How long does it take to travel from Chennai to Sarnath?

By train: approximately 28 hrs 21 min. By road: approximately 23 hrs 13 min.

Chennai to Sarnath: 1397 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Chennai to Sarnath?

The aerial distance from Chennai to Sarnath is approximately 1,397 km (868 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,843 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Chennai to Sarnath?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 28 hrs 21 min. Buses take about 36 hrs 52 min and are the most affordable.

Chennai

Tamil Nadu

Sarnath

Uttar Pradesh

1,397 km

aerial distance (straight line)

868 miles · Road distance: ~1,843 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,843 km

Road distance

23 hrs 13 min

Drive time

1,397 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Chennai to Sarnath

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Varanasi (VNS)

🚆

By Train

28 hrs 21 min

1,843 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

23 hrs 13 min

1,843 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,397 km (868 mi)

Road distance

~1,843 km

Recommended

Train (28 hrs 21 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Chennai to Sarnath distance overview

The straight-line distance from Chennai to Sarnath is approximately 1,397 km (868 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,843 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh.

1,397 kmAerial distance

~1,843 kmBy road

28 hrs 21 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Sarnath by air

No direct airport

Sarnath does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Varanasi (VNS). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Chennai to Sarnath

28 hrs 21 min ~1,843 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Chennai and Sarnath with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 28 hrs 21 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 car — Chennai to Sarnath

23 hrs 13 min ~1,843 km

The drive from Chennai to Sarnath is a long one — approximately 1,843 km taking around 23 hrs 13 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Chennai to Sarnath

📅

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 23 hrs 13 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Sarnath

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 Chennai to Sarnath? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Chennai to Sarnath is approximately 1,397 km (868 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,843 km, which takes about 23 hrs 13 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Chennai to Sarnath? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 28 hrs 21 min. Sarnath doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Varanasi (VNS).

How long does the train take from Chennai to Sarnath? ▼

The train from Chennai to Sarnath takes approximately 28 hrs 21 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Chennai to Sarnath travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Chennai

Chennai to Sarnath Distance & How to Reach