Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi is a journey from the chaotic metropolis heart of India to its iconic, and oddly famous historic city. However, having visited India seven times as a family, we’ve experienced this specific route in almost every way possible: We have flown, we’ve taken the modern fast day trains, and we have taken the classic, slow overnight sleeper trains.
If you are planning to make this journey, here is everything you need to know about choosing, booking and taking the train from Delhi to Varanasi, what to do when you arrive, and how to continue your adventure.
Ready? 🙂
Train Options from Delhi to Varanasi
There are dozens loads of trains running between these two iconic cities, but they can be broadly split into two categories: the fast daytime express trains and the classic overnight sleepers.
Having taken both of those – and in both directions – here are what we recommend as the most popular, reliable daily options for travellers:
1. The Fast Train Delhi to Varanasi: Vande Bharat Express
If you want to save time but still want the experience of those famous Indian trains, the Vande Bharat Express is India’s premium semi-high-speed train. This is by far the fastest train Delhi to Varanasi.
We had a great trip on this fast train. If you weren’t served biryani and chai as part of the included meal you could almost be on a train anywhere in the world! 🙂
- Schedule: It departs New Delhi (NDLS) early in the morning and arrives at Varanasi Junction (BSB) in just under 8 hours.
- The Experience: It is fully air-conditioned, clean, has aircraft-style seating, and includes decent meals served right to your seat. It is a good option if you are travelling with kids and want a quick, predictable journey.
2. The Overnight Train Delhi to Varanasi: Shiv Ganga Express
If you want to save on a night’s accommodation (or just want the authentic adventure of a classic Indian sleeper journey) the Shiv Ganga Express is one of the most popular daily overnight trains. There are others too; but this is the regular overnight train Delhi to Varanasi that we’ve taken:
- Schedule: It departs New Delhi in the evening and arrives in Varanasi early the next morning, taking roughly 10 hours.
- The Experience: We recommend booking a 1AC (First Class AC) or 2AC (Two-Tier AC) sleeper berth. It’s a comfortable, nostalgic way to travel, and you wake up at your destination.
3. Other Trains Delhi to Varanasi
If the premium trains are booked out, the Purushottam Express is another daily alternative that takes a bit longer (around 12 to 13 hours).
Arriving in Varanasi by Train from Delhi
When your train pulls into Varanasi Junction (BSB), you are going to get that sensory explosion immediately. The station is massive, chaotic, and can feel completely overwhelming – especially if you are navigating it with bags and family. Taxis and auto-rickshaws will surround you the moment you exit the platform.
However, our absolute best tip for arriving smoothly is to have a trusted local guide meet you right at the station.
We always recommend our friend and local guide, Ravi Gaur.
We have used Ravi multiple times and suggest him to everyone we know. Ravi can easily arrange a private car or trusted vehicle to pick you up directly from the train station. Trust us, when you step off a long train ride into a completely new, bustling city in India, there is nothing as reassuring as seeing a familiar (or recommended), smiling face waiting for you at the end of the train line.
You can reach Ravi on WhatsApp at +91 85769 16590. to coordinate your arrival.
Where to Stay in Varanasi
Varanasi is crowded, so choosing the right base is essential for maintaining your sanity.
- The Cantonment Area: This area is located away from the intense noise of the old city and has some (relatively) modern, Western-style hotels.
- For the Riverside Atmosphere: If you want to stay close into the action, look for a property near Assi Ghat. We stay here at Hotel Temple on Ganges. Assi Ghat is at the southern end of the river and is much wider, calmer, and less intensely crowded than the central burning ghats.
Things to Do in Varanasi
Once you are settled in, get ready to experience one of the most culturally vibrant places on earth. Intense is an understatement!
Here are a few absolute non-negotiables for your Varanasi itinerary:
- Boat Tour: Float along the Ganges as the city bathes and prays. It is like nowhere else you will have seen.
- The Ganga Aarti: Watch the evening fire and chanting ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Explore the Alleys: Wander through the historic, car-free maze of narrow lanes filled with hidden temples, silk shops, and local street food.
- Visit Sarnath: Take a short day-trip to the peaceful ruins where Buddha gave his very first sermon.
Onward Journeys: Where to Next?
Varanasi is a major rail hub, making it incredibly easy to connect to other legendary destinations across India. Having taken the trains to and from Varanasi across multiple tracks ourselves, we can tell you it is exceptionally well-linked:
- To Agra: You can easily catch a direct overnight sleeper train from Varanasi to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. We have taken the train from Agra to Varanasi, and it is a classic and straightforward route.
- To Kolkata: If you are heading east, there are several trains linking Varanasi to Kolkata (Howrah). Having taken this route ourselves too, I recommend an overnight AC sleeper as it is a longer trip.
- To Jaipur: Want to explore the Pink City of Rajasthan? Regular direct trains connect Varanasi to Jaipur.
Book the Train Delhi to Varanasi
If you are wondering whether to fly or take the train Delhi to Varanasi, we hope this has convinced you! It really is a straightforward train journey to take – and albeit, a popular one.
Our best suggestion is to book the fast train. The Vande Barat is a regular, modern train and makes the journey much shorter than the sleeper trains. The only challenge would be if it is sold out already. So definitely check in advance of your trip!
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Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning any more reasons to visit India!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
