Distance: approximately Approximately 680 km
A well-served overnight rail route between two of eastern India's great river cities - most pilgrims travel by train, boarding in the evening and arriving in Varanasi by morning.
Trains including the Vibhuti Express and Sealdah-Varanasi services connect the two cities, taking roughly 12-14 hours. Most run overnight, which makes this the practical choice - you save a hotel night and arrive ready for early-morning ghat visits, when Varanasi is at its best.
Book to Varanasi Junction (BSB) for the main station, or Banaras (MUV) if you are staying nearer Assi Ghat.
Buses and private taxis cover the route, but at this distance the overnight train is almost always more comfortable and better value.
Direct flights operate between Kolkata and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), about 26 km from Varanasi. Flying saves time but adds airport transfers at both ends - for an overnight journey, the train often works out simpler.
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