Delhi, the crowded and fast-paced capital city of India, is a mixture of historical significance and a modern touch. On the other side, Varanasi is known as Kashi or Banaras, is said to be the oldest city of all. It is the city of one of the most prominent Hindu gods, Lord Shiva, and people visit here to get a glimpse of the city’s spiritual and historical significance.

Delhi to Varanasi road trip is a whole new experience, as in Varanasi, people get a close look at life and death, the narrow yet full of life streets, various temples, which hold great significance. Ghats, several famous food eateries, local markets, and above all, the friendly people who welcome you wholeheartedly.
What is the distance from Delhi to Varanasi by Road?
The total distance from Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 820 km to 850 km, which usually takes around 11 to 13 hours of travel time. The best time to travel the distance is from October to March due to pleasant weather.
The distance from Delhi to Varanasi differs depending on the route taken and the conditions of traffic. If you are navigating from Google Maps, it recommends NH19, which is very smooth and well-maintained.
Best Routes to travel from Delhi to Varanasi Road Trip
Two road routes are commonly used for the Delhi to Banaras road trip:

Route 1: Via Yamuna Expressway – NH19 (GT Road)
Delhi > Agra > Kanpur > Allahabad (Prayagraj) > Varanasi
Total Distance: 830 km
Highlights of the Route: It is the fastest route with well-maintained, smooth-running roads, multiple food points, and fuel stations along the way.
Toll Plazas: Multiple toll plazas are on the way.
It is the most preferred route taken by car or cab travellers, as it saves time, and the route passes through prominent cities like Kanpur and Prayagraj.

Route 2: Via NH44 and NH31
Delhi > Aligarh > Lucknow > Jaunpur > Varanasi
Total Distance: 860 km
Highlights of the Route: It is a slightly longer route, but it offers you a view of the countryside.
Toll Plazas: This route has a few toll plazas on the way.
It is said to be an ideal route for bikers or travellers who want an adventurous ride through a glimpse of the rural countryside.
Planning to cover a memorable ride from Delhi to Varanasi by Cab?
Why Book a Cab from Delhi to Banaras?
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off services are available.
- Zero inconvenience to wait for train & bus timings.
- You can take stops at your own desired location & travel at your own pace.
- Safe for families and comfortable for elders who want to travel.
Some trusted cab providers like Chiku Cab facilitate you to hire a Delhi to Varanasi taxi that makes your ride comfortable, smooth, and memorable.
Several other modes of transportation are available to travel from Delhi to Varanasi
- Delhi to Varanasi by Train
Train operations: Vande Bharat Express, Shiv Ganga Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express
Time Taken: 8 to 10 hours
Booking Platforms: IRCTC, and other websites or apps available for both Android & iOS users.
- Delhi to Varanasi by Flight
Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara
Time Duration: 1.5 hours
Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
The flight distance from Delhi to Varanasi is around 670 km. It is a good option for travelers who want to save time.
- Delhi to Varanasi by Bus
Operators Available: UPSRTC, private bus services
Types of Buses: AC Sleeper, Non-AC, Semi-Sleeper
Time Taken: 13–15 hours
Famous Attractions to Visit on a Delhi to Varanasi Road Trip
Some exciting stops on the route are:
- Mathura: This place holds spiritual significance as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and also Lord Krishna’s paternal uncle’s fort, known as Kans Qila.
- Vrindavan: It is a sacred town associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood and a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus, also popular among foreigners.
- Agra: Visit various World Heritage Sites like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and also Akbar’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri. A city rich in historical significance and Mughal architecture.
- Etawah Safari Park: A natural habitat built to save endangered species, a Lion breeding and conservation center focuses on environmental awareness.
- Kanpur: An important industrial city in Uttar Pradesh, famous for its leather and textile industries. Also enjoy the famous sweet delicacy, “Thaggu ke Laddoo.”
- Prayagraj: The place of the Holy Sangam of conjoining sacred rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Hanuman Mandir. You can also visit the Allahabad Fort.
Must-Try Food Joints on the way
- Rao Dhaba (Old Rao): Famous for its variety of parathas, daal makhani, and with facilities like good ambiance and a family-friendly environment.
- El Chico Restaurant: A famous food joint that offers a wide range of dishes, including Continental, North-Indian, Chinese, and Italian menus.
- Apni Haveli: This dhaba offers you the authentic Moradabadi Biryani and a wide range of parathas and a family-friendly environment.
- Om Shree Ganesh Food Plaza: An affordable food point along the way offers you tea, pakoras, and North-Indian cuisine.

Travel Tips for a Smooth and Comfortable Journey
- Start early in the morning to avoid the city traffic caused during the rush hours and to also avoid excessive sunlight exposure.
- Rely on the major petrol pumps to fuel your vehicles along the way and keep a check on the fuel from time to time.
- Keep your essentials like ID cards, snacks, water bottles, snacks, and power banks in check and don’t forget to carry them with you on the trip.
- Always keep a check on the weather updates while travelling from Delhi to Varanasi, because the summers can be too hot and the winters are foggy.
- Download offline maps as a backup to avoid inconvenience due to network issues.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the total distance from Delhi to Varanasi by road?
The approximate distance from Delhi to Varanasi is 820 km to 850 km, which depends on the route taken on your choice.
Q2. Which is the fastest mode to reach Varanasi from Delhi?
Flight is the fastest mode to reach Varanasi from Delhi, which takes only about 1.5 hours to reach the destination.
Q3. Is there any direct train from Delhi to Banaras?
Yes, many trains like Vande Bharat, Kashi Vishwanath Express, and Shiv Ganga Express run daily.
Q4. Which month is best for visiting Varanasi?
The best month to visit Varanasi is during the winter months, from October to March.
Q5. Can I book a one-way taxi from Delhi to Varanasi?
Yes, there are numerous taxi services like Chiku Cab that offer you the facility to book a one-way ride.
Are You All Set to Hit the Road to Varanasi?
The Delhi to Varanasi road trip is a journey worth taking, whether you are seeking spiritual peace or exploring new adventures. It may be a long distance from Delhi to Varanasi, but the memories that you make along the way are priceless.
Hire a Delhi to Varanasi cab for a comfortable and smooth ride with trusted professionals.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.