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

By train: approximately 26 hrs 28 min. By road: approximately 21 hrs 54 min.

Leh to Sarnath: 1109 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Leh to Sarnath?

The aerial distance from Leh to Sarnath is approximately 1,109 km (689 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,720 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 26 hrs 28 min. Buses take about 34 hrs 24 min and are the most affordable.

Leh

Ladakh

Sarnath

Uttar Pradesh

1,109 km

aerial distance (straight line)

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

🗺 Route map

1,720 km

Road distance

21 hrs 54 min

Drive time

1,109 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Leh to Sarnath

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Varanasi (VNS)

🚆

By Train

26 hrs 28 min

1,720 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

21 hrs 54 min

1,720 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,109 km (689 mi)

Road distance

~1,720 km

Recommended

Train (26 hrs 28 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Leh to Sarnath distance overview

The straight-line distance from Leh to Sarnath is approximately 1,109 km (689 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,720 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Ladakh to Uttar Pradesh.

1,109 kmAerial distance

~1,720 kmBy road

26 hrs 28 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 — Leh to Sarnath

26 hrs 28 min ~1,720 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Leh and Sarnath with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 26 hrs 28 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 — Leh to Sarnath

21 hrs 54 min ~1,720 km

The drive from Leh to Sarnath is a long one — approximately 1,720 km taking around 21 hrs 54 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Leh 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 21 hrs 54 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 Leh to Sarnath? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Leh to Sarnath is approximately 1,109 km (689 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,720 km, which takes about 21 hrs 54 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 26 hrs 28 min. Sarnath doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Varanasi (VNS).

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

The train from Leh to Sarnath takes approximately 26 hrs 28 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Leh to Sarnath travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Leh

Leh to Sarnath Distance & How to Reach