What is the Distance from Delhi to Varanasi?
This is the most-searched question for anyone planning this trip and the answer depends on your mode of travel.
The distance between Delhi and Varanasi is: By Road: 790–830 km · By Train: Around 760–780 km · By Flight (Aerial Distance): 675–690 km.
In practical terms:
- By road (self-drive or hired vehicle): 820 km via NH19 through Agra–Kanpur route– the most commonly used highway
- By train: Approximately 755 km on the shortest rail route
- By air: Approximately 675 km direct aerial distance
Road Distance from New Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 820 to 880 kilometers depending upon the exact route traveled.
For Dev Deepawali 2026 on November 24, plan your travel at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance- hotels, trains, and group vehicles are all heavily booked for this date.
What is the Best Route from Delhi to Varanasi by Road?
The Delhi to Varanasi distance by road is approximately 820 km and it takes around 12 to 14 hours to reach there depending on the route, traffic, weather and road condition.
There are two main road routes:
Route 1- Via Yamuna Expressway and NH19 (Recommended)
Delhi → Yamuna Expressway → Agra → NH19 → Kanpur → Prayagraj → Varanasi
- Total distance: ~820 km
- Drive time: 12–14 hours
- The toll between the routes might cost you around ₹1,000 to 1,200.
- Recommended rest stops: Agra (breakfast / fuel), Kanpur (lunch), Prayagraj (tea break)
- Road quality: Excellent for the first 600 km (Yamuna Expressway + NH19 are among India’s best highways). The final 100 km from Prayagraj to Varanasi is good but has more local traffic.
Best for: Groups hiring a Tempo Traveller or bus who want flexibility on stops and can depart at their chosen time.
Route 2- Via NH44 and Prayagraj (Alternative)
Delhi → NH44 → Kanpur → Prayagraj → NH19 → Varanasi
- Total distance: ~830 km
- Drive time: 13–15 hours
- Avoids the Agra loop; useful if departing from South Delhi or heading via Lucknow
You can take a stop at the restaurant, Highway Masala near Agra which is famous for its North-Indian food, and Moti Mahal Deluxe near Kanpur to try North Indian and Chinese delicacies.
What Is the Best Train from Delhi to Varanasi?
The train is the most popular and comfortable option for the Delhi–Varanasi journey, particularly for families and groups who prefer not to drive overnight.
Vande Bharat Express- The Fastest Option
Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22436) departs from New Delhi at 06:00 and arrives at Varanasi Junction at 14:00- a journey time of 8 hours.
- Departure: New Delhi (NDLS) – 6:00 AM
- Arrival: Varanasi (BSB) – 2:00 PM
- Travel time: 8 hours
- Stops: Prayagraj Junction and one other stop
- Class: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car
- Frequency: 6 days a week (check current schedule)
This is the fastest and most comfortable daytime option. Book on IRCTC well in advance – Vande Bharat to Varanasi sells out weeks ahead during festival periods.
Other Fast Trains from Delhi to Varanasi:
- Shiv Ganga Express (12560): New Delhi 20:05 → Varanasi 06:10 (+1 day) – overnight train, sleeper and AC options
- Kashi Vishwanath Express: Classic overnight express, well-known and reliable
- Neelanchal Express (12876): Anand Vihar Terminal 07:30 → Varanasi 21:40
For Dev Deepawali 2026 (November 24), book trains immediately upon confirming your trip. Festival-period trains from Delhi to Varanasi are among the most contested bookings on IRCTC. Tatkal quota opens 1 day before travel date at 10 AM if regular quota is full.
How to Reach Varanasi from Delhi by Flight?
Flying is the fastest option- a direct flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Airport details:
- Departure: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi – Terminal 1 for IndiGo/SpiceJet domestic; Terminal 2 for others
- Arrival: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), Varanasi – approximately 26 km from the Ghats
Airlines operating Delhi–Varanasi: =IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and GoAir are the most preferred airlines on the Delhi to Varanasi flight route.
Flight cost: ₹2,500–6,000 one-way depending on booking time. For November 24, 2026 — book flights at least 6–8 weeks ahead. Festival-period fares spike dramatically in the week before Dev Deepawali.
Airport to Ghat: Pre-paid taxis from VNS airport to Dashashwamedh Ghat cost approximately ₹400–600. Autos cost less but are slower. Hotel shuttles are available from most mid-range properties.
Is Urbania Tempo Traveller a Good Option for Delhi to Varanasi Group Travel?
For groups of 9 to 16 people, a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania Van Hire in Delhi for Varanasi is an excellent and often the most economical option, particularly when flexibility and group convenience matter.
You can choose a road trip to Varanasi by booking a bus on rent in Delhi or Tempo Traveller for medium to big groups. While travelling by road for long hours, it is advisable to take stops at Lucknow and Kanpur for refreshment, lunch, or quick rest. Road trips are best to customize your trip as per time and flexibility.
Tempo Traveller Delhi to Varanasi- Key Details:
- Distance: ~820 km one-way
- Drive time: 12–14 hours one-way
- Departure plan (recommended): Depart Delhi by 5:00–6:00 AM on November 23 → arrive Varanasi by 7:00–8:00 PM → rest overnight → attend Dev Deepawali on November 24 → return on November 25
- Cost (Delhi–Varanasi–Delhi round trip, 3 days): Check Our Urbania Van Rental Rate for a trip to Varanasi in luxury.
- Per head cost (group of 12): ₹1,500–2,500 for transport (extremely economical for a 3-day round trip)
The Tempo Traveller advantage for this specific trip: you control your arrival time in Varanasi, can carry more luggage, and on the return journey can stop at Prayagraj (Sangam) or Agra as a bonus destination.
Related Read: What Is the Best Urbania Van Hire in Delhi for Family and Group Trips?
Where to Stay in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali 2026?
Varanasi’s hotels fill up completely for Dev Deepawali. Book 8 to 10 weeks in advance minimum for the November 24 night.
Areas to stay:
- Near Dashashwamedh Ghat: Most convenient for the aarti. Hotels on Dasaswamedh Road and Godowlia area. Mid-range options: Hotel Surya, Brijrama Palace (premium), Alka Hotel.
- Assi Ghat area: Quieter neighbourhood. Popular with long-stay travellers. Homestays and budget guesthouses available.
- Cantonment area (Civil Lines): Larger, more comfortable hotels with parking for vehicles. Good for groups arriving by Tempo Traveller. Radisson Varanasi, Hotel Clarks Varanasi.
Important: Most ghat-adjacent hotels have no vehicle access- guests walk the final 500m to 1km to the hotel. Groups with a Tempo Traveller should choose cantonment-area hotels or properties with designated parking.
Related Read: What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Urbania Van With a Driver in Delhi?
What Is the Best Day-by-Day Plan for Dev Deepawali 2026 from Delhi?
Day 1 – November 22 or 23: Depart Delhi early morning by Tempo Traveller or overnight train. Arrive Varanasi evening. Check in. Evening walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the regular Ganga Aarti — a preview of what’s to come.
Day 2 – November 24 (Dev Deepawali): Early morning holy dip at Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat (4–6 AM). Rest and explore Varanasi through the day – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishwanath Gali, Sarnath (12 km). Return to ghats by 4:30 PM. Witness the grand Dev Deepawali Ganga Aarti and diya lighting. Boat ride on the Ganga after aarti (pre-booked). Late dinner in Varanasi.
Day 3 – November 25: Morning breakfast at a Varanasi café. Visit Banaras Hindu University campus (beautiful early morning). Depart for Delhi by 9–10 AM. Arrive Delhi by 11 PM.
Suggested Read: Golden Triangle Tour by Urbania Van: A Complete Road Trip Guide
Quick Reference – Delhi to Varanasi Travel at a Glance
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (approx) |
| Road (self-drive / Tempo Traveller) | ~820 km | 12–14 hrs | ₹2,000–4,000 fuel (private car) |
| Train (Vande Bharat) | ~755 km | 8 hrs | ₹1,100–2,200 per person |
| Train (overnight express) | ~760–780 km | 11–14 hrs | ₹400–1,800 per person |
| Flight | ~675 km (aerial) | 1.5–2 hrs | ₹2,500–6,000 per person |
| Tempo Traveller (12-seater, round trip 3 days) | ~1,640 km | — | ₹18,000–25,000 total |
| Dev Deepawali 2026 Date | Tuesday, November 24, 2026 |
| Main Ganga Aarti | ~6:00 PM, Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Book trains | Immediately — 120 days before via IRCTC |
| Book flights | 6–8 weeks ahead |
| Book Tempo Traveller | 3–4 weeks ahead |
| Book hotels | 8–10 weeks ahead |