Home › Routes › Kathmandu to Varanasi
How to get from Kathmandu to Varanasi
The quickest way from Kathmandu to Varanasi is a flight of about 1 h, where available. Overland it takes roughly 15–20 h: a bus to the Sunauli border, then a bus or train in India via Gorakhpur to Varanasi.
Best option: Flight. An hour in the air replaces a long and tiring overland journey with a land border.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Flights from Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International) to Varanasi, direct when operating, otherwise via Delhi | about 1 h direct; about 5–8 h via Delhi | a few times a week direct, if operating; daily via Delhi | about US$120–250 | Direct service has been operated by Nepali and Indian airlines at times; check current schedules. |
| bus Bus from Kathmandu to Sunauli/Bhairahawa, cross the border on foot, then a bus or train via Gorakhpur to Varanasi | about 15–20 h in total | daily buses to the border | about US$20–40 in total | Long, hot and slow; often split with a night at the border or at Lumbini. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Check that your Indian visa allows entry at the Sunauli land border; some e-visas are valid only at airports and certain crossings.
- Consider a stop at Lumbini, near the border, if travelling overland.
- Varanasi airport is about 45 min–1 h from the ghats by taxi.
- Overland, carry both Nepali and Indian rupees.
Common questions
Is there a direct flight from Kathmandu to Varanasi?
Direct flights between Kathmandu and Varanasi have been operated at times, taking about an hour, but the route is not always running. Check current schedules. Otherwise connect via Delhi, which takes about 5–8 hours including the connection. Book ahead in the October–March high season.
How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Varanasi overland?
About 15–20 hours. You take a bus from Kathmandu to the Sunauli border, about 8–10 hours, cross on foot, then continue by bus or train via Gorakhpur to Varanasi, about 6–8 hours more. Many travellers split the trip with a night at the border or in Lumbini.
Can I use an Indian e-visa at the Sunauli border?
Not necessarily. Indian e-visas are only valid at designated airports and certain land and sea entry points, and the list changes. Check the current Indian government list before you travel. If Sunauli is not on it, you need a regular visa, or you should fly into India instead.
What is the cheapest way from Kathmandu to Varanasi?
Overland by bus and train, which costs about US$20–40 in total but takes 15–20 hours with a border crossing. Flights are much quicker and cost roughly US$120–250. If you go overland, a sleeper train from Gorakhpur can make the Indian leg more comfortable.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.