How long does it take to travel from Banaras to Darjeeling?

By train: approximately 11 hrs 11 min. By road: approximately 8 hrs 58 min.

Banaras to Darjeeling: 557 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Banaras to Darjeeling?

The aerial distance from Banaras to Darjeeling is approximately 557 km (346 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 727 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Banaras to Darjeeling?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 11 hrs 11 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 32 min and are the most affordable.

Banaras

Uttar Pradesh

Darjeeling

West Bengal

557 km

aerial distance (straight line)

346 miles · Road distance: ~727 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

727 km

Road distance

8 hrs 58 min

Drive time

557 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Banaras to Darjeeling

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 30 min

Varanasi (VNS) → Bagdogra (IXB) (nearest airports)

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

11 hrs 11 min

727 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

14 hrs 32 min

727 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

8 hrs 58 min

727 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

557 km (346 mi)

Road distance

~727 km

Recommended

Train (11 hrs 11 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Banaras to Darjeeling distance overview

The straight-line distance from Banaras to Darjeeling is approximately 557 km (346 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 727 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal.

557 kmAerial distance

~727 kmBy road

11 hrs 11 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Darjeeling by air

No direct airport

Darjeeling does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Banaras to Darjeeling

11 hrs 11 min ~727 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Banaras and Darjeeling with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 11 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Banaras to Darjeeling

14 hrs 32 min ~727 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Banaras to Darjeeling route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 32 min covering ~727 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Banaras to Darjeeling Buses

🚗 By car — Banaras to Darjeeling

8 hrs 58 min ~727 km

The drive from Banaras to Darjeeling is a long one — approximately 727 km taking around 8 hrs 58 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Banaras to Darjeeling

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 8 hrs 58 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Darjeeling

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Darjeeling Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Darjeeling

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Banaras to Darjeeling? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Banaras to Darjeeling is approximately 557 km (346 miles). The road distance is approximately 727 km, which takes about 8 hrs 58 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Banaras to Darjeeling? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 11 hrs 11 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 32 min and are the most affordable. Darjeeling doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Bagdogra (IXB).

Are there buses from Banaras to Darjeeling? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Banaras to Darjeeling route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 32 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Banaras to Darjeeling? ▼

The train from Banaras to Darjeeling takes approximately 11 hrs 11 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Banaras to Darjeeling travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Banaras to Darjeeling route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Banaras

Banaras to Darjeeling Distance & How to Reach