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.
స్థానిక సూచన. 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.
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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.