Om. I am a tour guide called Rohit, and I have worked with pilgrims for quite a while 8 years already! I assist them every week while visiting the holy cities of Uttar Pradesh, and one of the popular pilgrimages on our route, which I often have, is the trip from Gorakhpur to Varanasi.
Gorakhpur is the birthplace of Guru Gorakh Nath. Varanasi is Lord Shiva's city of residence. They are not very far; less than 200 km of road separates these cities. The trip between them is one of the most commonly travelled pilgrimage paths in eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also the trail connecting the Buddhist tour Gorakhpur is the nearest rail hub to Kushinagar, the spot of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, while Varanasi houses Sarnath, where Buddha had his first ever sermon.
Faithful ones who end the Buddha Circuit with a visit to Bodh Gaya (where the Buddha meditated) and Sarnath (where Buddha gave the first sermon) have often to or from Gorakhpur as their journey goes on the same way.
Our article will guide you through all aspects of the Gorakhpur to Varanasi journey total distance, different ways to go there, time needed to travel, cost for taxis (private car), details about trains, bus timetables, practical bits of info that will help you get through without problems and enjoy a smooth ride.
Let's start then.
Gorakhpur to Varanasi Distance – All Modes at a Glance
Here is the complete distance and cost comparison for all modes of transport.
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Travel Time | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car / Private Taxi (via NH-31, Azamgarh) | 210-230 km | 4-5 hours | ₹2,500-₹5,800 (full cab) | Most comfortable – door to door |
| Car / Private Taxi (via Ghazipur) | 215-235 km | 4.5-5.5 hours | ₹2,500-₹5,800 (full cab) | Alternative route |
| Train (Gorakhpur to Varanasi Junction) | 220 km (rail) | 3.5-5 hours | ₹150-₹1,200 per person | Multiple daily options |
| Bus (UPSRTC / private) | 210-230 km | 5-7 hours | ₹200-₹600 per person | Budget option; multiple stops |
| Aerial distance | 155-185 km | N/A | N/A | Straight-line reference only |
The Two Main Road Routes
There are two main routes from Gorakhpur to Varanasi. Both are well-maintained and pass through the heart of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
| Route | Distance | Time | Key Towns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via NH-31 through Azamgarh | 210-230 km | 4-5 hours | Kauriram, Azamgarh, Jaunpur |
| Via Ghazipur | 215-235 km | 4.5-5.5 hours | Deoria, Salempur, Mau, Ghazipur |
Recommendation: The NH-31 route via Azamgarh is the recommended option. It is slightly shorter and faster in most conditions.
Best Route by Road – NH-31 via Azamgarh
This is the most popular and recommended route from Gorakhpur to Varanasi. It follows NH-31 through Kauriram, Azamgarh and Jaunpur.
Route Details:
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gorakhpur to Kauriram | ~45 km | 1 hour |
| Kauriram to Azamgarh | ~60 km | 1.5 hours |
| Azamgarh to Jaunpur | ~55 km | 1.25 hours |
| Jaunpur to Varanasi | ~65 km | 1.5 hours |
| Total | ~225 km | 4.5-5 hours |
Road Conditions:
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NH-31 is a well-maintained national highway
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Four-laning work is ongoing on some stretches
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Plenty of dhabas and restaurants along the way
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Toll plazas are present on this route
Why This Route Works: NH-31 is the most direct route and has the best road conditions. It passes through major towns with food and rest stops.
Alternative Route – Via Ghazipur
The alternative route goes via Deoria, Salempur, Mau and Ghazipur. It is slightly longer but offers a different view of eastern UP.
Route Details:
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gorakhpur to Deoria | ~55 km | 1.25 hours |
| Deoria to Salempur | ~40 km | 1 hour |
| Salempur to Mau | ~50 km | 1.25 hours |
| Mau to Ghazipur | ~45 km | 1 hour |
| Ghazipur to Varanasi | ~70 km | 1.5 hours |
| Total | ~230 km | 5-5.5 hours |
Why Take This Route: This route passes through Mau, a well-known centre for handloom textiles. If you want to explore eastern UP's cultural towns, this is a good option.
Travel Time on the Ground
The distance is around 210-230 km, but actual travel time depends on several factors.
| Condition | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Normal conditions | 4-5 hours |
| Peak traffic hours | 5-6 hours |
| Monsoon season | 5-6 hours |
| Festival season | 6-7 hours |
| Night driving | 4-4.5 hours |
Peak Traffic Hours to Avoid:
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Morning: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
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Evening: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
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Festival days: Holi, Diwali, Navaratri
Local Tip: Leave Gorakhpur by 6:00 AM to reach Varanasi by noon. This avoids the worst of the highway traffic.
Taxi Fare from Gorakhpur to Varanasi
A private taxi is the most comfortable option for this journey. Here are the indicative fares for 2026.
| Vehicle Type | Seats | One-Way Fare | Round Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback (WagonR, Indica) | 4 | ₹2,500-₹3,200 | ₹4,500-₹5,500 |
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios) | 4 | ₹3,000-₹4,000 | ₹5,500-₹7,000 |
| SUV (Ertiga) | 6 | ₹3,800-₹4,800 | ₹6,500-₹8,500 |
| Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹4,500-₹5,800 | ₹7,500-₹10,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 12-16 | ₹8,000-₹12,000 | ₹14,000-₹18,000 |
What Is Usually Included:
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Fuel charges
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Driver allowance
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Toll charges
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Parking fees
What Is Usually Not Included:
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Extra driver allowance if used before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 PM
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Interstate permit if applicable
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Personal expenses
Local Tip: Book your taxi 2-3 days in advance, especially during festival seasons. Confirm the fare and inclusions in writing before booking.
Train Options from Gorakhpur to Varanasi
The train is the most affordable and reasonably fast option for this route.
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorakhpur - Varanasi City Intercity Express | 15129 | 10:30 AM | 4:00 PM | 5h 30m |
| BNRS Intercity | 15103 | 4:15 PM | 9:35 PM | 5h 20m |
| GKP-BCY Mail Express | 15129 | 9:55 AM | 3:45 PM | 5h 50m |
| Other Express Trains | Various | Multiple | Multiple | 3.5-5h 30m |
Train Fare:
| Class | Approximate Fare |
|---|---|
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹150-₹250 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | ₹350-₹500 |
| 3AC | ₹500-₹800 |
| 2AC | ₹800-₹1,200 |
Important Note: Trains run every 4 hours between Gorakhpur and Varanasi. The earliest departure is at 5:45 AM, and the last departure is at 11:20 PM. Book 2-4 weeks in advance for confirmed seats.
Bus Services from Gorakhpur to Varanasi
UPSRTC and private operators run regular bus services on this route.
| Bus Type | Approximate Fare | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | ₹150-₹180 | 5-6 hours |
| Janrath AC | ₹220-₹260 | 4.5-5.5 hours |
| Shatabdi AC | ₹245-₹285 | 4.5-5 hours |
| Private AC Sleeper | ₹400-₹600 | 5-7 hours |
Key Details:
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Boarding Point: Gorakhpur Bus Stand
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Drop Point: Varanasi Cantonment Bus Stand
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First Bus: 5:00 AM
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Last Bus: 10:00 PM
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Frequency: Multiple departures throughout the day
Local Tip: Book bus tickets online through the official UPSRTC portal or apps like redBus. Morning and evening slots fill up fastest.
Places to Visit on the Way
The journey from Gorakhpur to Varanasi passes through several interesting towns and sites.
| Place | Distance from Gorakhpur | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Deoria | ~55 km | Somnath Mandir, Siddheshwar Nath Temple |
| Mau | ~105 km | Handloom textile markets, traditional weaving |
| Ghazipur | ~150 km | Ghazipur Ghat, opium factory (historical) |
| Jaunpur | ~160 km | Atala Masjid, Shahi Bridge |
| Sarnath | ~10 km before Varanasi | Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum |
Local Tip: If you have time, stop at Jaunpur. The Atala Masjid is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Best Time to Travel
| Season | Verdict |
|---|---|
| October to March | Best time. Pleasant weather, comfortable journey |
| April to June | Very hot. Avoid midday travel |
| July to September | Monsoon. Roads can be slippery |
| Festival seasons | Avoid unless planned. Heavy traffic |
Recommendation: October to March. Travel on a weekday if possible.
Travel Tips:
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Leave early morning to avoid highway traffic
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Avoid driving after dark if you are unfamiliar with the route
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Check weather and road conditions before departing
How to Reach Gorakhpur
By Air:
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Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) — connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities
By Train:
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Gorakhpur Junction — one of the busiest railway stations in Uttar Pradesh
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Well-connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and other cities
By Road:
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Well-connected by national highways to Lucknow, Varanasi, and other cities
What to Carry
For the Journey:
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Water bottle
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Light snacks
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Phone charger
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Power bank
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Personal medicines
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Motion sickness medicine if needed
For Varanasi:
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Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
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Comfortable footwear
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Cash in small denominations
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Government photo ID
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Umbrella or raincoat (monsoon)
Budget Breakdown for Your Trip
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (Gorakhpur to Varanasi) | ₹150-₹400 (train/bus) | ₹2,500-₹5,800 (private cab) |
| Hotel in Varanasi (1 night) | ₹800-₹2,000 | ₹2,500-₹5,000 |
| Food | ₹300-₹500 | ₹600-₹1,000 |
| Local transport | ₹200-₹400 | ₹400-₹600 |
| Total | ₹1,450-₹3,300 | ₹6,000-₹12,400 |
Note: Temple darshan in Varanasi is free. There is no entry fee at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Planning Your Gorakhpur to Varanasi Trip
Suggested Itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning: Depart Gorakhpur by cab or train. Afternoon: Arrive Varanasi. Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. |
| Day 2 | Morning: Kashi Vishwanath Temple darshan. Afternoon: Sarnath. Evening: Boat ride on the Ganga. |
| Day 3 | Morning: Assi Ghat and Sankat Mochan Temple. Departure. |
Book Early:
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Taxi: Book 2-3 days in advance
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Train: Book 2-4 weeks in advance
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Hotel: Book 2-3 months in advance for festival season
Conclusion
The journey from Gorakhpur to Varanasi is more than a simple road trip. It is a passage between two of India's most sacred cities. Gorakhpur, the land of Guru Gorakhnath, and Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, are connected by a road that carries the prayers of millions.
Whether you choose the comfort of a private cab, the affordability of a train, or the budget-friendly bus, the destination is the same — the ghats of Kashi, the aarti at Dashashwamedh, and the darshan of Kashi Vishwanath.
If you can, leave early. Take the NH-31 route. Stop at Jaunpur if you have time. And when you reach Varanasi, let the city work its magic.
This is the Gorakhpur to Varanasi journey. This is an experience of a lifetime.
Har Har Mahadev.
Plan Your Gorakhpur to Varanasi Trip
For bookings, queries, and custom packages:
Call Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160
WhatsApp Us: +91 7078723132 | +919557104160
Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM daily
Our Services:
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Gorakhpur to Varanasi Cab Service
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Varanasi Temple Tour Packages
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Kashi Vishwanath Darshan Assistance
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Hotel Reservations in Varanasi
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Customized Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Groups
