Varanasi to Prayagraj Distance: Travel Information
Varanasi and Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) are two major pilgrimage cities in Uttar Pradesh, India. The distance between them is frequently searched by pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers. Here’s detailed information about the Varanasi-Prayagraj distance through different modes of transport.
Road Distance from Varanasi to Prayagraj
- Shortest Road Route: 130 km via NH19 (Old NH2)
- Alternative Routes:
- 140 km via NH19 and SH42
- 155 km via NH35 (scenic but longer)
- Average Travel Time: 3-4 hours by private vehicle
Key Landmarks En Route:
- Handia
- Karchana
- Jhusi
Rail Distance Between Varanasi & Prayagraj
- Shortest Rail Route: 120 km
- Fastest Trains:
- Vande Bharat Express (22435/22436): 3 hours 10 minutes
- Prayagraj-New Delhi Humsafar Express: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Major Stations:
- Varanasi Junction (BSB)
- Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ)
Air Connectivity
- Nearest Airport to Prayagraj: Bamrauli Air Force Station (15 km from city)
- Flight Option: No direct flights. Connect via Delhi/Lucknow (total 5-6 hours with layover)
- Road Distance from Varanasi Airport: 135 km (3.5 hours drive)
Travel Time Comparison
| Mode | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Road | 130 km | 3-4.5 hours |
| Train | 120 km | 3-4 hours |
| Air | N/A | 5-6 hours* |
Best Transport Options
- By Car/Taxi:
- Most flexible option
- Ola/Uber available (₹1500-2000)
- State buses (₹200-400)
- By Train:
- 25+ daily trains
- AC Chair Car: ₹450-650
- General Class: ₹80-120
- Shared Taxis:
- Depart from Varanasi’s Godowlia Chowk
- Fare: ₹300-400 per seat
Route Map Highlights
- NH19: Well-maintained 4-lane highway
- Toll Plazas: 2 tolls (₹220 total for cars)
- Pit Stops:
- KFC/ McDonald’s near Mughalsarai
- Local dhabas serving litti-chokha
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the exact road distance between Varanasi and Prayagraj? A: 130 km via NH19 (fastest route).
Q: Is there a direct flight between Varanasi and Prayagraj? A: No direct flights. Road or rail recommended.
Q: Which train has the shortest travel time? A: Vande Bharat Express (3 hours 10 minutes).
Q: Best time to travel between these cities? A: Early morning (5-7 AM) to avoid traffic.
Key Travel Tips
- Book train tickets 2-3 weeks in advance during pilgrimage seasons
- Carry water and snacks for road journeys
- Check real-time traffic via Google Maps before departure
Prayagraj and Varanasi are well-connected cities with multiple transport options. The 130 km road journey remains the most popular choice due to flexibility and frequency of transport. Train travel offers comfort at reasonable fares, while air connectivity isn’t practical for this short distance.
