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

By train: approximately 17.3 hours. By road: approximately 19.1 hours.

Rishikesh to Varanasi Distance, Route & Travel Options

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Varanasi?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Varanasi is approximately 706 km (439 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 953 km.

Q: What is the best time to travel from Rishikesh to Varanasi?

October to March is the most pleasant season for travel across India. Avoid monsoon (June-September) for road trips. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.

Q: How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Varanasi?

The train from Rishikesh to Varanasi takes approximately 17.3 hours. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

706 km

aerial distance (straight line)

439 miles · Road distance: ~953 km

How to get from Rishikesh to Varanasi

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest to Rishikesh: Dehradun (DED)

🚆

By Train

~17.3 hrs

953 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

~23.8 hrs

953 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

~19.1 hrs

953 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

706 km (439 mi)

Road distance

~953 km

Fastest mode

Train (~17.3 hrs)

Cheapest mode

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Varanasi distance overview

The straight-line (aerial) distance from Rishikesh to Varanasi is approximately 706 km (439 miles). By road, the distance increases to approximately 953 km due to the terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Uttar Pradesh.

706 kmAerial distance

~953 kmBy road

~17.3 hrsFastest route

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Varanasi

~17.3 hours ~953 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Varanasi with multiple daily services. The journey takes around 17.3 hours — Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops.

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 Varanasi

~23.8 hours ~953 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option. The journey takes approximately 23.8 hours covering ~953 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, basic comfort

Night buses are especially popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Rishikesh to Varanasi Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Varanasi

~19.1 hours ~953 km

A road trip from Rishikesh to Varanasi covers approximately 953 km and takes around 19.1 hours. Actual time depends on traffic, road quality, and stops along the way.

Start early to avoid city traffic and use daylight hours, especially on mountainous or rural terrain. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry sufficient fuel for remote stretches.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Varanasi

📅

Book early
Book flights and 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 8 hours, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Budget to luxury hotels from ₹999/night. 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 Rishikesh to Varanasi? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Varanasi is approximately 706 km (439 miles). The road distance is approximately 953 km, which takes about 19.1 hours by car.

What is the fastest way to travel from Rishikesh to Varanasi? ▼

The fastest option is by train, taking approximately 17.3 hours. Varanasi does not have a major airport, so flying requires reaching the nearest airport at a nearby city.

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Varanasi? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Varanasi route. The journey takes approximately 23.8 hours. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

What is the best time to travel from Rishikesh to Varanasi? ▼

The best time to travel depends on the weather at your destination. Generally, October to March offers the most pleasant weather across most of India. Avoid monsoon season (June-September) if travelling by road, as heavy rains can cause delays and road closures. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.

How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Varanasi? ▼

The train journey from Rishikesh to Varanasi takes approximately 17.3 hours. Express trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi are faster, while mail/passenger trains take longer with more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Varanasi travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

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Rishikesh to Varanasi — Distance, Route & Travel Guide