Which station?
| Station | Code | To the temple | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi Junction (“Cantt”) | BSB | ~5 km | Main station; most long-distance trains |
| Banaras (formerly Manduadih) | BSBS | ~6 km | Modern station; several trains from the south and west |
| Varanasi City | BCY | ~4 km | Smaller; some eastbound trains |
| Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn (formerly Mughalsarai) | DDU | ~17 km | Major junction across the river; Rajdhani and many through trains stop here |
Local tip. Always check the exact arrival station on your ticket before booking a pickup — “Varanasi” trains may stop at BSB, BSBS or only at DDU.
Good trains to know
| From | Train (examples) | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Vande Bharat Express | ~8 h (day train) |
| New Delhi | Shiv Ganga Express and other overnight trains | ~12–13 h |
| Mumbai | Mahanagari Express, LTT trains | ~24–28 h |
| Ahmedabad | Sabarmati Express and others | ~28–32 h |
| Chennai | Ganga Kaveri Express and others | ~35–40 h |
| Bengaluru / Hyderabad | Weekly and bi-weekly long-distance trains | ~28–45 h |
Train names, numbers and days change; confirm on IRCTC or the NTES app.
Booking tips
- Reservations open 60 days ahead on IRCTC. Book early for October–March and festivals.
- Foreign tourists can book via IRCTC with a passport using the foreign tourist quota on many trains.
- For elders, choose lower berths and 2AC or 3AC.
- Use prepaid auto/taxi counters at the station exit, or app cabs, to reach Godowlia.
Classes of travel
| Class | What you get | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1AC | Lockable 2- or 4-berth cabins, bedding | Elders, couples, privacy |
| 2AC | Open bays of 4 + 2 berths with curtains, bedding | Most comfortable value |
| 3AC | Open bays of 6 + 2 berths, bedding | Families on a budget |
| Chair Car / Executive | Reclining seats on day trains like Vande Bharat | Daytime journeys up to 8 h |
| Sleeper | Non-AC berths, no bedding, crowded | Not recommended for visitors |
Arriving at the station
-
01
Get ready early
Large stations come up quickly; keep bags packed 30 minutes before arrival.
-
02
Ignore touts on the platform
People who offer hotels or taxis on the platform often take commission.
-
03
Use the prepaid counter or an app cab
The prepaid auto/taxi booth at Varanasi Junction gives fixed fares.
-
04
Or be met
All our packages include pickup from the station and drop-off at the end.