachori-sabzi breakfast near the ghats is reason enough to visit the city.

This route is one of the easiest in UP to navigate. Short distance, plenty of trains, straightforward stations. The only thing that can trip you up is booking the wrong Varanasi station or traveling during a major festival without advance reservation.