Travelling from Delhi to Varanasi, which is the best option: flight or train? It is among one of the most common questions travellers pose before heading to Kashi. Trains have their charm, but when time is limited, the choice becomes clearer. A 90-minute flight gets you to the ghats fresh, energised, and ready to explore while the train ride demands 12 hours of your precious time. For most travellers, that isn’t a practical choice.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the route to help you compare at a glance:
- Route – Delhi (DEL) – Varanasi (VNS)
- Air Distance – 667 km
- Flight Duration – 1 hr 20 min (non-stop)
- Train Duration – 8 – 12 hrs (fastest express)
- Airports – IGI Delhi (DEL) → Lal Bahadur Shastri International (VNS)
- Air India Daily Flights – 4 non-stop departures daily
How Long Is the Delhi to Varanasi Flight?
The Delhi to Varanasi flight covers 667 km in 1 hour and 20 minutes non-stop. Most of the flights run daily direct flights across morning, afternoon, and evening slots, giving you real flexibility in when you fly.
- On-Time Performance: Leading carriers, including Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express on this route maintain strong on-time records, making it a reliable choice for time-sensitive travel.
- Total Daily Frequency: Over 31 flights operate on the Delhi – Varanasi route daily across all airlines – seats are available but fill fast during pilgrimage season.
- Flight vs Train: Both options serve this route well. Here is how they compare on what actually matters.
| Factor | Flight | Train |
| Time | 1 hr 20 min | 8 – 12 hrs |
| Cost | ₹4562 – ₹10,000+ | ₹850 – ₹3,300 |
| Comfort | Quick, compact cabin | Spacious berths, room to move |
| City Access | 26 km from ghats (45–60 min) | Varanasi Jn. closer to old city |
| Best For | Short trips, peak season | Budget travel, flexible schedules |
Why Flying Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t
Flying is a good option if you are looking for a quicker, more predictable Delhi to Varanasi journey and the flexibility to choose from multiple departure times. It helps you make the most of your trip, especially on tight schedules. Nonetheless, depending on your budget or if you prefer a slower, more relaxed journey, other options can still be worth considering.
- The Smart Choice For Short Trips: Fitting nearly 24 hours of train travel into a short Varanasi trip isn’t practical. A morning flight gets you to the ghats before noon, leaving the rest of the day free to explore.
- Travel in Peak Season: October- February – Dev Deepawali, Ganga Mahotsav, Makar Sankranti – seats on trains are booked weeks beforehand. The only sure thing is flying at the last minute.
- Board the Train When Time is Not the Issue: There is nothing like an overnight ride on a train through the Gangetic plains. When you are flexible and desire the trip to make the journey part of the trip, take it.
- Train Wins on a Tight Budget: A 3AC berth costs ₹1,500 – ₹2,000. The cost of a Delhi to Varanasi flight ticket will reach ₹8,000 to ₹10000 during the high season. The train is clearly the best choice if the price is of utmost significance.
On the Day: Airport Tips, Check-in and Flight Status
A smooth airport experience starts before you leave home. Follow these steps and you will not be rushed.
- Check Your Terminal Early: Domestic flights operate from different terminals, always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass before leaving home to avoid a costly 30 – 45 minute shuttle detour.
- Web Check-in Opens 48 Hours Before: Use web check-in for smooth check-in. It closes 1 hour before departure for domestic flights. Check in early, pick your seat, and skip the airport counter queue entirely.
- Gate Closes 20 Minutes Before Departure: Check-in counters at Delhi Airport close 45 minutes before domestic departure. Boarding gates closed 20 minutes prior to taking off. Intention is to arrive at your gate at least 40 minutes before taking off.
- Track Live Flight Status: Check live status on airindia.com using your flight number or PNR. Especially useful during June – September when monsoon delays are common on North India routes.
Varanasi on Arrival: Airport to City
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) sits 26 km northwest of the city at Babatpur, one of India’s oldest airports, dating back to 1924.
Airport to the Ghats: Pre-paid cab takes 45 -60 minutes to Dashashwamedh Ghat – tell your driver exactly where you want to go as inner old city lanes allow auto and foot traffic only.
Choose Train When Time Is No Constraint: An overnight train across for this journey is an experience in itself – unhurried, immersive and deeply memorable in a way you will always remember.
The Smart Call For Most Travellers: Flying saves a full day of transit and gets you to the ghats fresh and ready to explore – book early, check in online, and spend your time in Kashi.