Bengaluru to Varanasi: Flight Guide and Journey Planning
From India's technology capital to its spiritual capital — a journey well worth the flight
Bengaluru to Varanasi is a journey of approximately 1,700 kilometres — far enough that flight is the clear first choice for most travellers. At 2.5 hours in the air, a direct flight from Kempegowda International Airport to Varanasi delivers you at the ghats the same morning you leave home. The train, while possible, takes 30–36 hours and is not practical for most trips. This guide covers the flight options and how to plan your Varanasi visit once you arrive.
By Flight: Bengaluru to Varanasi (2.5 Hours)
Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR) in Bengaluru has direct flights to Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS). Flight time on a direct service is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have operated this route. Check current schedules and availability on the airline websites or on booking platforms — frequency varies by season.
If no direct flight suits your timing, the most efficient connection is via Delhi (1 hour Delhi–Varanasi, with multiple daily options). The total travel time via Delhi is typically 4–5 hours including the connection.
The October–March peak season sees higher demand from Bengaluru to Varanasi, particularly around major festivals. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for comfortable fares and seat choice. Last-minute bookings during Dev Deepawali or Mahashivratri periods can be very expensive.
By Train: Bengaluru to Varanasi (30–36 Hours)
The train from Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) to Varanasi is a very long journey — approximately 30–36 hours depending on the train and routing. There are some direct trains but the journey length makes it impractical for most travellers on a normal Varanasi trip.
For those specifically wanting the long-distance rail experience — crossing from the Deccan through central India and into the Gangetic plain — this journey has genuine character. In AC 2-Tier or First Class, it is comfortable. In Sleeper class, 30+ hours is a significant commitment.
The majority of Bengaluru-to-Varanasi travellers choose to fly.
Planning Your Varanasi Visit from Bengaluru
Bengaluru is a 2–3 hour flight from Varanasi, making a 4–5 day trip very manageable without losing days to travel. A typical structure: fly out Thursday evening or Friday morning, arrive Varanasi by afternoon, spend 3 full days (Friday–Sunday), fly back Monday morning.
The ideal 3-day Varanasi plan from Bengaluru covers: Day 1 — arrive, Ganga Aarti in the evening. Day 2 — sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath in the afternoon. Day 3 — old city heritage walk, southern temple circuit, departure.
For technology professionals in Bengaluru — many of whom visit Varanasi for spiritual reorientation or family pilgrimage — the city offers an experience that is sharply different from the pace of life in a tech hub. The ghats, the Ganga, and the ancient lane structure of the old city create a deliberate confrontation with time and continuity that many visitors find unexpectedly affecting.
Arrival and Getting Around
Varanasi airport (VNS) is 26 km from the city centre. Pre-paid taxis are available in the arrivals hall — the fare to the Dashashwamedh Ghat area or Assi Ghat is typically ₹600–1,000. App-based taxis (Ola, Uber) also work at the airport.
The transfer from VNS to the ghats takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. If you are arriving for a short trip (3–4 days), staying near Assi Ghat or the central ghats area is recommended — minimising the daily friction of the city-to-ghat commute.
Note that the old city and the ghat areas are not accessible by motor vehicle — all vehicles stop at Godaulia or Assi Crossing junctions and the remainder is walked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi?▼
Direct flights from BLR to VNS exist on several carriers, though frequency varies. Verify the current schedule on airline websites or booking platforms before planning. If the direct options do not suit your timing, a connection via Delhi is efficient — Delhi–Varanasi is a 1-hour flight with multiple daily departures.
How many days should I plan for Varanasi from Bengaluru?▼
Three full days in Varanasi is the recommended minimum for a first visit from Bengaluru — it gives you the sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath darshan, Sarnath, the old city, and the Ganga Aarti without rushing. A 4–5 day trip, if work and flights allow, opens up the city's quieter layers and allows for a heritage walk and deeper exploration.