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

By train: approximately 12 hrs 35 min. By road: approximately 10 hrs 15 min.

Rishikesh to Sarnath: 702 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Sarnath?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Sarnath is approximately 702 km (436 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 818 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 12 hrs 35 min. Buses take about 16 hrs 22 min and are the most affordable.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Sarnath

Uttar Pradesh

702 km

aerial distance (straight line)

436 miles · Road distance: ~818 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

818 km

Road distance

10 hrs 15 min

Drive time

702 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Rishikesh to Sarnath

🚆

By Train

12 hrs 35 min

818 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

16 hrs 22 min

818 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

10 hrs 15 min

818 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

702 km (436 mi)

Road distance

~818 km

Recommended

Train (12 hrs 35 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Sarnath distance overview

The straight-line distance from Rishikesh to Sarnath is approximately 702 km (436 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 818 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Uttar Pradesh.

702 kmAerial distance

~818 kmBy road

12 hrs 35 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 — Rishikesh to Sarnath

12 hrs 35 min ~818 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Sarnath with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 12 hrs 35 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 — Rishikesh to Sarnath

16 hrs 22 min ~818 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Rishikesh to Sarnath route. The journey takes approximately 16 hrs 22 min covering ~818 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 Rishikesh to Sarnath Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Sarnath

10 hrs 15 min ~818 km

The drive from Rishikesh to Sarnath is a long one — approximately 818 km taking around 10 hrs 15 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh 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 10 hrs 15 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 Rishikesh to Sarnath? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Sarnath is approximately 702 km (436 miles). The road distance is approximately 818 km, which takes about 10 hrs 15 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 12 hrs 35 min. Buses take about 16 hrs 22 min and are the most affordable. Sarnath doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Varanasi (VNS).

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Sarnath? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Sarnath route. The journey takes approximately 16 hrs 22 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 Rishikesh to Sarnath? ▼

The train from Rishikesh to Sarnath takes approximately 12 hrs 35 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Sarnath travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Sarnath Distance & How to Reach