Kashi revered globally as Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India.
Whether you are planning a sacred pilgrimage to seek blessings at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, or explore the ancient ghats along the Ganges, knowing how to reach Kashi from Mumbai smoothly sets the tone for your entire journey.
Located roughly 1,280 km by air and 1,500 km to 1,610 km by road from Maharashtra’s capital, Kashi is seamlessly connected to Mumbai across all major transit modes. Below is a complete, step-by-step travel guide covering flight, train, and road options along with fares, routes, and internal transfer tips.
Complete Mumbai to Kashi Travel Options: Flight, Train & Road
Choosing the right mode of transport depends on your budget, group size, and available vacation days. Here is a quick comparison before we dive into the detailed routes:
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Average Travel Time | Approx. One-Way Fare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Flight | ~1,283 km | 2h 05m – 2h 30m (Direct) | ₹5,500 – ₹14,000 / person | Families, senior citizens & short weekend trips |
| By Train | ~1,500 km | 24h 30m – 31h 00m | ₹750 (SL) – ₹5,200 (1A) | Budget travellers & classic overnight rail journeys |
| By Road (Car/Cab) | ~1,500 – 1,611 km | 24 – 28 hours (with halts) | ₹15,000 – ₹22,000+ (Full cab) | Pilgrimage road-trippers visiting en-route temples |
1. How to Reach Kashi from Mumbai by Flight (Fastest Option)
Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Mumbai to Kashi, especially if you are travelling with elderly parents or young children.
- Departure Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)
- Arrival Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi (VNS)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes for non-stop flights.
- Major Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet operate multiple daily direct and connecting flights.
- Last-Mile Connectivity: Varanasi Airport (VNS) is located about 26 km northwest of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor. Pre-booked airport taxis take 45 to 60 minutes to drop you near Godowlia Chowk.
Local Transfer Tip: Early morning flights from Mumbai often face unpredictable highway traffic. Booking a punctual Mumbai car rental and airport taxi service ensures a stress-free doorstep pickup to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
2. How to Reach Kashi from Mumbai by Train (Most Economical Option)
Indian Railways operates an extensive network of daily and weekly express trains connecting Mumbai’s major railheads Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Dadar (DR) to Varanasi’s primary stations: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS), Kashi (KEI), and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU).
Popular Direct Trains from Mumbai to Varanasi / Kashi:
- Mahanagari Express (22177): Departs CSMT at 00:10; reaches Varanasi Jn (BSB) in ~27 hours.
- LTT – Varanasi Superfast Express (12167): Departs LTT at 22:45; reaches Varanasi Jn (BSB) in ~26 hours 40 minutes.
- Kamayani Express (11071): Departs LTT at 13:50; reaches Varanasi Jn (BSB) in ~29 hours 55 minutes.
- Pawan Express (11061): Departs LTT at 11:30; reaches Varanasi Jn (BSB) in ~24 hours 55 minutes.
- Mumbai CSMT – Howrah Mail (12322): Stops at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn (DDU), just 18 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple (~24 hours 30 minutes).
Station & Boarding Tip: Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras (BSBS) are the closest major stations to the ghats (roughly 4–5 km away). If you are travelling from Pune or neighbouring cities to catch your train in Mumbai, you can pre-book an outstation cab from Pune to Mumbai for direct station drop-off with luggage.
3. How to Reach Kashi from Mumbai by Road (Scenic Pilgrimage Route)
For pilgrims who love multi-stop spiritual road trips combining Shirdi, Nashik, Ujjain, or Prayagraj along the way driving from Mumbai to Kashi offers unmatched flexibility.
- Primary Route (via NH 52 & NH 30): Mumbai → Nashik → Dhule → Indore → Sagar → Rewa → Prayagraj → Varanasi (~1,500 km).
- Alternative Route (via Nagpur): Mumbai → Nashik → Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) → Nagpur → Jabalpur → Rewa → Varanasi (~1,610 km).
- Recommended Halts: Because the drive takes 25 to 28 hours, plan an overnight stopover in Indore or Nagpur for a safe, well-rested journey.
- Best Vehicle Choices: For long-distance highway comfort, choose spacious SUVs like an Innova Crysta or Ertiga. If you are travelling with an extended family or senior citizen group, opt for a comfortable Tempo Traveller hire in Mumbai so everyone can travel together.
Best Time to Visit Kashi from Mumbai
- October to March (Peak Season): Crisp, pleasant daytime weather (15°C–25°C) makes walking through the lanes of Kashi and attending morning boat rides effortless. Dev Deepawali (November) and Maha Shivaratri (February/March) are particularly vibrant.
- April to June (Summer): Temperatures soar above 40°C. Sightseeing is best planned during early mornings and late evenings.
- July to September (Monsoon): The Ganges swells dramatically, often submerging the lower steps of the ghats and temporarily pausing evening boat rides, though temple darshan remains open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the fastest way to reach Kashi from Mumbai?
Taking a direct flight from Mumbai (BOM) to Varanasi (VNS) is the fastest option, taking approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes in the air.
2. Which railway station in Varanasi is closest to Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Kashi Railway Station (KEI) is roughly 3.5 km from the temple, while Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras Station (BSBS) are around 4.5 to 5 km away. All three have readily available e-rickshaws and local taxis.
3. Can I visit Shirdi or Nashik on the way from Mumbai to Kashi by road?
Yes! Both Shirdi and Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) lie along the Mumbai–Agra Highway corridor. Many devotees start their spiritual circuit with a Mumbai to Shirdi cab service before continuing north toward Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Planning Your Kashi Yatra from Mumbai or Pune?
Whether you need a punctual early-morning drop to Mumbai Airport, a railway station transfer to CSMT or LTT, or a spacious SUV/Tempo Traveller for an en-route pilgrimage via Shirdi and Nashik, OM Sai Ram Cab provides 24×7 sanitized vehicles with experienced chauffeurs. Call or WhatsApp today to book your ride!
