Many tours in India start from the capital with a train Delhi to Varanasi to kick off the trips. But did you know there is a huge range of types of train travel in India?
For the trains Delhi to Varanasi there are daytime trains, overnight sleeper trains, fast trains, superfast trains and a bunch of others in between. Plus, there are different classes of train travel to choose from on those journeys.
So, what is it really like?
Here is everything you need to know about taking the train Delhi to Varanasi including booking tickets, options for trains and classes of travel and our (honest) review of what it is really like.
- Delhi to Varanasi
- Options for travel
- Train options from Delhi to Varanasi
Which train to choose? - Classes of train travel in India
- Classes of travel Delhi to Varanasi
- What is it (honestly) like?
- Tickets
- Costs
- Important
- Stations
- Meals
- Have more time?
- Where to stay in Delhi and Varanasi
From Delhi to Varanasi
We have taken endless trains in India all over the country. We’ve ridden the superfast, high-speed trains and we’ve slugged along on the slow, local overnight sleeper trains.
Sometimes our tickets are for First Class with air conditioning and sometimes we are rolling with the windows open and the Indian countryside whizzing on by closely outside.
There are a lot of options to consider!
But the route from Delhi to Varanasi by train is a regular and popular journey.
Here is everything about it plus some VIP tips for taking trains in India.
Options for travel between Delhi and Varanasi.
For travellers to India, there are several options to get from Delhi to Varanasi.
- Air: Both Delhi and Varanasi have a domestic airport with options of airlines and flights daily.
- Road: Doable by bus or car (or overnight bus) the journey by road takes 12 – 14 hours.
- Rail: Options of fast trains, overnight trains and express trains taking 8 – 15 hours.
Realistically, the most convenient way to get from Delhi to Varanasi is to travel by train.
Train options from Delhi to Varanasi
Between 13 – 15 trains run daily between New Delhi and Varanasi, covering the distance of about 747 km by rail.
However, these are the main options that I would recommend to travellers.
- #22436 VANDE BHARAT EXP Departs Delhi (NDLS) daily except Thursday at 06:00am arriving to Varanasi (BSB) at 14:00pm taking 8hrs.
- #12560 SHIV GANGA EXP Departs daily from Delhi (NDLS) at 20:05pm arriving to Varanasi (BSBS) at 06:10am taking 10hrs 5mins.
- #12562 SWTANTRTA S EXP Departs daily from Delhi (NDLS) at 21:15pm arriving to Varanasi (BSB) at 08:05am taking 10hrs 50mins.
There are other options of train between Delhi and Varanasi however, many of the alternative options either arrive or depart during the wee hours of the night and morning. Or they depart from other Delhi railway stations that are further out of the city.
Which train to choose?
The above three options are the main trains Delhi to Varanasi that travel during the daytime or overnight arriving in the morning. There are many others to consider but each scheduled trains have its pros and cons.
The Vande Bharat Express train is the fastest journey from Delhi to Varanasi taking just eight hours. However, note this scheduled train does not operate on Thursday. Vande Bharat is India’s highspeed train and offers travel in seated Chair Class only.
The other two are Express trains and make the journey from Delhi to Varanasi overnight taking 10 – 11 hours. These trains depart daily, and both leave from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) which is convenient to get to from most accommodation options in Delhi.
Which train do we recommend?
We most recently travelled by train Delhi to Varanasi on the SWTANTRTA S EXP.
The time of departure (21:15pm) and arrival time to Varanasi (08:00am) suited us best from Delhi.
We were able to arrive in Varanasi and take our bags to our accommodation. Although it was too early to check into our room, we had a relaxing late breakfast until it was ready.
- Tip: Consider the time of departure and arrival when booking your accommodation in Delhi and Varanasi.
Can you leave your luggage at your hotel? Are you able to check in early or check out late?
Classes of train travel in India
There are eight different classes of train travel in India that vary by comfort level, amenities and price.
These are the classes of train travel in India listed 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)
The good news though? It isn’t as complicated to choose which class to book for the train Delhi to Varanasi as not all the classes of train travel listed are available.
Classes of travel Delhi to Varanasi
The Vande Bharat Express train from Delhi to Varanasi is a highspeed train and only has seated classes of travel:
- VANDE BHARAT EXP: EC, CC
The SHIV GANGA and the SWTANTRTA S are Mail/Express trains and offer further sleeper classes of travel:
- SHIV GANGA EXP: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL
- SWTANTRTA S EXP: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL
Note that although the class ‘SL’ is called Sleeper Class it has the same layout of bunks as the AC Third Class (3A).
Each of the classes 1A, 2A and 3A are all technically sleeper classes of train travel with air conditioning. The ‘SL’ sleeper class does not have air-conditioning and is the cheapest class of travel on these trains.
Which class of train travel in India is best to book?
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: CC
- Best Overnight: 1A or 2A
We usually travel overnight in 2A on the trains in India. Though if it is your first time traveling overnight by train in India and you aren’t on a strict budget you might feel more comfortable in 1A First Class.
What is the difference in classes of train travel in India?
On the Vande Bharat we always book Chair Class (CC). This is a comfortable class of travel for daytime journeys and it is cheaper than the Executive Class.
The seats in Chair Class (CC) are set out like on an aeroplane with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other.
However, the train Delhi to Varanasi is eight hours long on the Vande Bharat and this is quite a lengthy journey in a seated class.
For the overnight trains we recommend AC-First Class (1A) or AC Two Tier (2A).
It is more expensive to travel in AC-First Class (1A) and there are less 1A tickets available on each train. But if it is your first time travelling overnight on a train in India you might feel more confident booking 1A.
The main difference between 1A and 2A is the security of how the cabins and bunks are separated from the main carriage.
The cabins in First Class (1A) for either 2 or 4 bunks have a lockable door. Whereas the bunks in AC-Second Class (2A) are in a curtained cabin with two or four bunks.
AC-Third Class (3A) is much like 2A but with an extra level of bunk in each cabin area making a total of six berths instead of four. And in 3A there is sometimes no curtain dividing the cabin areas within the carriage.
- Tip: Many of the prefab tours for India book overnight trains Delhi to Varanasi in AC 3-Tier (3A). It is worth checking ahead to know what you are in for!
What is it (honestly) like?
We love the adventure of traveling by train in India. Trains are a great way to see India at ground level, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday life. It is a unique way to get a glimpse of local life and a relaxing way move from A to B.
We most recently took the overnight train Delhi to Varanasi on the SWTANTRTA S EXP and travelled in AC First Class (1A).
Usually for the overnight trains we book 2-Tier (2A) as there is often only one 1A carriage per train and those tickets can get booked out well in advance. It felt quite luxurious having our own private cabin in 1A!
It was a great overnight trip and obviously very quiet travelling in our own cabin with just the four of us. But, while 1A is the most relaxing option for security, I do have to say I conversely miss the bustle and interaction with locals when traveling in the open carriages.
We found the overnight train to Varanasi (SWTANTRTA S EXP) a good time of night and day to travel.
The departure at 21:15pm was a good time to leave and means the journey goes quickly. As soon as you board you can make up your bed and get comfortable for the night. The arrival time is just after 08:00am and the train stops in Varanasi (BSB) for 10 minutes.
By the time you get organised for a rickshaw or pick-up and transfer to your accommodation it is almost time for check-in.
- Book tickets for trains in India online through 12GoAsia.com.
What about the return journey from Varanasi to Delhi by train?
On the return journey by train from Varanasi to Delhi we most recently took the Vande Bharat Express.
- #22435 VANDE BHARAT Departs Varanasi (BSB) at 15:00pm daily except Thursday arriving to Delhi (NDLS) at 23:00 taking 8 hours.
Although the train arrives late at night it makes for a swift journey back on the superfast train and the afternoon departure time is convenient for check-out.
Buying tickets for India Railways
It is possible to book tickets for the train to Varanasi ahead of time through an Indian-based travel agent.
Otherwise, there are several options for you to book and buy tickets for the trains in India independently:
- Go to a railway station (in Delhi) and book in person when you arrive
- Book online directly from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in
- Book online through third party 12GoAsia.
With the IRCTC website you really need to have an Indian phone number to log in which is tricky from overseas. The easiest option is with 12GoAsia.
- Read our complete guide to train travel in India and how to buy tickets for India Railways.
How much does it cost to travel by train from Delhi to Varanasi?
Prices for a train ticket to Varanasi vary depending on the class of train travel.
- VANDE BHARAT
Executive Class (EC): 3355 INR
Chair Class (CC): 1805 INR
- SHIV GANGA EXP
First Class (1A): 2695 INR
Second Class (2A): 1720 INR
Third Class (3A): 1140 INR
Sleeper Class (SL): 430 INR
- SWTANTRATA S EXP
First Class (1A): 2695 INR
Second Class (2A): 1605 INR
Third Class (3A): 1140 INR
Sleeper Class (SL): 430 INR
It is easiest to book your train tickets in advance through 12GoAsia.com. There is a small surcharge for booking through a third party website though it is worth it for the convenience.
- Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com.
Things to know – IMPORTANT – before traveling by train in India
The main things to know before taking a train in India is all about the boarding and where to stand on the platform.
When you arrive at the station you can find the large electronic departure board to confirm the platform and departure time of your train.
Then head to the platform and find the corresponding place to stand for where your carriage number will align to.
Checking your ticket and boarding the train to Varanasi
The first thing is to check you eTicket and find these details:
- Train Name and Number
eg. VANDE BHARAT EXP #22436
- Platform
eg. PL 13
- Carriage
eg. C1 or C2
- Seat
eg. 22 or 23
Arriving at the station in Delhi or Varanasi, look for the large electronic board and confirm your train is arriving on time to the station for the scheduled departure time.
You can confirm the platform number by using your train name or number.
- Tip: Check your carriage number (eg. HA1, A1 or C3) and make sure to stand and wait in the correct spot on the platform for easy boarding.
Railway stations in Delhi and Varanasi
There are four main railway stations in Delhi connecting with Varanasi:
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
- Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) or Delhi Junction Railway Station
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM)
- Anand Vihar (ANVT)
It is IMPORTANT to check the departure station at the station code of your train ticket so you know which Delhi railway station you are leaving from.
In Varanasi, there are two main railway stations connecting with trains from Delhi.
- 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.
Station facilities
Most of the Delhi railway stations have air-conditioned waiting-room options for passengers:
- Executive Lounge (NDLS)
- Premium Lounge (DLI, NZM)
- AC Class Waiting Room (NDLS, DLI, NZM, DEC, DEE)
In Varanasi, the Executive Lounge is located at Platform Number #1 of the Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
- Executive Lounge (BSB)
The Executive and Premium Lounge at the stations are operated by IRCTC. They are small, fully air-conditioned waiting areas including a small café and shop as well as lounge chairs, charging points, a TV and toilets.
- Tip: The cost to wait in the Premium / Executive Lounge is 100 – 200 INR for two hours subject to availability.
Most stations in India also have an AC Class Waiting Room for passengers traveling in AC Class (1A, 2A or CC, EC). There is no charge for waiting inside the AC Lounge. You simply need to show your ticket on entry to the AC Waiting Room.
Arriving to Varanasi
Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station in Varanasi for the overnight trains from Delhi and the Vande Bharat.
Both railway stations are less than 6km from the city and main Ghats on the River Ganges.
- Tip: It can be daunting arriving 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.
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.
For the overnight train, staff will come through the carriage before meal times and take an order for lunch or dinner. The meals are usually a vegetarian Thali for around 150 – 200 INR ($1.50 – $2 USD).
Prior to departure, there are kiosks and shops at the railway stations to purchase snacks and drinks before you travel.
Is bedding provided on the overnight train?
Yes. For 1A, 2A and 3A train travel in India bedding is provided.
The bedding package includes a sheet, pillowcase, blanket and hand-towel and is stored in a stack above the window or on the individual bunks prior to boarding.
What are the toilets like on board?
Toilets on the trains in India are functional but basic. The good news though is they likely aren’t (quite) as bad as you might be imagining.
For 1A and 2A there is usually an option of a Western style toilet and a squat toilet in each carriage. In 3A there will just be squat style toilets. However, there are usually two options of a squat toilet in between the carriages so you can pick and choose the best of the situation in the moment…
- Tip: Read about how to use a squat toilet in Asia here. (Go on; you know you want to know!).
Wondering about the things to see and do in Varanasi?
Varanasi is a great addition to your India itinerary. It is the India of your imagination and one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and one of the holiest in Hinduism.
- Read our detailed Varanasi itinerary guide and don’t miss any of the best things to do in Varanasi.
Have more time?
Planning your itinerary and wondering how long you need in Delhi, Varanasi or other destinations?
- Read the best things to do in Delhi and about travel in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Pushkar, Amritsar and Agra.
Where to stay in Delhi and Varanasi
These are the hotels that we stay in Delhi and can recommend for your trip. Paharganj and Connaught Place are the closest districts to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
- Mahipalpur (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- Connaught Place / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- Paharganj / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
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.
- Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
- Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Shree Yoga Mandir
Simple and reasonably priced double and family rooms close to Assi Ghat.
- Varanasi / Budget: Moustache Varanasi
Hostel accommodation close to Assi Ghat.
Read more about travel by train and bus in India
- Travel by train from Bikaner to Amritsar.
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train.
- Taking India’s Vande Bharat superfast train.
- Kolkata to Mumbai in 38 hours by train.
