Varanasi is the best-connected of the triangle cities: three railway stations (Varanasi Junction, Banaras, Kashi), an airport with roughly 17 nonstop routes (VNS), and expressway road links to Ayodhya and Prayagraj. The station maze is the part that trips pilgrims — your ticket says BSB, BSBS or KEI, and they are 4–6 km apart.
Everything below was checked 01 October 2026; specific train timetables must be re-verified on IRCTC/NTES before booking.
By train — three stations, three jobs
| Station | Code | Role | Distance to ghats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi Junction | BSB | Main station; most long-distance expresses | ~4 km (reported) |
| Banaras | BSBS | Premium originating trains (e.g., Jan Shatabdi, Vizag Express) | ~4 km |
| Kashi | KEI | Local/passenger halts | ~6 km |
Source: rail-guide reporting, checked 01 October 2026. For the triangle: Ayodhya→Varanasi runs from ~2 h 24 m (reported), Prayagraj→Varanasi from ~1 h 25 m (reported). Confirm trains on IRCTC/NTES — we do not publish unverified timetables.
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) — route aggregators list ~17 nonstop destinations: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Hyderabad among them, plus Kathmandu (Buddha Air). Frequencies shift seasonally. The airport sits well out of the city — operator listings put the ghats 22–32 km away depending on route (conflicting, unconfirmed); the airport-transfer guide has the detail and the honest labels.
By road
| From | Figures | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya | ~200–220 km, 4.5–5.5 h | Reported |
| Prayagraj | ~120–125 km, 2.5–4 h | Reported |
| Lucknow | ~300 km class via Purvanchal Expressway | Reported (rough) |
The last mile
- From BSB: autos and e-rickshaws to Godowlia/Cantt-side hotels; app-cabs exist (Uber’s own city page confirms service) but thin out in the old lanes.
- To the ghats: vehicles generally stop at Godowlia Crossing or the Cantt-side edges — the lanes to Dashashwamedh are foot-only. Pack light for the final walk.
- Shared autos run fixed-ish routes (fares circulating at ₹15–30/seat — unconfirmed); agree before boarding.
Frequently asked questions
Which station do I book into?
Whichever your train serves; BSB (Varanasi Junction) is the main one and closest to the ghats (~4 km, reported).
Does Varanasi have an airport with direct flights?
Yes — VNS, with ~17 nonstop destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kathmandu (aggregator-sourced, seasonal).
How do I get from the station to the ghats?
Auto/e-rickshaw to Godowlia, then walk the final lanes — vehicles don’t reach the ghat steps.
