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

By train: approximately 17 hrs 18 min. By road: approximately 13 hrs 37 min.

Shimla to Sarnath: 857 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Shimla to Sarnath?

The aerial distance from Shimla to Sarnath is approximately 857 km (533 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,124 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 17 hrs 18 min. Buses take about 22 hrs 29 min and are the most affordable.

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

Sarnath

Uttar Pradesh

857 km

aerial distance (straight line)

533 miles · Road distance: ~1,124 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,124 km

Road distance

13 hrs 37 min

Drive time

857 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Shimla to Sarnath

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Varanasi (VNS)

🚆

By Train

17 hrs 18 min

1,124 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

22 hrs 29 min

1,124 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

13 hrs 37 min

1,124 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

857 km (533 mi)

Road distance

~1,124 km

Recommended

Train (17 hrs 18 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Shimla to Sarnath distance overview

The straight-line distance from Shimla to Sarnath is approximately 857 km (533 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,124 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh.

857 kmAerial distance

~1,124 kmBy road

17 hrs 18 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 — Shimla to Sarnath

17 hrs 18 min ~1,124 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Shimla and Sarnath with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 17 hrs 18 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 — Shimla to Sarnath

22 hrs 29 min ~1,124 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Shimla to Sarnath route. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 29 min covering ~1,124 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 Shimla to Sarnath Buses

🚗 By car — Shimla to Sarnath

13 hrs 37 min ~1,124 km

The drive from Shimla to Sarnath is a long one — approximately 1,124 km taking around 13 hrs 37 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Shimla 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 13 hrs 37 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 Shimla to Sarnath? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Shimla to Sarnath is approximately 857 km (533 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,124 km, which takes about 13 hrs 37 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 17 hrs 18 min. Buses take about 22 hrs 29 min and are the most affordable. Sarnath doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Varanasi (VNS).

Are there buses from Shimla to Sarnath? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Shimla to Sarnath route. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 29 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 Shimla to Sarnath? ▼

The train from Shimla to Sarnath takes approximately 17 hrs 18 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Shimla to Sarnath travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Shimla

Shimla to Sarnath Distance & How to Reach