Booking a cab from Varanasi to Chitrakoot is one of the most popular pilgrimage cab routes in Uttar Pradesh. Whether you are a devotee visiting the sacred ghats of the Mandakini River, a family seeking Lord Ram’s footsteps at Kamadgiri Hill, or a group of friends exploring the spiritual heartland of India — ChikuCab offers every vehicle type at transparent, no-surprise fares.
At a Glance
- Road Distance: 250–260 km
- Travel Time: 4.5–6 Hours (approx.)
- Main Route: NH19 + NH35 via Jaunpur–Sultanpur–Atarra
- Fares Starting From: ₹3,800 all-inclusive
- Vehicle Options: 9+ types
- Key Stops En Route: Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Rajapur, Atarra
Note: All fares are one-way base fares and include driver allowance. GST @ 5% is additional. Night charges (₹250–₹500) apply for travel between 10 PM–5 AM. Fares effective as of May 2026.
Distance, Route & Travel Time
The road distance from Varanasi to Chitrakoot is approximately 250–260 km, making it a comfortable single-day trip by cab. There are two main routes, each with distinct advantages.
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Best For |
| Via Jaunpur–Sultanpur (Recommended) | ~250–260 km | 4.5–5.5 hours | Fastest, most efficient route |
| Via Prayagraj (Allahabad) | ~280–290 km | 6–7.5 hours | Combines with Triveni Sangam visit |
Key Stoppage Points on Route 1
- Gopiganj — Fuel and snacks
- Handia — Dhabas and highway restaurants
- Rajapur — Tulsi Ghat, birthplace of Goswami Tulsidas (recommended 20-min stopover)
- Atarra — Last major town before Chitrakoot
During monsoon (July–September), add 30–45 minutes to your estimated travel time.
Complete Cab Fare Table 2026: All Vehicles
The table below shows indicative fares for all available vehicle types. Final fare = Base fare + Toll (₹300–550) + Driver Allowance + 5% GST. Call 844-844-5504 for a confirmed quote.
| Vehicle | Capacity | Rate/km | One-Way Base | All-Inclusive Est. | RT/km |
| Swift Dzire / Etios | 4 pax | ₹14/km | ₹3,500 | ~₹4,200–4,600 | ₹13 |
| Maruti Ertiga | 6 pax | ₹16/km | ₹4,000 | ~₹4,800–5,200 | ₹15 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6–7 pax | ₹18–19/km | ₹4,750 | ~₹5,800–6,800 | ₹17 |
| Tempo Traveller 12-Seater | 12 pax | ₹22–24/km | ₹5,500 | ~₹7,000–8,000 | ₹22 |
| Tempo Traveller 17-Seater | 17 pax | ₹25–27/km | ₹6,250 | ~₹8,000–9,200 | ₹25 |
| Tempo Traveller 20-Seater | 20 pax | ₹28–30/km | ₹7,000 | ~₹9,000–10,500 | ₹28 |
| Luxury Tempo Traveller | 9–12 pax | ₹30–35/km | ₹7,500 | ~₹9,500–11,500 | ₹30 |
| Force Urbania Van | 13–17 pax | ₹32–38/km | ₹8,000 | ~₹10,500–13,000 | ₹32 |
| Minibus (20–26 Seater) | 20–26 pax | ₹35–42/km | ₹8,750 | ~₹11,500–14,500 | ₹35 |
Detailed Fare Breakdown
Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios — Most Booked
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | One-Way Rate | Round Trip Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios | 4 Passengers | Couples, Solo Travellers & Small Families | ₹14/km | ₹13/km |
| Trip Type | Distance | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | 250 km | ₹3,500 | ₹250 | ₹350–₹450 | ~₹200 | ₹4,300–₹4,700 |
| Round Trip | 500 km | ₹6,500 | ₹500 | ₹700–₹900 | ~₹385 | ₹8,085–₹8,500 |
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga — Family Pick
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | One-Way Rate | Round Trip Rate | Luggage Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 6 Passengers | Medium-Sized Families | ₹16/km | ₹15/km | 3 Medium Luggage Bags |
| Trip Type | Distance | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | 250 km | ₹4,000 | ₹250 | ₹350–₹450 | ~₹230 | ₹4,830–₹5,200 |
| Round Trip | 500 km | ₹7,500 | ₹500 | ₹700–₹900 | ~₹435 | ₹9,135–₹9,600 |
Toyota Innova Crysta — Premium Choice
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6–7 Passengers | Families Wanting Premium Comfort | Diesel Engine, Captain Seats, Rear AC |
| Trip Type | Seating Configuration | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | 6+1 Seater | ₹4,750 | ₹300 | ₹400–₹500 | ~₹275 | ₹5,725–₹6,200 |
| One-Way | 7+1 Seater | ₹5,250 | ₹300 | ₹400–₹500 | ~₹300 | ₹6,250–₹6,700 |
| Round Trip | 6+1 Seater | ₹8,500 | ₹600 | ₹800–₹1,000 | ~₹495 | ₹10,395–₹10,900 |
12-Seater Tempo Traveller — Group Travel
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Seater Tempo Traveller | Up to 12 Passengers | Pilgrimage Groups & Family Trips | Push-back Seats, AC, Overhead Luggage Racks |
| Trip Type | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | ₹5,500 | ₹400 | ₹500–₹650 | ~₹320 | ₹6,720–₹7,200 | ₹560–₹600 (12 Pax) |
17-Seater Tempo Traveller — Large Groups
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-Seater Tempo Traveller | Up to 17 Passengers | Large Groups, Office Outings & Pilgrimages | ₹25/km |
| Trip Type | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | ₹6,250 | ₹500 | ₹600–₹750 | ~₹368 | ₹7,718–₹8,300 | ₹454–₹490 (17 Pax) |
20-Seater Tempo Traveller — Best for Weddings
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Seater Tempo Traveller | Up to 20 Passengers | Wedding Parties, Large Family Groups | ₹28/km |
| Trip Type | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | ₹7,000 | ₹500 | ₹700–₹900 | ~₹410 | ₹8,610–₹9,200 | ₹430–₹460 (20 Pax) |
Luxury Tempo Traveller — Premium Group
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Tempo Traveller | 9–12 Passengers | Premium Group Travel | Recliner / Pushback Seats, Individual AC Vents, Charging Ports, TV Screen, Wood-Panel Flooring |
| Trip Type | Base Fare | Driver Allowance | Toll Charges | GST | Total Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | ₹7,500 | ₹500 | ₹600–₹800 | ~₹430 | ₹9,030–₹9,700 |
Force Urbania Van — Ultra Luxury
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force Urbania Van | 13–17 Passengers | Ultra Luxury Group Travel | Aircraft-Style 1×1 or 2×1 Seating, Per-Seat AC Vents, LED Lighting, Underfloor Luggage Bay, USB Charging at Every Seat |
| Seating Configuration | Trip Type | Total Estimated Fare | Fare Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Seater | One-Way | ₹10,200–₹11,500 | All-Inclusive |
| 17 Seater | One-Way | ₹11,500–₹13,000 | All-Inclusive |
Minibus (20–26 Seater) — Pilgrimage Groups
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus (20–26 Seater) | 20–26 Passengers | Pilgrimage Groups, School Trips, Corporate Events | Driver + Co-Driver Included, Full AC |
| Trip Type | Base Fare | Total Estimated Fare | Fare Type | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | ₹8,750 | ₹11,500–₹14,500 | All-Inclusive | ₹443–₹558 (26 Pax) |
What’s Included & What Is Charged Extra
Included in ChikuCab Fare
- Professional verified driver
- Fuel for the journey distance
- Driver’s night allowance (if applicable)
- AC vehicle (for all listed cabs)
- First aid kit on board
- GST invoice on request
Charged Extra (At Actuals)
- Toll charges (paid at toll booths) — ₹350–550 for sedans/MUVs; ₹600–900 for Tempo Travellers/Minibus
- State border entry tax (if applicable)
- Parking charges at temples/ghats
- Driver’s food & stay (for multi-day trips)
- Extra km beyond agreed distance
- Return fare if booked as one-way only
Which Vehicle Should You Choose?
| Vehicle | Group Size | Best For | Budget | Luggage | Comfort |
| Swift Dzire | 1–4 pax | Solo, couple, small family | Most economical | 2–3 bags | Good |
| Ertiga | 4–6 pax | Mid-size family, elderly | Good value | 3–4 bags | Very Good |
| Innova Crysta | 5–7 pax | Premium comfort, long drive | Mid-range | 4–5 bags | Excellent |
| Tempo 12-Seater | 8–12 pax | Pilgrimage groups, office trips | Economical/pax | Overhead racks | Good |
| Tempo 17-Seater | 12–17 pax | Large groups, joint families | Very economical/pax | Overhead+boot | Good |
| Luxury Tempo | 9–12 pax | Premium group, elder-friendly | Premium | Overhead+boot | Excellent |
| Urbania Van | 13–17 pax | Corporate, premium pilgrimage | Premium | Large underfloor | Excellent |
| Minibus | 20–26 pax | Societies, schools, events | Lowest/pax | Large boot | Good |
Top Attractions in Chitrakoot — Plan Your Darshan
Chitrakoot, literally meaning ‘the hill of many wonders,’ is one of the holiest pilgrimages in Hinduism. Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana are said to have spent eleven and a half years of their fourteen-year exile here. Here are the must-visit darshans:
1. Kamadgiri Parikrama
The sacred 5 km circumambulation around the holy hill at the heart of Chitrakoot — the most important ritual for all devotees.
2. Ram Ghat (Mandakini)
The main bathing ghat on the Mandakini River where Lord Rama bathed daily. Evening aarti here rivals Varanasi’s ghats in beauty.
3. Bharat Milap Temple
The spot where Bharat met Lord Rama and begged him to return to Ayodhya. A deeply emotional temple for devotees of the Ramayana.
4. Hanuman Dhara
A hilltop temple with a natural spring that flows on a Hanuman idol. The climb offers panoramic views of Chitrakoot forests.
5. Gupt Godavari Caves
Ancient natural caves where Lord Rama is believed to have held his court. A narrow entry leads to a spacious inner chamber.
6. Sphatikshila
A sacred rock on the Mandakini River bearing the footprint of Lord Rama. Reachable by boat from Ram Ghat.
7. Janki Kund
The bathing kund (pool) of Goddess Sita, set amidst a peaceful forest grove. Ideal for morning darshan and reflection.
Darshan Timing Tip: Most temples open from 5:30 AM and close for a midday break (12–4 PM). Evening aarti at Ram Ghat begins around 6:30–7 PM. Plan your departure from Varanasi between 4 AM and 6 AM to arrive by 9–10 AM and complete most darshans before noon.
Essential Travel Tips
1. Book 24–48 Hours in Advance
For Tempo Travellers, Urbania, and Minibus, always book at least 2 days ahead. Sedan bookings can be made 2–4 hours before departure, but earlier is always safer.
2. Avoid Monsoon Travel at Night
July–September is monsoon season. Some stretches before Atarra can have waterlogging. Plan for daylight travel and add a 45–60 minute buffer.
3. Round Trip Saves 10–15%
If you are returning to Varanasi, book a round trip rather than two one-way cabs. ChikuCab round-trip rates are significantly lower per km than two separate bookings.
4. Innova Crysta for Elderly
Senior citizens and family members with mobility issues will find the Innova Crysta’s high floor and grab handles most comfortable for the 5–6 hour journey.
5. Pay Toll Separately
Keep ₹400–900 cash (depending on vehicle) for toll plazas. FASTag is available on some vehicles — confirm at the time of booking.
6. Best Season: October–March
The coolest and most comfortable months to visit Chitrakoot are October through March. Summers (April–June) can be extremely hot (40–46°C) on this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the road distance from Varanasi to Chitrakoot?
Approximately 250–260 km via the direct route (NH19 via Jaunpur–Sultanpur–Atarra). Via Prayagraj it increases to approximately 280–290 km. Travel time on the direct route is 4.5 to 6 hours.
Q: What is the Swift Dzire cab fare from Varanasi to Chitrakoot in 2026?
Approximately ₹4,200–4,700 all-inclusive (base ₹3,500 + ₹250 driver allowance + ₹350–450 toll + 5% GST). Round-trip rate is ₹13/km. Night allowance of ₹250 applies after 10 PM.
Q: What is the Innova Crysta fare from Varanasi to Chitrakoot?
One-way: ₹5,725–6,800 all-inclusive for 6+1 seater. For 7+1 seater: ₹6,250–7,000. Recommended for families of 5–7 with luggage.
Q: Can I book a one-way cab?
Yes, for all vehicle types. One-way per-km rates are slightly higher than round-trip rates. A round-trip booking often saves 10–15% overall if returning to Varanasi.
Q: Are toll charges included?
For one-way bookings, toll is generally included. For round-trip bookings, toll is typically paid as actual by the passenger at each plaza. State border tax and parking are always extra.
Q: Is it safe to travel at night?
Generally safe, but daytime travel (before 9 PM) is recommended. Night allowance of ₹250–500 applies if travel is unavoidable.
Q: Can I book from Varanasi Airport (LBS)?
Yes. Airport pickup fare is ₹100–200 higher. Available 24×7 with flight tracking. Call 844-844-5504.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM), debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay), net banking, and cash. Advance booking requires 10–25% advance payment. GST invoices available on request.
Q: What is the difference between Luxury Tempo Traveller and Force Urbania?
Luxury Tempo (9–12 seats): recliner pushback seats, individual AC, TV, USB — excellent comfort at mid-premium price. Force Urbania (13–17 seats): aircraft-style 1×1 or 2×1 seats, larger cabin, underfloor luggage bay, higher ceiling — comparable to a private coach. Urbania is ~30–40% more expensive per km but offers significantly better space and comfort.
Q: How do I book a cab with ChikuCab?
(1) Online: Visit chikucab.com for instant fare and booking. (2) Phone/WhatsApp: Call or WhatsApp 844-844-5504. (3) App: Download ChikuCab app for ₹250 cashback on first booking. Confirmation sent via SMS and WhatsApp with driver name and vehicle number.
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