Kolkata to Varanasi Trains

Looking to book Kolkata to Varanasi trains? Booking a train ticket from Kolkata to Varanasi is now easier than ever on redRail. Whether you want to check the timetable for Kolkata to Varanasi trains or find the train seat availability from Kolkata to Varanasi, redRail is one-stop for all train enquiries. Kolkata to Varanasi are two of the popular cities in India, and trains are considered as one of the most efficient and convenient ways to travel between these cities.

To book a train from Kolkata to Varanasi, all you need to do is to enter your travel details on the top of the page, choose from the list of trains available, check out the desired train seat availability, and proceed to train ticket booking by entering your details and paying the cost. You can then receive the confirmed tickets shortly. The easy-to-understand and adaptable interface, easy railway ticket booking process, and affordable train fare make redRail a great choice for those looking to book a Kolkata to Varanasi train.

There are 36 trains running from Kolkata to Varanasi covering an approximate distance of 704 kms. While some trains run on a daily basis, others run weekly. A large number of travelers choose to reach Varanasi from Kolkata by train. The first train from Kolkata to Varanasi is KOAA VGLB SF EX (22197), departing at 07:25 from Kolkata (KOAA). RAJDHANI EXPRES (12301) is the fastest among the Kolkata to Varanasi Trains. It departs from Howrah Junction (HWH) at 16:50 and arrives at Pt Dd Upadhyaya Ju (DDU) at 00:45, covering the distance in just 7 hrs 55 mins. The last train from Kolkata to Varanasi is HIMGIRI EXPRESS (12331), departing at 23:55 from Howrah Junction (HWH). You can get detailed information about Kolkata to Varanasi train timetable, availability, fare, running status, coach position, and PNR on redRail. 

The boarding stations for all Kolkata to Varanasi trains are - Santragachi Junction (SRC), Shalimar Kolkata (SHM), Tamluk (TMZ), Sealdah (SDAH), Kolkata (KOAA), Howrah Junction (HWH)

Deboarding stations at Varanasi - Varanasi Junction (BSB), Pt dd upadhyaya junction mughalsarai (DDU)

The total time taken by different trains running from Kolkata to Varanasi can vary based on the type of train, number of stops and various other factors. The first train leaving from Kolkata to Varanasi is at 07:25, while the last train is at 23:55.

Kolkata, aka “The City of Joy” is a bustling and culturally rich city in India’s eastern region, West Bengal. With a heady mix of history and modernism, the city invites you to see its awesome sights that are reminders of its role as the capital of British India till 1911. Kolkata played a major role in India’s freedom struggle.

Kolkata is full of culture in the fields of music, dance, art, and literature and is famous for its place as the birthplace of the literary icon and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Additionally, beautiful landmarks make the city unforgettable, and so does the city’s tasty cuisine. The sweets are famous here, mainly the rasgulla, as well as the food on the street such as phuchka. In terms of culture and tradition, you can enjoy its annual Book Fair and Film Festival, or if you are religiously inclined, partake of the Durga Puja, celebrated with gaiety every year. As a seat of learning, Kolkata has always encouraged educational pursuits and you can find great universities like Presidency University here.

The people of Kolkata are warm and inviting and although this is primarily a large metropolis in the state of West Bengal, it does have some beautiful river views. A centre that connects by train, air, and road to other Indian cities, Kolkata can give you the right blend of city life and vibrant culture.

Varanasi, or Benaras, located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, has the distinction of being one of the oldest cities that has been continuously inhabited in India. Additionally, as you may already know, it is a cultural and spiritual epicenter situated on the banks of one of the world’s most sacred rivers, the Ganges (the Ganga).

Known commonly as “Kashi” or "The City of Temples, Varanasi is an often-visited place of pilgrimage for people, attracting millions of disciples who wish to cleanse away their sins in the River Ganga’s holy waters. Varanasi is a small city but has been in the media’s eye as it is considered one of the holiest and most traditional cities in the world. Its main industry is tourism.

The city is lined with narrow and winding streets that have old temple structures and steps leading to the River Ganges. The markets of Varanasi are also quite popular for all things traditional from clothes to artefacts. Furthermore, Varanasi is a learning centre, with the Banaras Hindu University located here. Most visitors come here to experience the spiritual aura of the place and most notably, the Ganga Aarti ceremony. At festival times like Diwali, Varanasi comes alive as a place for worship and celebration.

The railway station in Varanasi is called the Varanasi Junction Railway Station and is also referred to as the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. This is the major railway station that serves Varanasi, other stations being Varanasi City and the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction. The Varanasi Junction Railway Station is partly within the Northern Railway Zone (Lucknow Division) and partly within the North Eastern Railway Zone (Varanasi Division). Approximately 45 trains depart from this station and terminate here as well. The station is administered under the helm of the Indian Railways. It is an A1 grade station with 9 platforms with more under construction. The station works on an advanced Route Interlock System and has amenities like ATMs, WiFi, elevators, escalators, facilities for water and food, etc.

If you travel by train from Kolkata to Varanasi, you may find yourself stopping at or passing through some major railway stations en route, depending on the rail service and the route. Some prominent stations include Howrah Junction in Kolkata, which is a significant railway hub in West Bengal. As trains head in a northward direction, they may stop at railway stations such as Asansol. As trains travel further on the route, you may come across Gaya Junction. This is an important railway interchange station, and Mughalsarai Junction, a very busy station and the start of your direct journey to Varanasi. one of the busiest railway stations in India and the gateway to Varanasi.

Besides the River Ganga which is located along the whole city, Varanasi, is filled with spiritual and historical landmarks attracting the world’s tourist traffic. Here are some key places that are a must-see:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: A place where steps lead to the River Ganga, this has special significance as the Ganga Aarti ceremony is held here.
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most sacred temples in India, devoted to Lord Shiva.
• Sarnath: For followers of the Buddha, this is the place he gave his first sermon once he attained enlightenment.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): You can explore the vast grounds of this premier religious educational institution and check out the museum on the campus.
• Ramnagar Fort: An architectural wonder in a fort situated on the Ganga’s banks, this structure houses a museum and a lot of opportunities for photos.
• New Vishwanath Temple: A temple which is famous for its enter white marble structure, this is also called the Birla Temple.
• Bharat Mata Temple: Uniquely built as a dedicated temple for the worship of Mother India, the interior has a marble relief map of the country.

Varanasi Junction Railway Station is the main rail station in Varanasi, whether you are travelling from major cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, or travelling to other cities from Varanasi. The city of Varanasi is majorly served by trains running to and from all primary Indian metros like New Delhi, Indore, Meerut, Dehradun, etc. The station has facilities to hire taxis and cars for any further travel. National highways such as NH 28 and NH 2 connect Varanasi by road to other parts of India, mainly via Lucknow.

The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or the Varanasi Airport is situated at Babatpur and connects Varanasi to some main Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. The airport is located at a distance of around 30 Km from the centre of the city of Varanasi. The airport has one runway and a single terminal that manages both domestic and international flights. It also features aero-bridges and amenities like snack stalls, waiting areas, a bookstore, and traditional stores selling local goods. You can connect to the city from the airport with car rental and taxi hire services.

Varanasi does not have an active metro service currently. However, a metro has been proposed and it will have two corridors to be constructed by both the Central Government and the State Government. The nearest metro network to Varanasi is located in Lucknow.