Varanasi is well connected to the rest of India by air, rail and road. This guide explains the easiest way to reach Banaras from your city, the best season to visit, how to get around once you arrive and which area to stay in.
At a glance
AirportLBS International (VNS)
Main stationVaranasi Junction (BSB)
Best monthsOctober – March
Ideal stay2 – 3 days
Airport to ghatsAbout 1 hour
Getting aroundAuto, e-rickshaw, cab, boat
In this guide
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) at Babatpur is about 25 km from the city centre. It has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and several other cities.
From the airport, prepaid taxis and app cabs take about 45–60 minutes to reach Godowlia or the ghats, depending on traffic.
By train
Varanasi is one of the best-connected railway cities in North India, with fast trains such as the Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi. There are three main stations to choose from:
| Station | Code | Distance to ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi Junction (Cantt) | BSB | About 5 km |
| Banaras station (formerly Manduadih) | BSBS | About 6 km |
| Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn (Mughalsarai) | DDU | About 17 km |
Tip: Trains to Varanasi fill up quickly around festivals and in the winter season, so book as early as you can.
By road
Good highways connect Varanasi with nearby cities, and UPSRTC and private buses run regularly. Approximate road distances:
| From | Distance | Approx. drive |
|---|---|---|
| Prayagraj | 120 km | 2.5–3 hours |
| Ayodhya | 210 km | 4–5 hours |
| Bodh Gaya | 250 km | 5–6 hours |
| Lucknow | 300 km | 5–6 hours |
| New Delhi | 820 km | 12–14 hours |
Best time to visit Varanasi
| Season | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| October – March | Pleasant, cool mornings | Best season; Dev Deepawali, misty sunrises and malaiyo |
| April – June | Very hot, often above 40°C | Visit early mornings and evenings only |
| July – September | Monsoon, humid | The Ganga rises and some ghats flood; Sawan brings huge crowds |
Getting around the city
- Autos and e-rickshaws are the easiest way to move between areas. Agree on the fare before you sit, or use app-based autos.
- App cabs work well for the airport, Sarnath and Ramnagar.
- The old city around the ghats and Kashi Vishwanath is best explored on foot; vehicles cannot enter many lanes.
- Boats are the most beautiful way to travel between ghats, especially at sunrise.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Dashashwamedh / Godowlia | Walking distance to Kashi Vishwanath and the evening aarti |
| Assi Ghat | Calmer stay, cafes, Subah-e-Banaras and easy road access |
| Cantonment (Cantt) | Larger hotels, close to the railway station and airport road |
Tip: For Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri and the Sawan month, book your hotel weeks in advance.
Start planning your visit
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to Varanasi?
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) at Babatpur, about 25 km from the city centre.
Which railway station is best for Varanasi?
Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the most central. Banaras (BSBS) is also close to the city, while DDU Junction is about 17 km away.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two to three days is ideal to see the main temples, ghats, Ganga Aarti and Sarnath without rushing.
What is the best month to visit Varanasi?
October to March. November is especially popular because of Dev Deepawali.
