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

By train: approximately 12 hrs 36 min. By road: approximately 10 hrs 21 min.

Banaras to Rishikesh: 705 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Banaras to Rishikesh?

The aerial distance from Banaras to Rishikesh is approximately 705 km (438 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 819 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 12 hrs 36 min. Buses take about 16 hrs 23 min and are the most affordable.

Banaras

Uttar Pradesh

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

705 km

aerial distance (straight line)

438 miles · Road distance: ~819 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

819 km

Road distance

10 hrs 21 min

Drive time

705 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Banaras to Rishikesh

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 41 min

Varanasi (VNS) → Dehra Dun (DED) (nearest airports)

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

12 hrs 36 min

819 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

16 hrs 23 min

819 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

10 hrs 21 min

819 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

705 km (438 mi)

Road distance

~819 km

Recommended

Train (12 hrs 36 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Banaras to Rishikesh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Banaras to Rishikesh is approximately 705 km (438 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 819 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand.

705 kmAerial distance

~819 kmBy road

12 hrs 36 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Rishikesh by air

No direct airport

Rishikesh does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Dehra Dun (DED). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Banaras to Rishikesh

12 hrs 36 min ~819 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Banaras and Rishikesh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 12 hrs 36 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 Rishikesh

16 hrs 23 min ~819 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Banaras to Rishikesh route. The journey takes approximately 16 hrs 23 min covering ~819 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 Rishikesh Buses

🚗 By car — Banaras to Rishikesh

10 hrs 21 min ~819 km

The drive from Banaras to Rishikesh is a long one — approximately 819 km taking around 10 hrs 21 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Banaras to Rishikesh

📅

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 10 hrs 21 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Rishikesh

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Rishikesh Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Rishikesh

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 Rishikesh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Banaras to Rishikesh is approximately 705 km (438 miles). The road distance is approximately 819 km, which takes about 10 hrs 21 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 12 hrs 36 min. Buses take about 16 hrs 23 min and are the most affordable. Rishikesh doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Dehra Dun (DED).

Are there buses from Banaras to Rishikesh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Banaras to Rishikesh route. The journey takes approximately 16 hrs 23 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 Rishikesh? ▼

The train from Banaras to Rishikesh takes approximately 12 hrs 36 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Banaras to Rishikesh travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Banaras

Banaras to Rishikesh Distance & How to Reach