How to Reach Varanasi by Train:
Station Hacks & Smart Decision Guide
Planning a pilgrimage to Kashi Vishwanath? Compare the 8-hour daytime Vande Bharat against the legendary overnight hotel-saver Shiv Ganga Express, and demystify Varanasi Junction (BSB) vs Banaras (BSBS) vs Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU).
Select Your Starting Point to Varanasi
Compare speed-runs, sleeper timings, and station-specific arrival advice live.
Vande Bharat Express
#22436Best Overall: Fastest High-Speed Day Transit
Why This Train Wins for Varanasi Travelers:
Departs at 8:05 PM and arrives fresh the next morning (6:10 AM). Saves a full night's hotel tariff (₹2,000–₹4,000) and preserves your entire working day, though it takes 2h 05m longer.
VANDE BHARAT EXP
#22416The Best Plan B: Reliable operational alternative
Why this is your best fallback if #1 is full:
⚠️ The Trap Detector: 4 Trains to Avoid to Varanasi
Google and ordinary apps sort strictly by departure clock. Here is why you should avoid these trains on this route:
Reaching Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn in the dead of night (1:57 AM) leaves you vulnerable to transport shortages, exorbitant late-night cab surcharges, and paying for an extra hotel night just to sleep a few hours.
Reaching Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn in the dead of night (1:23 AM) leaves you vulnerable to transport shortages, exorbitant late-night cab surcharges, and paying for an extra hotel night just to sleep a few hours.
Reaching Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn in the dead of night (2:25 AM) leaves you vulnerable to transport shortages, exorbitant late-night cab surcharges, and paying for an extra hotel night just to sleep a few hours.
Takes 13h 45m — over 5h 45m slower than premier options. Frequently halted on loop lines to let Rajdhanis and Superfasts pass. Avoid unless all other options have zero waitlist clearance.
Alternative Trains on this Route
Compare schedules, arrival comfort, and trade-offs
Departs at 8:05 PM and arrives fresh the next morning (6:10 AM). Saves a full night's hotel tariff (₹2,000–₹4,000) and preserves your entire working day, though it takes 2h 05m longer.
Essential Rail Travel Hacks for Varanasi
Is Banaras (BSBS) better than Varanasi Junction (BSB)?
Yes, if your train originates or terminates at BSBS (like Shiv Ganga Express). Banaras station is ultra-clean, less crowded, has modern waiting halls, and is much closer to Assi Ghat and BHU.
Which train is best from Delhi to Varanasi?
If you prefer daytime travel, 22436 Vande Bharat (departs 06:00, arrives 14:00) is the fastest at 8 hours. If you want to save a hotel night and not wake up early, 12560 Shiv Ganga Express (departs 20:05, arrives 06:10) is the #1 overnight sleeper pick.
How far is Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) from Varanasi?
DDU (formerly Mughalsarai) is approximately 16 km from the Ghats. It takes 40–50 minutes by taxi or auto to reach central Varanasi.