The incredible Holy City of Varanasi feels like a world away from the love story of the Taj Mahal and historic Agra. But in fact it is less than seven hours by fast train Agra to Varanasi.
And the best news? It is direct and easy to travel by train between the two.
Here is everything you need to know about catching the train from Agra to Varanasi. Plus, some (very) honest thoughts on our experience of traveling by train in India…
- Is There a Direct Train?
- Trains Agra to Varanasi
- How Long is the Train Agra to Varanasi?
– Vande Bharat
– Marudhar Exp
– Lichichivi Exp - Which Train to Book?
- What is it Really Like?
- Buying Tickets
- Classes of Train
- Departing Agra
- Arriving to Varanasi
- Things to Know Before Travelling
- Where to Stay in Agra and Varanasi
Is There a Direct Train Agra to Varanasi?
Yes. There are daily trains from Agra to Varanasi that travel directly without need to change trains or book more than one train for the route.
Options to Travel by Train Agra to Varanasi?
There are in fact more than 20 trains that cover the route daily between Agra and Varanasi!
It is a convenient way to travel between the two cities. But there is a huge range of the services that make this trip.
Some are super-fast daytime trains, some are mid-speed overnight trains and others are very slow local trains.
Fast Trains Agra to Varanasi
To keep options simple (it is actually easy), there are two main types of Fast Train that connect Agra and Varanasi.
- VANDE BHARAT
This is India’s most modern and fastest train. It is a reserved service with air-conditioned seating only (standard express and local trains have sleeper berths) and connects cities of medium distance. It is capable of 160 km/h and used in service at up to 130 km/h (80 mph)!
- MAIL & EXPRESS TRAINS
These are excellent fast all-air-conditioned sleeper trains linking the major cities in India. The Mail and Express trains have a faster schedule than the local trains without stopping at every station.
Local Trains Agra to Varanasi
The other trains to Varanasi are Standard and Local Trains which operate with varying classes of travel.
However, many of the local trains only have non-air-conditioned and non-reserved seating classes and take upwards of 12+ hours. These are usually the trains that depart during the night and arrive in the wee hours of the morning.
Tip: Not every express train runs seven days a week. When planning your train Agra to Varanasi, always double-check the specific days of operation for your preferred train number.
How Long is the Train Agra to Varanasi?
The fastest train Agra to Varanasi is the Vande Bharat Express which takes seven hours.
The longer, local trains take between 10 – 16 hours.
Main Trains Operating From Agra to Varanasi
There are multiple daily trains and overnight trains operating between Agra and Varanasi. However, for most travellers it isn’t convenient to depart or arrive to a new destination in the wee hours of the morning.
So, with that in mind, these are the main options to consider for comfort and convenience by train Agra to Varanasi.
Fast Train Agra to Varanasi
If you prefer speed and modern amenities over sleeping on a train, this is your best bet – the Vande Bharat Express.
It is the fastest way to traverse the distance while enjoying the changing landscapes of Uttar Pradesh.
- Train Number: #20176
- Station: Departs from Agra Cantt (AGC)
- Time: 06:00 – 13:00 (7 hours)
- Schedule: Daily except Friday.
Overnight Trains Agra to Varanasi
The overnight trains allow you to save on a night’s hotel stay and arrive in Varanasi ready to explore.
- MARUDHAR EXP (14854)
Departs on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Agra Fort (AF) at 18:20H and arrives to Varanasi (BSB) at 09:45H the next morning taking 15 hours 25 mins.
- LICHCHIVI EXP (14006)
Departs daily from Tundla Junction (TDL) in Agra at 18:20H and arrives to Varanasi (BSB) at 06:00H the next morning taking 9 hours 5 minutes.
Note on Tundla Junction (TDL): Be aware that Tundla is about 25–30km (a 45–60 minute taxi ride) from central Agra. Many high-speed long-distance trains use this station as a bypass to avoid the city center congestion.
Weekly Trains Agra to Varanasi
There are a few other overnights trains Agra to Varanasi that only operate once a week.
So if you are traveling on a specific day of the week, these express services are also great alternatives:
- Guwahati Exp: Departs from Agra Fort (AF) every Saturday.
- MMCT Banaras Special: Departs from Agra Fort (AF) every Thursday.
Which Train is Best to Book?
Choosing the best train Agra to Varanasi depends on whether you value speed or saving on a night’s hotel stay. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons for the top three contenders.
1. Vande Bharat Express (Train #20176)
This Fast Train is best for travellers who want speed and modern comfort.
It isn’t too different to an intercity fast train in other countries. (It is a far cry from the images of people riding the roofs of trains in India – I promise!).
- PROS
- Fastest Journey: Only 7 hours compared to 9–15 hours on other trains.
- Daytime Schedule: Arrive at 1:00 PM, perfectly timed for hotel check-ins.
- Modern Amenities: Features AC Chair Class (CC) and Executive Class (EC) with onboard catering, cleaner toilets, and faster speeds.
- CONS
- Early Start: Departs at 6:00 AM, requiring an early wake-up call.
- No Fridays: Does not operate on Fridays.
- Seating Only: No sleeper berths; you are in a seat for the duration.
2. Lichchivi Express (Train #14006)
Best for daily reliability and saving on accommodation.
- PROS
- Daily Service: Runs every single day of the week.
- Sleeper Options: Offers AC First Class (1A) and Second Class (2A) for a comfortable night’s rest.
- Convenient Departure: Leaves around 8:55 PM, giving you a full final day in Agra.
- CONS
- Early Arrival: Arrives in Varanasi at 6:00 AM. You may have to wait several hours to check into a hotel or pay for an extra night.
- Station Location: Departs from Tundla Junction, which is a 45–60 minute taxi ride from central Agra.
3. Marudhar Express (Train #14854 / 14864 / 14866)
Best for a central Agra departure and a late morning arrival.
- PROS
- Ideal Timing: Arrives in Varanasi between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM (depending on the specific day’s route), which is much closer to standard check-in times.
- Central Station: Leaves from Agra Fort (AF), located right in the city center.
- CONS
- Slowest Option: Takes over 15 hours to complete the journey.
- Limited Frequency: Only runs three days a week (typically Mon, Thu, Sat for the main service).
Which one should you book?
We recommend the Vande Bharat as the best option by train Agra to Varanasi.
It is the most hassle-free experience. You avoid the long overnight travel times, arrive in Varanasi while it’s still light out, and get to experience India’s premier high-speed rail service.
We Recommend: Book the Vande Bharat.
Wait! One thing to note for 2026: IRCTC now requires Aadhaar authentication for certain advance bookings on the opening day of the reservation period.
What is it Really Like Taking a Train in India?
Honestly? Is it as bad as you hear?
Train travel in India is a fantastic way to get around the country and a great opportunity to glimpse local life as you journey.
It is nothing like you imagine conjuring up images of riding on the roof with crowds of locals.
Albeit India Railway does move 23 million passengers daily around the country. That’s not a typo by the way! But especially the fast trains make the journey from Agra to Varanasi smooth and comfortable.
Give or take a few chapati and the crowds and potentially any cows congesting the station itself. You could – almost – be anywhere in the world! 🙂
Read Our Complete Guide To Train Travel In India.
The VANDE BHARAT Train Agra to Varanasi
Traveling on the Vande Bharat in India is a modern and smooth way to travel. It truly is a comfortable seated style of train travel.
The Vande Bharat train Agra to Varanasi departs early in the morning and arrives just after lunchtime.
This is a good time of day to travel and means you will be in time to check in to your accommodation and watch the evening Ganga Aarti Ceremony.
The seated style of class is comfortable and there is the option for meals, snacks and tea included in the ticket.
The Overnight Train Agra to Varanasi
Both the LICHCHIVI EXP and MARUDHAR EXP are overnight trains from Agra to Varanasi. They depart in the evening and arrive in Varanasi the next morning.
This is a good time of day to depart and makes it easy to get settled in on board the train and sorted with bedding for the night.
Albeit the LICHCHIVI EXP arrives early to Varanasi (at 6:00am). But the morning time is busy on the River Ganges and hotels are used to travellers arriving at different hours of the morning and night.
We most recently travelled by overnight train Agra to Varanasi in AC Second Class (2A). Second Class (2A) is a comfortable way to journey overnight and is the class we normally pick for mid-range overnight travel.
Buying Tickets for the Train Agra to Varanasi
Tickets are the next step once you have decided on which train Agra to Varanasi fits your India itinerary.
Because trains in India get booked in advance I recommend buying tickets online before you travel. Preferably before you arrive in the country. Or alternatively if you have a travel agent or booking contact in India it might be easier to book through them ahead of time.
Otherwise there are three options for you to book and buy tickets for the train to Varanasi:
- Go to a railway station (in Delhi) and book in person when you arrive
- Book online directly from Indian Railways at the IRCTC websitewww.irctc.co.in
- Book online through third party 12GoAsia.
Because there are limited options for fast train services or First Class travel from Agra to Varanasi I recommend booking online through ticketing agency 12go.asia.
You can type in the different options for dates, days and classes of travel and pay by credit card.
To use the IRCTC website you will need a VPN to book train tickets from outside of India. There is also the added challenge of needing a local Indian contact phone number – which most often defeats the purpose of even using a VPN while out of the country!
But the IRCTC website is useful to see exactly when and which days there are tickets available for the trains from Agra to Varanasi.
- Read Train Travel in India and how to buy tickets for India Railways.
Classes of Train Travel in India
Which is the best class of train to travel in on Indian Railways?
There are eight different classes of train travel in India.
I admit it can be more than a little overwhelming trying to decipher the class codes for a first time.
These are the classes of train travel in India listed below in descending order according of price per fare.
- First Class (1A)
- Second AC: 2-Tier AC (2A)
- Third AC: 3-Tier AC (3A)
- AC Executive Chair Class (EC)
- Seated AC: AC Chair Car (CC)
- Sleeper Class (SL)
- General: Second Class Seats (2S, II)
- Unreserved General Class (UR)
Classes of Train Agra to Varanasi
The decision of which class of travel on the train between Agra and Varanasi is more straight forward as not all these classes are available on every train.
Seated AC Chair Class (CC) is great for short and mid-range daytime travel and 1A or 2A is a good choice for overnight train journeys.
- Best Daytime Option: CC
- Best Overnight Option: 1A* or 2A
We usually travel overnight in 2A though if it is your first time traveling overnight by train in India and you aren’t on too strict a budget you might appreciate the more relaxing 1A.
Understanding Travel Classes by Train Agra to Varanasi
Choosing the right class is just as important as choosing the right train. In India, the experience varies significantly between daytime “Chair Cars” and overnight “Sleeper” coaches.
Here is a breakdown of the classes available on the main routes by train Agra to Varanasi.
Daytime: Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat is a premium, all-seated train. You won’t find bunks here, but the seats are modern and comfortable.
- CC (AC Chair Car): This is our go-to choice. It’s affordable and comfortable, featuring a 3×2 seating layout (three seats on one side, two on the other) similar to an airplane.
- EC (Executive Class): The luxury option. It offers more legroom, a 2×2 seating configuration, and slightly more elaborate meal service.
Overnight Sleeping: Express & Mail Trains
For the long haul, you’ll want a bed.
These classes provide bunks (berths) and pillows, sheets, and blankets for the night.
- 1A (AC First Class): The most private and expensive way to travel. Cabins feature lockable doors and either two or four berths. Because there are very few 1A carriages, these tickets sell out the fastest.
- 2A (AC Two Tier): Our top recommendation for a balance of comfort and price. Each bay has four berths (two upper, two lower) and privacy curtains that separate you from the aisle.
- 3A (AC Three Tier): Similar to 2A, but with six berths per bay (three levels). It is more crowded, and you generally won’t have privacy curtains.
- 3E (AC Three Tier Economy): Very similar to 3A but slightly more compact; a budget-friendly way to get air-conditioned sleeping space.
- SL (Sleeper Class): These are non-air-conditioned. While very cheap, they can be dusty and loud, and bedding is not provided.
I wouldn’t recommend Sleeper Class for this distance. We generally recommend staying in the AC classes for this long journey!
Class Availability by Train
| Train | Classes |
| Vande Bharat | EC, CC |
| Lichchivi Exp | 1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, SL |
| Marudhar Exp | 2A, 3A, SL |
| Weekly Trains* | 1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, SL |
*Includes MMCT Banaras Special (Thurs) and Guwahati Exp (Sat).
Our Recommendations
- For the Vande Bharat: Go with CC (Chair Car). It’s plenty comfortable for a 7-hour journey.
- For Overnights: Choose 2A (Two Tier). The privacy curtains and having only four people per bay make a huge difference in how well you sleep.
How Much is the Train Agra to Varanasi?
Prices for a train ticket to Varanasi vary depending on the class of train travel.
- VANDE BHARAT
Executive Class (EC): 2850 INR
Chair Class (CC): 1570 INR
- MARUDHAR EXP
Second Class (2A): 1410 INR
Third Class (3A): 990 INR
Sleeper Class (SL): 365 INR
- LICHCHIVI EXP
First Class (1A): 2100 INR
Second Class (2A): 1260 INR
Third Class (3A): 885 INR
Sleeper Class (SL): 325 INR
Note that ‘Sleeper Class’ (SL) is a non-air-conditioned and very basic class of train travel in India. It is not a class of travel I recommend for overnight trains in India.
About the Journey. Are Meals Included?
Meals are included with the ticket on most of the Vande Bharat Express trains in India.
On the Express and Mail trains meals are not included in the ticket price, though food and drinks are available to be purchased on board.
A morning snack plate and chai plus a vegetarian lunch on board the Vande Bharat.
Boarding Stations for the Train Agra to Varanasi
There are three main railway stations in Agra and each of the trains Agra to Varanasi departs from a different station.
Agra Railway Stations
- Agra Cantt (AGC)
- Agra Fort (AF)
- Tundla Junction (TDL)
It is IMPORTANT to check the departure station at the station code of your train ticket so you know which Agra railway station you are leaving from.
Varanasi Railway Stations
In Varanasi, there are two main railway stations connecting with trains from Agra.
- Varanasi Junction Railway Station (BSB)
- Banaras Railway Station (BSBS)
Varanasi Junction, also known as Varanasi Cantt or BSB, is the largest and main railway station in Varanasi.
Banaras Railway Station (BSBS) was formerly known as Manduadih Station and is just 4km from BSB.
Arriving to Catch the Train Agra to Varanasi
First, check which railway station in Agra you are departing from.
Next, check you eTicket and find these details:
- Train Name and Number
eg. VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS #20176 - Platform
eg. PL 2 - Carriage
eg. C1 or C2 - Seat
eg. 22 or 23
Arriving at the station in Agra, look for the large electronic board with the scheduled departure times, expected arrival/departure times and the platform numbers.
You can confirm the platform number by using your train name or number.
Departing from Agra
Each of the train stations in Agra have waiting rooms for passengers traveling in air-conditioned classes.
These are small, air-conditioned lounges where for 100 – 200 INR ($1 – 2 USD) you can wait with WIFI (supposedly) and away from the crowds.
Arriving to Varanasi
Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station in Varanasi for the overnight trains. However the Vande Bharat arrives to BSBS.
Both railway stations are less than 6km from the city and main Ghats.
- Tip: It can be daunting arriving and heading outside to the busy swarm of touts and rickshaws at any time of day. It is best to organise a pickup from the train by your accommodation.
Boarding the Train (Any Train in India)
Confirm the departure station in Agra for your train first and then check to see which platform your train departs from.
The platform number will be on your eTicket as well as on the departure boards at the station.
- Tip: Make a note of your 5-digit train number (eg. #20176) as some stations will show trains by numbers rather than destinations
Stand in Place on the Platform
Once you’ve found your platform, you then need to find where to stand on your platform.
THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
Indian trains can be ridiculously long. But along the platform there are small, electronic boards above the boarding areas.
These will display your carriage number and the next arriving train number.
For example:
- #20176 (train number)
- C1 (carriage number)
Each carriage also has the coach number displayed on the train near the middle of the carriage somewhere up the top.
It will state the carriage number (eg. A1, C1). Then the carriage number printed on the train should correspond with the digital number on the changing sign in position above the platform.
As a last resort take note of the carriage windows as the train arrives. The classes with air conditioning have closed/fixed windows and the classes without AC have open windows with bars.
Hopefully you have booked one with air conditioning and you can confirm by window type you are in the right place!
Is it Safe to Travel by Train in India?
We have always felt safe taking the trains in India. After all, millions of passengers travel every day around the country.
On the Vande Bharat Express train Agra to Varanasi the travel is straightforward.
Because the journey is less than 7 hours and there is only seated Chair Class there isn’t the added complication of sleep and berths and bunks to be concerned about.
Toilets on the Train Agra to Varanasi
Hopefully this has answered all your questions about taking the train Agra to Varanasi, with the only last question unanswered about the state of toilets.
Which is a fair question for any train travel in India…
However, you can be assured the fast trains, and seated classes do have better toilets than the rest. There is the option of a western toilet or squat toilet.
Even the squat has a bio-vacuum style flushing toilet. Quite the luxury! 😅
Things To See and Do in Varanasi
Planning a trip to Varanasi?
- Read Detailed Varanasi Itinerary Guide and don’t miss any of the best Things To Do in Varanasi.
Getting Around Varanasi
Is it best to do a day tour of Varanasi?
We say, yes. Most of the things to do in Varanasi can be explored independently.
But it truly is a city with such depth of culture, religion and history that it just makes more sense with a guide.
We recommend Ravi
We’ve been to Varanasi many times now but still each time we spend the first day on a walking tour with Ravi.
He is a registered guide and a born and raised local in Varanasi with an incredible passion for his city and culture.
- Ravi Gaur
+91 85769 16590
Give Ravi a message on WhatsApp with your proposed dates for Varanasi and he can arrange a pick-up from the train station.
Where to Stay in Agra and Varanasi
There are lots of choices for accommodation in Agra and Varanasi. But the good news is that we have trialled quite a few!
Agra Accommodation
These are the hotels in Agra near the Taj Mahal that we use and can recommend for your stay.
- Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
Varanasi Accommodation
There are lots of options for accommodation in Varanasi but we recommend staying near Assi Ghat which is close to everything to do in Varanasi.
- Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple or family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
- Budget-Mid: Shree Yoga Mandir
Simple and reasonably priced double and family rooms close to Assi Ghat.
- Budget: Moustache Varanasi
Hostel accommodation close to Assi Ghat.
Read More About Travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Things To Do In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- 12 Things To Do In Kolkata.
- What To Wear In India.
- Local Desert Cuisine & Food To Try In Jaisalmer.
- Get The Bus From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Or Bikaner.
- Get The Overnight Train Delhi To Jaisalmer.
- Taking The Train Jaipur To Jaisalmer.
- Jaisalmer To Jaipur (& Jodhpur) By Overnight Train.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before booking that train Agra to Varanasi!