How long does it take to travel from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh?

By train: approximately 26 hrs 6 min. By road: approximately 22 hrs.

Varanasi to Leh Ladakh: 1114 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh?

The aerial distance from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh is approximately 1,114 km (692 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,697 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 26 hrs 6 min. Buses take about 33 hrs 56 min and are the most affordable.

Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

Leh Ladakh

Ladakh

1,114 km

aerial distance (straight line)

692 miles · Road distance: ~1,697 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,697 km

Road distance

22 hrs

Drive time

1,114 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Leh (IXL)

🚆

By Train

26 hrs 6 min

1,697 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

22 hrs

1,697 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,114 km (692 mi)

Road distance

~1,697 km

Recommended

Train (26 hrs 6 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Varanasi to Leh Ladakh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh is approximately 1,114 km (692 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,697 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttar Pradesh to Ladakh.

1,114 kmAerial distance

~1,697 kmBy road

26 hrs 6 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Leh Ladakh by air

No direct airport

Leh Ladakh does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Leh (IXL). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Varanasi to Leh Ladakh

26 hrs 6 min ~1,697 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Varanasi and Leh Ladakh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 26 hrs 6 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 — Varanasi to Leh Ladakh

22 hrs ~1,697 km

The drive from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh is a long one — approximately 1,697 km taking around 22 hrs. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Varanasi to Leh Ladakh

📅

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 22 hrs, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Leh Ladakh

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 Varanasi to Leh Ladakh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh is approximately 1,114 km (692 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,697 km, which takes about 22 hrs by car.

What is the best way to travel from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 26 hrs 6 min. Leh Ladakh doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Leh (IXL).

How long does the train take from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh? ▼

The train from Varanasi to Leh Ladakh takes approximately 26 hrs 6 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Varanasi to Leh Ladakh travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Varanasi

Varanasi to Leh Ladakh Distance & How to Reach