For those who wish to experience the religious beauty, historical significance, and colorful culture of Uttar Pradesh, traveling from Prayagraj to Varanasi is an exquisite getaway. You will travel on broad highways, through beautiful countryside, and have glimpses of the holy Ganges River – all in an exhilarating way that brings to you both adventure and cultural experience.
Whether you plan to take your family on a day trip, your friends away for a weekend, or enjoy an individual retreat, knowing how far apart Prayagraj and Varanasi are, how long it takes to get from one place to the other, and what the best route to follow is will ensure you have an amazing trip! Additionally, this guide provides in detail information about modes of transportation available between Prayagraj and Varanasi, routes to take, things to see and do, and travel tips.
What is the Prayagraj to Varanasi Distance by Road?
The Prayagraj to Varanasi distance by road is around 125 to 135 kilometers, depending on which route you take. Your travel will normally take about three to four hours. However, this can change based on how heavy the traffic is, if roads are under construction or if there are any breaks in your travel.
Almost all of this trip will be on smooth national highways. Occasionally, you will pass through rural towns where you can get a feel for what life is really like for the people of India.
You can comfortably complete your trip from Prayagraj to Varanasi by either driving yourself, or by taking a taxi.
Your trip can be broken down into two major parts:
- Driving very quickly and without a lot of stops on India’s national highways from Prayagraj to Bhadohi/Sultanpur.
- Driving in the scenic countryside to Varanasi via either Ghazipur or Mirzapur; you’ll see small villages and picturesque rural landscapes, including rivers and fields.
Also Read: Advantages of Self-Drive Car Rental
How to go from Prayagraj to Varanasi
By Chauffeur Driven Car
One of the most comfortable and stress free ways to enjoy a long trip. You don’t have to focus on driving throughout your whole journey, instead you can sit back and take in the scenic views along the way. This option is ideal for families, groups, or anyone who prefers a smooth and hassle-free ride.
Also Read: Benefits of Chauffeur-Driven Rental Car
Private or Self-Driving
The best way to enjoy a long drive is by driving yourself and having the freedom to stop when you see something interesting like temples, roadside dhabas (small food vendors) or beautiful views. By using a private cab, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the trip without having to worry about getting lost.
By Bus
There are a number of different types of buses operating between Prayagraj and Varanasi including private and state-run buses. The options for these buses are limited, but they do provide an affordable and reliable way to travel between the two cities, although less than self-drives or cabs.
By Train
There are also many choices for trains from Prayagraj to Varanasi including daily direct train options taking between approximately 2-4 hours depending on the schedule. For those who want to do a road trip, a train will not give you the same views as driving or using a cab.
Best Prayagraj to Varanasi Route Options
The first thing you should know about your travel experience by car is how to pick the best road route for your trip. There are two suggested routes between Prayagraj and Varanasi:
Route 1: Prayagraj – Bhadohi – Varanasi
This route is the most commonly travelled by road and begins in Prayagraj and passes through Bhadohi District, which has a rich history of being a producer of carpets. There are many long and straight sections of this highway with very little traffic, providing for a faster and more pleasant road trip.
Route 2: Prayagraj – Sultanpur – Varanasi
Travelling through the town of Sultanpur in addition to Prayagraj and Varanasi takes the traveller through a larger mix of both urban and rural settings. The road is slightly longer than Route One but it is rich with small towns and local food that can be tried along the way.
Recommendation
First-time travellers are advised to pick the Prayagraj – Bhadohi – Varanasi as their road route because of the good quality of roads, adequate signage, and minimal interruptions from traffic.
Best Time for a Prayagraj to Varanasi Road Trip
Depending on how you want to experience the journey, the best time to schedule your traveling from Prayagraj to Varanasi by car is broken down into three separate periods, which are fall (October through March), summer (April through June), and monsoon (July through September):
- Autumn has good weather, clear skies and pleasant temperatures throughout the day. As such, it’s a great time for sightseeing!
- Summer has warm–even hot–temperatures; however, if you leave early in the morning, you will experience comfortable driving in pleasant weather conditions.
- During monsoon there are very beautiful, green fields, but sometimes you will have to deal with delays due to rain.
Families and those traveling for enjoyment typically find winter and early spring to be most comfortable times to travel.
Top Must-Visit Places in Varanasi
The temples of Varanasi combine its spirituality, history and cultural to create one of the most beautiful city sites in India, and here are some suggestions for must see attractions:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
An important temple for Shiva because of his connection to this area; when you visit this temple you will be provided with a unique spiritual experience.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
From this well known ghat, located near the Ganges, you will be able to take in the magnificent Ganga Aarti which occurs every evening and features lamps being lit and chants being sung.
Sarnath
This is the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon, and if you enjoy learning about history or are searching for spirituality you should visit Sarnath while in Varanasi.
Banaras Ghats
You need to take a boat ride along the ghats because there are many daily rituals to watch for and you will see how the residents of Varanasi live their lives by the water.
Tulsi Ghat & Assi Ghat
Both of these ghats are excellent for taking photographs, walking early in the morning and experiencing the local culture.
Private Cab Fare for Prayagraj to Varanasi Trip
The private taxi fare from Droom rental for one-way journeys is based on the type of vehicle, distance travelled, fuel costs incurred, and other variables like tolls and seasonality of demand. Round-trip packages are usually more cost efficient than one-way trips.
Top benefits of using a private taxi for transportation:
Comfortable and Relaxing: Reliable air conditioning; adequate leg room in an upgraded model (newer model) car; smooth driving experience.
Experienced Drivers: Who have experience working with the different driving conditions found on both highways and outlying rural areas.
Flexible Timelines: People who use Droom rental cabs can stop along their route for pictures, food, and/or sightseeing without feeling rushed to get to their final destination.
Cabs Route from Popular Cities:
Useful Advice for a Smooth Prayagraj to Varanasi Road Trip
Start Earlier: Dense urban traffic is best avoided by getting a jump start on your travels prior to the sun setting.
Take Frequent Breaks: Frequent short breaks may help reduce exhaustion by providing riven breaks throughout your drive.
Ensure Well maintained Vehicle: The vehicle’s fuel, tires & brake systems need to be in top shape to drive.
Check Weather Conditions: Summer heat can have a negative impact on the road during the summer months as well as during the rainy seasons (Monsoons).
Pack Basic Necessities for Travel: Water, snacks, medication, paperwork, power supply and sunscreen.
Conclusion
Going from Prayagraj to Varanasi by road gives you more than just a drive; it gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, spirituality, and colourful cultures of the people who live in Uttar Pradesh. With well-planned, selected routes for travel, comfortable transportation, you are bound to have an enjoyable experience that includes adventure, relaxation and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive safely from Prayagraj to Varanasi by road?
Generally, all roads in this area are safe; however, one must be careful when travelling through rural areas and during the early morning/late evening hours.
What is the best mode of transport for the Prayagraj to Varanasi trip?
Self-driving or hiring a private taxi from Droom rental enables you flexibility along the way and allows for great sightseeing opportunities.
How long does it take to go from Prayagraj to Varanasi?
Typically, it takes anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, depending on which route you take and how much congestion there may be on the roads.
How many days is ideal for a Prayagraj to Varanasi trip?
If you are looking for a comfortable way to see everything Varanasi has to offer, it would be best to plan on 2 – 3 days of travel through the area, including time to visit Sarnath as well as all the ghats and temples in Varanasi.
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