Chennai Varanasi
straighten 1832 km
schedule 23h 08m
flight ~2h 55m
flight_takeoff Flight Available

Chennai to Varanasi: 1832 km Road Guide 23h 08m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026

📅
Share on WhatsApp

Planning a trip from Chennai to Varanasi? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 1832km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.

straighten Distance
1832 km
Total Distance
directions_car By Car
23h 08m
Drive Time
₹17,496
₹4,374/person (4 pax)
flight By Air
~2h 55m
Flight Time
train By Train
~21–29h
Est. Time
₹1,014 – ₹3,740
Min – Max
directions_bus By Bus
~31–43h
Est. Time
₹2,888 – ₹12,291
Min – Max
info

All prices are estimates. Train: Check IRCTC. Bus: Prices vary 25-50%, check redBus (not recommended >2,500km). Flight: Check airlines for current rates. Drive: Costs assume 4 travelers; fuel/tolls may vary.

info
Train availability: Prices shown are estimates based on distance. Please check IRCTC or train booking platforms for actual availability, routes, and current ticket prices as they vary by class, train type, and booking time.

analytics Travel Comparison: Chennai to Varanasi

Mode Duration Estimated Cost
directions_car Private Car 23h 08m ₹17,496 Fuel & Tolls
flight Flight ~2h 55m ₹6,412 - ₹12,824
train Train 12h – 16h ₹1,014 – ₹3,740
bus Bus 12h – 16h ₹2,888 – ₹12,291
📋
Your Trip Checklist
Tap to check off as you plan
📧 Get this + packing tips by email:

How to Reach Varanasi from Chennai: Car, Train, Bus & Flight Options

Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.

directions_car

Drive Chennai to Varanasi (1832 km, 23h 08m)

Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips

23h 08m
Duration
1832 km
Distance
₹17,496
Fuel + Tolls
flight

Fly Chennai to Varanasi (~2h 55m flight)

Speed, long distances, business travel

~2h 55m
Flight Time
1832 km
Distance
₹6,412 — ₹12,824
Airfare Range

lightbulb Our Recommendation

For this 1832km long-distance journey, consider flying (~2h 55m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.

What to Eat in Chennai Before You Hit the Road

Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:

restaurant

Must-Try Food in Chennai Before Your Drive

  • local_dining
    Idli and Sambar - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with lentil soup and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop).
  • local_dining
    Dosa - Crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes or other fillings (try at Saravana Bhavan).
  • local_dining
    Chettinad Chicken - Spicy chicken curry with a blend of aromatic spices (try at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant).
location_on Recommended Restaurant

Saravana Bhavan • Various locations

Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Chennai and Varanasi

These cities sit along your Chennai to Varanasi route corridor and are worth a brief stop:

location_city

Bapatla Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit

schedule ~100 min detour
Stop #1

Bapatla is a developing coastal town in Andhra Pradesh, known for its educational institutions and agricultural output. It offers a relaxed pace of life, distinct from the bustling major cities. The town's main draw is Suryalanka Beach, a popular spot for locals and regional tourists.

attractions Top Attractions

Suryalanka Beach
schedule 3-4 hours payments Free
Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple
schedule 1-2 hours payments Free
Kothapatnam Beach
schedule 2-3 hours payments Free

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Pulihora - Tangy tamarind rice, a staple in Andhra cuisine, available at most local eateries, rupees 50-80

location_city

Tenali Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit

schedule ~80 min detour
Stop #2

Tenali is a significant railway junction town in Andhra Pradesh. It serves as a commercial and agricultural hub. You will find a bustling local atmosphere here. This town is often a transit point for travelers heading to Vijayawada or Guntur.

attractions Top Attractions

Ramakrishna Kavi Statue
schedule 15 minutes payments Free
Kanyaka Parameswari Temple
schedule 30-45 minutes payments Free
Vaikuntapuram Temple
schedule 30 minutes payments Free

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Pulihora - Tangy tamarind rice, a staple in Andhra cuisine, available at local messes, rupees 50-80

location_city

Machilipatnam Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit

schedule ~45 min detour
Stop #3

Machilipatnam, also known as Masulipatnam, is a historic port city in Andhra Pradesh. It was a significant trading hub for the Dutch, British, and French. Today, it is known for its fishing industry, cotton mills, and the unique Kalamkari art form.

attractions Top Attractions

Manginapudi Beach
schedule 2-3 hours payments Free
Kalamkari Art Village (Pedana)
schedule 2-3 hours payments Free
Machilipatnam Lighthouse
schedule 30-60 minutes payments rupees 10 (Indians), rupees 50 (foreigners)

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Chepala Pulusu - spicy fish curry, a local specialty. Get it at Hotel Grand, rupees 300-450.

location_city

Shariatpur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit

schedule On the route
Stop #4

Shariatpur is a remote charland destination in South Central India. It offers a unique glimpse into riverine agricultural life. You will find fertile plains, traditional farming, and a slow pace of life.

attractions Top Attractions

Krishna Charland Viewpoint
schedule 1 hour payments Free
Shariatpur Agricultural Museum
schedule 1-2 hours payments rupees 20 (Indians), rupees 100 (foreigners)
Riverine Bird Sanctuary
schedule 2-3 hours payments rupees 30 (Indians), rupees 200 (foreigners)

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Chepala Pulusu - spicy fish curry, best at River View Dhaba, rupees 250-350

location_city

Vijayawada Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit

schedule ~95 min detour
Stop #5

Vijayawada is a bustling river city in Andhra Pradesh, situated on the banks of the Krishna River. It serves as a major commercial hub and a significant railway junction in South India. You will find a blend of ancient temples, historical caves, and modern infrastructure here.

attractions Top Attractions

Kanaka Durga Temple
schedule 1-2 hours payments Free (Indians), Free (foreigners)
Undavalli Caves
schedule 1-1.5 hours payments rupees 25 (Indians), rupees 300 (foreigners)
Prakasam Barrage
schedule 30-45 minutes payments Free

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Pulihora - tangy tamarind rice, available at most local eateries, rupees 50-80

Things to Do in Varanasi: Attractions & Highlights

Varanasi offers a unique travel experience. For detailed information about local attractions, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips, visit our comprehensive destination guide.

Chennai to Varanasi FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)

What is the distance from Chennai to Varanasi?
The distance from Chennai to Varanasi is 1832 kilometers by road.
How long does it take to drive from Chennai to Varanasi?
It takes approximately 23h 08m to drive from Chennai to Varanasi, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops you make along the way.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Chennai to Varanasi?
The most budget-friendly option is usually by bus or train. Driving costs approximately ₹17,496 for fuel and tolls. Buses are typically the cheapest, while trains offer a good balance of comfort and affordability.
Is there a direct flight from Chennai to Varanasi?
Yes, flights are available from Chennai to Varanasi with a flight time of approximately ~2h 55m. Flight costs typically range from ₹6,412 to ₹12,824 depending on booking time and airline.
What are the best stops between Chennai and Varanasi?
Popular stops along the route include Bapatla, Tenali, Machilipatnam, Shariatpur, Vijayawada. These cities offer interesting attractions, local cuisine, and comfortable rest facilities.
What is the best time to travel from Chennai to Varanasi?
October to March is generally the best time for road trips in India, with pleasant weather and clear skies.

More Road Trips from Chennai: Popular Nearby Routes

Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Chennai:

How to Reach Varanasi from Other Cities

Traveling to Varanasi from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:

🏖️ Planning a Weekend Getaway?

Discover the best weekend trips from Chennai and Varanasi - perfect 2-3 day escapes within 200km!

Explore More of India

Discover comprehensive travel guides, hidden gems, and local insights for cities across India. Plan your perfect journey with our detailed destination guides.

🗺️ Travellers Who Planned This Also Visited

Browse all destinations →
📍 Planning this trip?
Share on WhatsApp