Is there a direct bus?

Yes, UPSRTC buses run frequently from Civil Lines Bus Stand.

Which is the best train?

The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest and most comfortable option.

Uber and Ola operate in both cities with varying availability.

How far is the airport?

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 25 km from Varanasi city center.

Yes, there are two major toll plazas on NH 19.

Prayagraj

Varanasi

Train Driving

Prayagraj to Varanasi

Updated: 20 May 2026

The journey between Prayagraj and Varanasi covers approximately 125 km through the heart of the Gangetic plains. You can travel via the well-maintained NH 19 or take one of the frequent trains connecting the two holy cities. Travel time by road is roughly 3 hours, while trains like the Vande Bharat or Shiv Ganga Express offer faster transit. The route is heavily frequented by pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Expect heavy traffic near the entry points of both cities during peak festival seasons.

Total Distance: 125 km by road, 120 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Vande Bharat Express taking 2 hours 15 minutes.

Cheapest Way

General class train ticket costing approximately 70 INR.

Compare Prayagraj to Varanasi Routes

Train

Direct

Duration

2 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

150 - 1200 INR

Operator

Vande Bharat Express

Route

Prayagraj Junction to Varanasi Junction

Book your tickets at least 15 days in advance for confirmed seats.

Driving

Direct

Duration

3 hours

Avg Price

1500 - 3000 INR

Operator

Private Taxi

Route

NH 19 via Handia and Bhadohi

The road is smooth but watch for speed cameras near Handia.

Travel Tips

Train Booking
Use the IRCTC app to book trains; avoid touts at the station.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the best way to navigate narrow lanes in Varanasi.
Food
Try the famous Kachori Sabzi for breakfast at local stalls.
Connectivity
Both cities have excellent 5G coverage for navigation.
Language
Hindi is the primary language, but English is understood in tourist hubs.

Safety Tips

Crowd Management
Keep your wallet and phone in front pockets in crowded ghat areas.
Water Safety
Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
Taxi Scams
Pre-book taxis via apps to avoid overcharging by local drivers.
Night Travel
Avoid walking in isolated areas near the outskirts after midnight.