How long does it take to travel from Katra to Varanasi?

By train: approximately 21 hrs 32 min. By road: approximately 17 hrs 15 min.

Katra to Varanasi: 1158 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Katra to Varanasi?

The aerial distance from Katra to Varanasi is approximately 1,158 km (720 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,400 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Katra to Varanasi?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 21 hrs 32 min. Buses take about 28 hrs and are the most affordable.

Katra

Jammu and Kashmir

Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

1,158 km

aerial distance (straight line)

720 miles · Road distance: ~1,400 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,400 km

Road distance

17 hrs 15 min

Drive time

1,158 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Katra to Varanasi

✈

By Flight

2 hrs 18 min

Fly from Jammu (IXJ), nearest to Katra

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

21 hrs 32 min

1,400 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

28 hrs

1,400 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

17 hrs 15 min

1,400 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,158 km (720 mi)

Road distance

~1,400 km

Recommended

Train (21 hrs 32 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Katra to Varanasi distance overview

The straight-line distance from Katra to Varanasi is approximately 1,158 km (720 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,400 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Jammu and Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh.

1,158 kmAerial distance

~1,400 kmBy road

21 hrs 32 minTrain

🚆 By train — Katra to Varanasi

21 hrs 32 min ~1,400 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Katra and Varanasi with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 21 hrs 32 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 — Katra to Varanasi

28 hrs ~1,400 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Katra to Varanasi route. The journey takes approximately 28 hrs covering ~1,400 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 Katra to Varanasi Buses

🚗 By car — Katra to Varanasi

17 hrs 15 min ~1,400 km

The drive from Katra to Varanasi is a long one — approximately 1,400 km taking around 17 hrs 15 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Katra to Varanasi

📅

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 17 hrs 15 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Varanasi Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Varanasi

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 Katra to Varanasi? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Katra to Varanasi is approximately 1,158 km (720 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,400 km, which takes about 17 hrs 15 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Katra to Varanasi? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 21 hrs 32 min. Buses take about 28 hrs and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Katra to Varanasi? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Katra to Varanasi route. The journey takes approximately 28 hrs. 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 Katra to Varanasi? ▼

The train from Katra to Varanasi takes approximately 21 hrs 32 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Katra to Varanasi travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Katra

Katra to Varanasi Distance & How to Reach