How to travel from Varanasi to Rishikesh, India

The distance between Varanasi and Rishikesh is around 796km (495 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 20m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Varanasi to Rishikesh by plane, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Varanasi (VNS) to Dehra Dun (DED).

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Flight time2h 40m
  • Typical cost
    ₹7,640($95)
Operated by

Spicejet

+ 5 others
💰 Cheapest
2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Yog Nagari Rishikesh.

  • Duration19hrs
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    ₹480($6)
Operated by

Indian Railways

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Rishīkesh.

  • Duration11h 40m
  • Distance796km (495 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Varanasi and Rishikesh

There are several options for getting from Varanasi to Rishikesh by plane, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ₹480 ($6) and will take around 19hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₹7,640 ($95).

The distance between Varanasi and Rishikesh is around 796km (495 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 705km (438 miles)

It takes around 3h 20m to get from Varanasi and Rishikesh by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 11h 40m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Varanasi to Rishikesh is to fly which takes around 3h 20m and will set you back approx ₹7,640 ($95).

The cheapest way to travel between Varanasi and Rishikesh, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ₹480 ($6) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Varanasi and Rishikesh. It typically takes around 19hrs and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Varanasi and Rishikesh with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 19hrs.

Indian Railways run train services between Varanasi and Rishikesh. Trains depart once daily and will take around 19hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Varanasi and Rishikesh. We recommend that you fly from Varanasi (VNS) to Dehra Dun (DED). instead which will take 3h 20m.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Varanasi and Rishikesh. Flights depart from Varanasi (VNS) and arrive at Dehra Dun (DED) - via Delhi (DEL). The flight takes around 2h 40m.

There is no direct flight from Varanasi to Rishikesh. There is however a flight that goes via Delhi (DEL). This services will take at least 3h 20m (not including layover time).

The flight from Varanasi to Rishikesh typically takes around 2h 40m. Flights depart from Varanasi (VNS) and and arrive into Dehra Dun (DED).

The closest major airport to Rishikesh is Dehradun Airport (DED) (DED) which is approximately 34km (21 miles) from Rishikesh. Chandigarh Airport (IXC) (IXC) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) (DEL) 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 Varanasi and Rishikesh. The distance is around 796km (495 miles) by road and it will take around 11h 40m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Varanasi to Rishikesh is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 20m and will usually cost around ₹7,640 ($95).

How do I get from Varanasi to Rishikesh

Compare travel optionsbetween Varanasi and Rishikesh

Transport options from Varanasi to Rishikesh
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
3h 20m
₹7,640($95)
on demand920km (572 miles)
Train
19hrs
₹480($6)
twice daily851km (529 miles)
Drive
11h 40m
₹6,445($81)
on demand796km (495 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Varanasi and Rishikesh

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Rishikesh

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

DED
Dehradun Airport (DED)
Domestic Airport
Distance
34km (21 miles) from Rishikesh
IXC
Chandigarh Airport (IXC)
International Airport
Distance
157km (98 miles) from Rishikesh
DEL
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
International Airport
Distance
208km (129 miles) from Rishikesh