How to travel from Shimla to Varanasi, India

The distance between Shimla and Varanasi is around 1,040km (646 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi and then fly which takes around 4h 40m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Shimla to Varanasi by taxi, plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out VaranasiShimla if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
taxi
+
plane
+

Taxi and Plane

Take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Varanasi (VNS).

  • Duration4h 40m
  • Flight time2h 35m
  • Typical cost
    ₹12,655($160)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Delhi Isbt Kashmeere Gate then Alambagh and then to Varanasi.

  • Duration1 day 3h
  • Departs5 times a day
  • Typical cost
    ₹3,345($42)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

3
taxi
+
train
+

Taxi and Train

Take a taxi to Chandigarh then take the train to Varanasi Jn.

  • Duration18h 25m
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    ₹2,785($35)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Varanasi.

  • Duration15hrs
  • Distance1,178km (732 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Shimla and Varanasi

There are several options for getting from Shimla to Varanasi by taxi, plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take the train which costs around ₹1,670 ($21) and will take around 19h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and then fly and arrive in approximately 4h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₹12,655 ($160).

The distance between Shimla and Varanasi is around 1,040km (646 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 859km (534 miles)

It takes around 4h 40m to get from Shimla and Varanasi by taxi and plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 15hrs to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Shimla to Varanasi is to take a taxi and then fly which takes around 4h 40m and will set you back approx ₹12,655 ($160).

The cheapest way to travel between Shimla and Varanasi, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus and then take the train which will typically cost around ₹1,670 ($21) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Shimla and Varanasi. We recommend that you take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Varanasi (VNS). instead which will take 4h 40m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Shimla and Varanasi. It typically takes around 1 day 3h and departs 5 times a day.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Shimla to Varanasi. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Delhi Isbt Kashmeere Gate, ISBT Maharana Pratap Bus Terminal, Anand Vihar ISBT Terminal, Kaushambi and Alambagh. These services run 5 times a day and will take a minimum of 1 day 3h.

HRTC and UPSRTC run regular bus services between Shimla and Varanasi. Buses run 5 times a day and take around 1 day 3h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Shimla to Varanasi. We recommend that you take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Varanasi (VNS). instead which will take 4h 40m.

The closest major airport to Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) (VNS) which is approximately 20km (12 miles) from Varanasi. Allahabad Airport (IXD) (IXD) and Gaya Airport (GAY) (GAY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Shimla and Varanasi. The distance is around 1,178km (732 miles) by road and it will take around 15hrs in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Shimla to Varanasi is to take a taxi and then fly which takes, on average, 4h 40m and will usually cost around ₹12,655 ($160).

How do I get from Shimla to Varanasi

Compare travel optionsbetween Shimla and Varanasi

Transport options from Shimla to Varanasi
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Taxi and Plane + 1 similar
4h 40m
₹12,655($160)
on demand1,040km (646 miles)
Taxi to Dehra Dun (DED), Fly7hrs
₹12,970($165)
on demand1,152km (716 miles)
Bus
1 day 3h
₹3,345($42)
5 times a day1,221km (759 miles)
Taxi and Train + 1 similar
18h 25m
₹2,785($35)
twice a week1,044km (649 miles)
Bus and Train19h 50m
₹1,670($21)
5 times a day1,053km (654 miles)
Drive
15hrs
₹9,550($120)
on demand1,178km (732 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Shimla and Varanasi

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Varanasi

The following major airports near Varanasi offer regular flights to various popular destinations within India and internationally.

VNS
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
20km (12 miles) from Varanasi
IXD
Allahabad Airport (IXD)
Domestic Airport
Distance
128km (80 miles) from Varanasi
GAY
Gaya Airport (GAY)
International Airport
Distance
206km (128 miles) from Varanasi