Where buses arrive
- Varanasi Cantt bus stand (UPSRTC), opposite Varanasi Junction railway station — the main terminal for state buses.
- Private operators often drop near the Cantonment, Chaukaghat or on the ring road; confirm the exact drop point when you book.
- From either, take an auto, e-rickshaw or app cab to Godowlia for the temple (about 5 km, 20–40 minutes).
Common routes
| From | Distance | Time | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prayagraj | ~120 km | 3–4 h | Frequent UPSRTC ordinary and AC buses |
| Ayodhya | ~200 km | 5–6 h | UPSRTC and private |
| Lucknow | ~300 km | 6–8 h | UPSRTC AC (Janrath/Volvo) and private sleepers |
| Gorakhpur | ~210 km | 5–6 h | UPSRTC; onward to the Nepal border at Sunauli |
| Gaya / Bodh Gaya | ~250 km | 6–7 h | Private and BSRTC |
| Kathmandu (via Sunauli) | ~550 km | 12–16 h | Private tourist buses; change at the border |
Types of bus
Ordinary (non-AC)
Cheapest and most frequent, but crowded and slow, with many stops. Fine for Prayagraj in winter.
AC seater (Janrath, Volvo)
UPSRTC’s air-conditioned services are comfortable for 3–8 hour trips and leave on a published schedule.
Sleeper
Private overnight sleepers save a hotel night, but the ride is bumpy — not ideal for elders or children.
Booking and safety
- Book UPSRTC AC buses on the official UPSRTC website or app; for private operators use well-reviewed booking apps and check recent reviews.
- Keep valuables, medicines and documents with you, not in the luggage hold.
- Women travelling alone may prefer seats near the front; most AC buses have reserved seats for women.
- Carry water and snacks — roadside stops can be irregular.
உள்ளூர் குறிப்பு. If you are coming from Nepal, remember that the Indian e-Visa does not allow entry at land borders for all nationalities — check which entry points your visa permits before booking.
அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்
பக்தர்கள் கேட்கும் கேள்விகள்
Where is the bus stand in Varanasi?
The main UPSRTC bus stand is at Varanasi Cantt, opposite Varanasi Junction railway station.
Is there a direct bus from Delhi?
Private sleepers run, but at 12–14 hours they are tiring. The Vande Bharat train or a flight is much better.