Prayagraj to Varanasi Distance – By Road, Train, Flight & Best Travel Route 2025

The distance from Prayagraj to Varanasi is short and well-connected by highways, trains, and flights. Here’s the updated 2025 guide on distance, travel time, best routes, and how to reach Varanasi from Prayagraj.
By vishal - Nov 15, 2025, 16:35 IST

Introduction

The road trip between Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) and Varanasi (or Kashi/Banaras) is a religious trip among most people. They are both ancient and sacred cities situated on the banks of the powerful Ganga and not very far apart. And whether you are going to the Triveni Sangam or to watch Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the first thing that needs to be included in your travel plan is to know the distance between the Prayagraj to Varanasi and how you can cover it best.

This road map will de-combinize all your traveling possibilities, paths and projected durations in simple clear language.

How great is the real distance between the Varanasi and the Actual Prayagraj?

The distance is not long and the trip is a well-spent weekend getaway or a day-long adventure.

The distance of Delhi to Varanasi is quite dependent on the route. The shortest and most common road network through the National Highway is about 120 to 130km.

  • By Road (NH-19): Approximately 121 km
  • By Rail: Approximately 124 km
  • Air distance: The air distance is estimated at 112km.

Transforming Prayagraj to Varanasi Travel Time

The distance between the Prayagraj and Varanasi is not very long and therefore all the means of transport provide a fast ride. Depending on the condition of traffic and the type of train one uses, the travel time may take up a lot of time.

Saadawi to Varanasi Travel Time by Road.

The land route is a favorable route usually because it is convenient and it connects directly. The commuting distance is rather controllable.

  • By Car/Taxi: 2 to 3 hours
  • By Bus: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

The real-life time by car may take as short as 1 hour and 45 minutes of running time without much traffic and certainly on the brilliant NH-19 highway road.

Avon to Varanasi Travel Time in Train.

Rail transport is also the surest and sometimes the quickest alternative, especially the Vande Bharat Express.

  • Train: 1 hour 45 minutes -3 hours (depending on the type of train and train stops).

The trains are very numerous and provide a comfortable and punctual ride.

Viability: Selecting the Most Optimal Path: Prayagraj to Varanasi.

National Highway 19 (NH-19) is the undisputed champion when travelling by road. It is the shortest, fastest, and better-maintained route.

The Fastest Here is the route via the National Highway 19 (NH-19).

This path goes through such towns as Gopiganj.

  • Distance: Approximately 121 km
  • Time: 2-3 hours
  • Condition of the road: Very good highway along with the use of occasional tolls.
  • Why choose this route? It is the least confusing and, overall, the easiest to drive in, ideal when you have to get to work in a fast and stress-free fashion.

Alternative 2: Via NH330 and NH19 -The Scenic Alternative.

This is the way which is somewhat extended, and through which different towns it passes.

  • Distance: Approximately 160 km
  • Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
  • Why choose this route? Although longer, it has picturesque scenery of rural Uttar Pradesh and can have less snarls of large trucks in some areas, but NH-19 is normally faster.

Various routes to cover the distance between Prayagraj and Varanasi

To visit these two religious cities, there are various viable ways to move around, appealing to any pocket and choice.

Mode of Transport

Distance (km)

Travel Time

Fare Range (INR)

Optimal For

Car/Taxi

121

2-3 Hours

2000-2500 (One-way taxi)

Comfort, flexibility, door to door.

Train

124

1.75 -3 Hours

3000- 12000+ (Sleeper to AC)

Speed, reliability and cheap.

Bus (UPSRTC/Private)

121

2.5 -3.5 Hours

- - 500

Rides that are economical.

1. Through train: The Budget and Speed King.

The connection is the best via the Indian Railways network.

  • Important Stations: Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) to Varanasi Junction (BSB) or Banaras (BSBS).
  • Travel Tip: An express like the Vande Bharat can be booked in order to have the best experience which takes less than two hours between the distance of Prayagraj and Varanasi.

2. By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)

This leaves you at liberty to pull up any where you please to have a road side chai or a quick bite.

  • Self-Drive: It is a smooth easy drive on NH-19. Always remember to get live traffic updates most especially around the edge of cities.
  • Cab/Taxi: A common option is to contract a one way or round trip taxi. This is very comfortable especially to the families.

3. By Bus

UPSRTC and other privates have regular bus services operating all day long.

  • Availability: Buses after every 1 hour or so. There are Ordinary, Janrath (AC) and Sleeper buses.
  • Stations: The buses usually leave the central bus stations in Prayagraj (Civil Lines).

Planning Your Pilgrimage: Stops on the Way.

It is not a long ride, although you have time, there are some things you can see to enrich your trip in terms of culture.

The city of a hundred Thousands Relationships (Sitamarhi).

This is a place found close to the road and this location is said to have been the point whereby Goddess Sita found her way into the earth. An ideal place to visit briefly is a religious place of peace.

Vindhyachal

A small town with Vindhyavasini Temple in it, which is among the most respected Shakti Peethas in India. It takes a minor diversion and it is very much recommended to devotees.

Vitally important Travel Advice to the Indian Traveller.

It is not to say that you will not have a smooth ride between these two spiritual centers, but these few tips are handy.

Best Time to Travel

The best season is during winter between October and March. In Prayagraj and Varanasi, the weather is pleasant and cool to cope with sightseeing. The summers are very hot and making travelling during the day uncomfortable.

Know the Name Changes

You see Allahabad is no more, officially, than is Prayagraj, and Varanasi is also popularly called Kashi or Banaras. This is useful in the search of the signboards or reservation of tickets!

Carry Cash

Though the digital transaction reigns supreme, there are always small businesses and cafes along the highway that may not accept a digital payment but could accept cash. It is always convenient to be carrying a couple of hundred rupees.

Conclusion

Prayagraj Varanasi distance is quite small, and can be traveled on comfortably in a short period of time and bridges two of the most religious and historical cities in India. The trip takes a simple ride through either the very fast Vande Bharat train or the comfort of the road transport along the NH-19. Pack and prepare a soulful journey between sacred Triveni Sangam and eternal ghats of Kashi and pack planning and finding out the weather before you set off.

Prayagraj to Varanasi Distance FAQs

The approximate road distance between Prayagraj and Varanasi is about 120-130 kilometers (75-80 miles).

By car or bus, the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, mainly via the smooth National Highway 19.

The fastest way is generally by express train, with some services like Vande Bharat taking as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes.