Planning a road trip from BodhGaya to Varanasi? Whether you are a pilgrim, a heritage traveller, or a Buddhist circuit tourist, this complete cab fare guide covers everything you need — one-way and round-trip fares for all vehicle types, toll charges, pickup and drop points, tourist stops along the route, and practical travel tips.
Quick Route Facts
- Total Distance: 250–255 km via NH-19 (Grand Trunk Road)
- Travel Time: 5–6 hours (depending on stops and traffic)
- Highway: NH-19 — 6-lane, smooth condition
- States Covered: Bihar → Uttar Pradesh (state entry tax applicable at border)
- Fares Start At: ₹2,800 (Dzire, one-way AC)
- Best Season: October to March
One-Way Cab Fare: BodhGaya to Varanasi (2026)
All fares are approximate and include driver allowance. Toll and state entry tax are extra unless your operator confirms an all-inclusive quote.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | AC Fare (One Way) | Non-AC Fare (One Way) | Extra Per km |
| Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios (Best Value) | 4 Passengers | ₹2,800 – ₹3,200 | ₹2,400 – ₹2,800 | ₹12–14/km |
| Toyota Innova (Old) | 6 Passengers | ₹3,400 – ₹4,000 | ₹2,900 – ₹3,400 | ₹15–17/km |
| Toyota Innova Crysta (Popular) | 6–7 Passengers | ₹3,800 – ₹4,500 | ₹3,200 – ₹3,800 | ₹17–19/km |
| Maruti Ertiga / Xylo | 6–7 Passengers | ₹3,200 – ₹3,800 | ₹2,800 – ₹3,200 | ₹14–16/km |
| 12-Seater Tempo Traveller | 12 Passengers | ₹5,500 – ₹6,500 | ₹4,800 – ₹5,500 | ₹22–25/km |
| 17-Seater Tempo Traveller | 17 Passengers | ₹7,000 – ₹8,500 | ₹6,000 – ₹7,200 | ₹28–32/km |
| 20-Seater Tempo Traveller | 20 Passengers | ₹8,500 – ₹10,000 | ₹7,200 – ₹8,500 | ₹32–36/km |
| Luxury Tempo Traveller (Premium) | 12–17 Passengers | ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 | — | ₹35–42/km |
| Force Urbania Van | 17 Passengers | ₹9,500 – ₹13,000 | — | ₹38–45/km |
| Minibus (26–32 Seater) | 26–32 Passengers | ₹13,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹11,000 – ₹14,000 | ₹50–60/km |
Inclusions: Driver allowance, fuel, parking at pickup point. Exclusions: Toll tax, state entry tax, waiting charges after 30 minutes, night halt charges if applicable.
Round-Trip Cab Fare: BodhGaya ↔ Varanasi (2025)
Round-trip packages include the return journey. A minimum 2-day package may apply for Innova Crysta and larger vehicles.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | AC Round Trip | Non-AC Round Trip | Ideal For |
| Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios | 4 Pax | ₹5,500 – ₹6,200 | ₹4,800 – ₹5,400 | Solo traveller, couple |
| Toyota Innova | 6 Pax | ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 | ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 | Family of 4–5 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6–7 Pax | ₹7,500 – ₹9,000 | ₹6,500 – ₹7,800 | Family trip, comfort travel |
| Maruti Ertiga | 6–7 Pax | ₹6,500 – ₹7,500 | ₹5,800 – ₹6,500 | Small group, family |
| 12-Seater Tempo Traveller | 12 Pax | ₹10,500 – ₹12,500 | ₹9,000 – ₹11,000 | Group pilgrimage |
| 17-Seater Tempo Traveller | 17 Pax | ₹13,500 – ₹16,000 | ₹11,500 – ₹13,500 | Large group, corporate |
| 20-Seater Tempo Traveller | 20 Pax | ₹16,000 – ₹19,000 | ₹14,000 – ₹16,500 | Large pilgrim group |
| Luxury Tempo Traveller | 12–17 Pax | ₹17,000 – ₹22,000 | — | VIP, comfort group travel |
| Force Urbania Van | 17 Pax | ₹18,000 – ₹24,000 | — | Premium group tour |
| Minibus (26–32 Seater) | 26–32 Pax | ₹24,000 – ₹34,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹28,000 | Large corporate, school, pilgrimage |
Note: All fares are indicative for 2025. Actual fares may vary based on fuel prices, season, and vehicle availability. Always confirm the final fare — inclusive of toll and state tax — before booking.
Which Vehicle Should You Choose?
Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios — Best for 1–4 passengers, solo pilgrims, couples, and business travellers. The most economical option with AC, comfortable seating, and ample boot space.
Toyota Innova Crysta — Best for 4–7 passengers and family trips. Premium seating, extra legroom, powerful AC, and ideal for elderly pilgrims. The most popular choice on this route.
Maruti Ertiga — Best for 5–7 passengers on a budget. Mid-size SUV with 3-row seating, good fuel economy, and decent luggage capacity.
Tempo Traveller (12/17/20 Seater) — Best for groups of 10–20, pilgrimage parties, and corporates. Spacious cabin with push-back seats, roof luggage carrier, and available in AC and Non-AC variants.
Luxury Tempo Traveller — Best for VIP groups, international pilgrims, and premium tours. Recliner seats, individual reading lights, curtains, charging ports, and a professional uniformed driver.
Force Urbania Van — Best for 13–17 passengers seeking a premium experience. India’s most premium van — captain seats, powerful AC, and a large luggage compartment. Excellent for Buddhist circuit tours.
Toll Booths & Toll Tax: BodhGaya to Varanasi
The route on NH-19 crosses multiple toll plazas across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. FASTag is mandatory at all toll plazas — ensure your driver has a valid FASTag to avoid double charges.
Car / Sedan / SUV Tolls
| Toll Plaza | Location | Car/Dzire | SUV/Innova |
| Dobhi Toll Plaza | Dobhi, Gaya District, Bihar | ₹65–₹75 | ₹100–₹115 |
| Aurangabad Toll Plaza | Near Aurangabad, Bihar | ₹70–₹80 | ₹110–₹125 |
| Dehri-on-Sone / Sasaram Toll | Rohtas District, Bihar | ₹75–₹90 | ₹115–₹130 |
| Kudra / Mohania Toll Plaza | Kaimur District, Bihar | ₹80–₹95 | ₹120–₹140 |
| Chandauli Toll Plaza | Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh | ₹70–₹85 | ₹105–₹125 |
| Bihar–UP State Entry Tax | Bihar/UP Border | ₹150–₹250 | ₹250–₹400 |
Total estimated toll + state tax (one way): ₹500–₹700 for car/sedan · ₹750–₹1,000 for SUV/Innova.
Tempo Traveller & Bus Tolls
| Vehicle | Toll Per Booth (Approx.) | Total Toll (One Way) | State Tax (One Way) |
| 12–17 Seater Tempo | ₹130–₹170 | ₹700–₹900 | ₹300–₹500 |
| 20 Seater Tempo | ₹160–₹200 | ₹900–₹1,100 | ₹400–₹600 |
| Urbania / Luxury Van | ₹200–₹250 | ₹1,100–₹1,400 | ₹500–₹700 |
| Minibus (26–32 Seater) | ₹280–₹360 | ₹1,500–₹2,000 | ₹700–₹1,000 |
Always clarify with your operator whether tolls are included in the quoted fare.
Pickup & Drop Points
BodhGaya Pickup Points
- Mahabodhi Temple Gate (Main)
- Bodh Gaya Bus Stand
- Gaya Railway Station (16 km)
- Gaya International Airport (20 km)
- Thai Monastery Area
- Tibetan Monastery, Bhutanese Monastery
- Japanese (Daijokyo) Temple
- Great Buddha Statue (80 ft) Area
- Hotel Royal Residency / Taj Toran / any hotel
- Dungeshwari Hills / Sujata Village
- Rajgir (add-on pickup, extra km applicable)
Varanasi Drop Points
- Varanasi Cantt. Railway Station (Varanasi Junction)
- Varanasi City Railway Station (Kashi Station)
- Mughalsarai / Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur
- Dashashwamedh Ghat / Assi Ghat
- Godowlia Chowk / Vishwanath Gali
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple Area
- Sarnath (add-on, 12 km from Varanasi)
- BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
- Ramnagar Fort Area
- All hotels in Varanasi — door delivery
Route Map: BodhGaya to Varanasi via NH-19
| Stop | Distance | Highlights |
| BodhGaya | 0 km | Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Great Buddha Statue |
| Gaya | ~16 km | Vishnupad Temple, Pind Daan — usually a pass-through |
| Dobhi Junction | ~40 km | NH-19 joins here — first toll plaza, good dhabas for breakfast |
| Aurangabad, Bihar | ~80 km | Deo Sun Temple, roadside food — recommended rest stop |
| Sasaram | ~130 km | Sher Shah Suri Tomb (“Second Taj Mahal”), Tara Chandi Temple, Manjhar Kund Waterfall |
| Dehri-on-Sone | ~145 km | Son Barrage, Son River scenic viewpoint — a 10-minute photo stop |
| Mohania / Kudra | ~180 km | Mahavir Temple Pakrihar — Bihar-UP border approaches |
| Chandauli, UP | ~215 km | Rajdari & Devdari Waterfalls (15 km detour), Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Naugarh Dam |
| Varanasi (Kashi) | ~255 km | Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort |
Tourist Places Along the Route
BodhGaya (Starting Point)
One of the holiest sites in Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Must-see: the Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred Bodhi Tree where Buddha attained enlightenment, the 80-ft Great Buddha Statue, and monasteries from Thailand, Japan, Tibet, and Bhutan. Nearby: Dungeshwari Hills (Mahakala Caves) and Sujata Kuti.
Aurangabad, Bihar (~80 km)
Home to the Deo Sun Temple, an ancient Surya (sun) temple dating to the 8th–9th century. Also worth a visit: Umga Temple. Excellent highway dhabas make this a good lunch or rest stop.
Sasaram (~130 km) — Must Stop!
Don’t miss the Sher Shah Suri Tomb, often called the “Second Taj Mahal of India” — a stunning Mughal-era mausoleum sitting in the middle of a lake. Also visit Hasan Shah Suri Tomb, the Tara Chandi Shakti Peeth, and Manjhar Kund Waterfall (seasonal). Try the famous Litti Chokha at local eateries — Bihar’s signature dish at ₹80–₹120 per plate.
Dehri-on-Sone (~145 km)
A quick but scenic stop at the Son Barrage, a magnificent colonial-era engineering feat on the Son River. The historic railway bridge over the river is also a great photo spot.
Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh (~215 km)
Worth a 15 km detour off NH-19 for the Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls set in a forest, the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, and Naugarh Dam.
Varanasi / Kashi (Destination)
The spiritual capital of India. Highlights: Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Golden Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat evening Ganga Aarti (6:30 PM), Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat boat rides, Sarnath (12 km away — site of Buddha’s first sermon), Ramnagar Fort, and Banarasi silk saree shopping.
Travel Tips
Best Departure Time: Start at 5:00–6:00 AM from BodhGaya. This gets you to Varanasi before evening, in time for the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat which starts at 6:30 PM.
Best Food Stop: Sasaram at ~130 km is the ideal lunch point. Authentic Litti Chokha at local eateries costs ₹80–₹150 per plate. Excellent highway dhabas are also available.
Best Season: October to March. Avoid May–June (extreme heat, 44°C+). Monsoon (July–September) is scenic but roads may be wet. Buddha Purnima in May sees heavy bookings — book 2–3 weeks in advance.
Carry Essentials: Water, sunscreen (in summer), and ID proof. Download Google Maps offline before you leave. FASTag lane is fastest at tolls. Carry some cash for state tax in case FASTag is not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from BodhGaya to Varanasi by road? Approximately 250–255 km via NH-19 (Grand Trunk Road). Travel time is 5–6 hours depending on traffic and stops.
What is the cheapest cab option from BodhGaya to Varanasi? The Swift Dzire or Toyota Etios (AC Sedan). One-way fare starts at ₹2,800 and a round trip at around ₹5,500. Non-AC fares are about ₹300–₹400 lower.
How much does an Innova Crysta cost? ₹3,800–₹4,500 one way and ₹7,500–₹9,000 round trip. The most popular choice for families and groups of 4–6 due to comfort and legroom.
Are toll charges included in the fare? Generally not — tolls and Bihar/UP state entry tax are charged separately, payable at the toll booth. For one-way car travel, expect approximately ₹500–₹700 extra. Always confirm before booking whether your quote is all-inclusive or toll-excluded.
What is the best vehicle for a group of 12–15 people? A 12-Seater or 17-Seater Tempo Traveller. AC 12-seater one-way fare is approximately ₹5,500–₹6,500. For premium comfort, the Luxury Tempo Traveller (recliner seats, curtains, charging ports) costs ₹9,000–₹12,000 one way. The Force Urbania is the most premium option at ₹9,500–₹13,000.
Can I book a cab with a Sarnath stop? Yes. Sarnath (Deer Park, Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum) is just 12 km from Varanasi city. This can be arranged as an add-on drop or as part of a full-day Varanasi sightseeing package. Mention it when booking.
Is there a state tax from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh? Yes. At the Bihar–UP border (near Chandauli/Mohania), a state entry tax applies. For cars/sedans: ₹150–₹250. For SUVs/Innova: ₹250–₹400. For Tempo Travellers and buses: ₹500–₹1,000+. This is always extra on top of toll fees.
Is the BodhGaya to Varanasi road safe for night travel? NH-19 is a well-lit 6-lane highway and is generally safe. However, early morning departure (5–6 AM) is recommended for first-time visitors. Night travel through Chandauli district is best avoided unless your driver is experienced on the route.What is the best time of year to travel? October to March. Book well in advance during Buddha Purnima, Diwali, and the winter pilgrimage season (October–February)
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