How to Reach Varanasi

How to Reach Varanasi by Air

Varanasi is connected by air with major cities like Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhubaneshwar. The Babatpur airport at a distance of 22 kms from the city is linked by a shuttle bus service that takes passenger's upto the Cantonment. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to take you into the city.

How to Reach Varanasi by Rail

The main railway station is the junction station near the cantonment area. It is about 3 kms from the old city centre and can be accessed on auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

The other major rail station is at Mughalsarai, 16 kms from Varanasi. Some of the major trains connecting to Calcutta, Guwahati and other places stop at Mughal Sarai. It is easy to find transportation from here to reach Varanasi. There are buses and taxis that ply to Varanasi.

How to Reach Varanasi by Bus

Most buses terminate a short distance from the junction station, and some at the cantonment bus station. Buses connect to Gorakhpur, Gaya, Allahabad, Lucknow, Delhi, Khajuraho and places in Nepal.

Getting Around Varanasi

Varanasi has a local bus network, but buses are usually overcrowded. The best way to move around the city is to hire the auto rickshaws or cycle rickshaws. They are not allowed inside the old city lanes, but will drop you at Dashashwamedha Ghat or to Godaulia in the centre of the city. Fares should be negotiated beforehand. Unmetered taxis are also available. Private cars can be rented from travel agents and hotels. Rented cars are chauffeur driven. Self-driven vehicles are not available for hire. One of the best ways of viewing the ghats of Varanasi and getting into the spirit of the city is to take an early morning boat ride.