Compare the options
| Option | Time | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flight DEL → VNS | 1 h 20 min (+ airport time) | Speed; elders; tight schedules | Morning fog delays in Dec–Jan |
| Vande Bharat Express (NDLS → BSB) | ~8 h, daytime | Comfort, scenery, meals included | Sells out — book early |
| Overnight trains (e.g. Shiv Ganga Express) | ~12–13 h | Saving a hotel night; arriving early morning | Book 2AC or 3AC, not sleeper class |
| Road | 12–14 h | Only if stopping in Agra or Lucknow | Long and tiring |
Connecting from an international flight
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01
Land at Terminal 3
International arrivals use Terminal 3. Many domestic flights leave from Terminal 1 — check your ticket and allow time for the inter-terminal transfer.
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02
Leave a buffer
Allow at least 3–4 hours between landing and a domestic departure, more if you have separate tickets.
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03
Late arrival? Rest first
If you land late at night, stay at an airport hotel in Aerocity and fly or take the train next morning.
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04
To the railway station
New Delhi station (NDLS) is 30–60 minutes from the airport by the Airport Express metro line or taxi.
Booking tips
- Train reservations open 60 days ahead on IRCTC; foreign tourists can book with a passport, and some trains have a foreign tourist quota.
- Domestic flights are cheapest booked 3–6 weeks ahead, and pricier around Diwali, Dev Deepawali and New Year.
- If you have a fixed temple booking (Mangala Aarti, Sugam darshan), arrive the day before — especially in winter.
Local tip. Winter fog (December–January) regularly delays early-morning flights and trains in North India. Build in a buffer day before any fixed temple booking.
Combining Delhi, Agra and Varanasi
A popular first-time route is Delhi → Agra (Taj Mahal) → Varanasi. Overnight trains run from Agra to Varanasi, and there are flights from Agra on some schedules. Allow at least two nights in Varanasi to see darshan, both aartis and the ghats without rushing.