Road trip guide

Patna Varanasi

Planning to travel from Patna to Varanasi? It is about 250 km by road and 5 to 6 hours by bus. Here is the whole journey: the towns on the way, the best time to leave, and how to travel comfortably.

about 250 kmabout 5 to 6 hours2 big stops on the way

Photo: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Saaremees, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Quick answer

Patna to Varanasi by bus takes about 5 to 6 hours and covers about 250 km by road, via Maner, Arrah. A short trip: a morning start gets you there by afternoon, or take an evening coach.

The journey, stop by stop

The big towns the road passes, in order.

Patnastart
Maner
Arrah
Varanasi arrive

What the road is like

From Patna the road passes Maner and Arrah before reaching Varanasi.

Varanasi on the Ganga is one of the holiest cities in India, known for its ghats and the evening Ganga aarti.

Patna, the capital of Bihar on the Ganga, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The Golghar granary is one of its landmarks.

Trains also connect the Patna area with Varanasi. Check IRCTC for direct trains and current availability: on festival and holiday dates they often sell out weeks ahead.

Why go by bus, not train?

Why more and more people now choose the road for Patna to Varanasi.

Board near home: a bus stops at towns and junctions along the way, so you do not have to travel to a big station first.
Seats when trains are full: on popular dates, train seats to Varanasi sell out weeks ahead, while buses add capacity close to the date.
Live tracking your family can follow, so nobody has to call you at midnight to ask where you are.
Drop points inside the city, often closer to hospitals, offices and markets than the railway station.

Tips for the journey

Time your arrival to avoid the morning and evening rush in the city.

Keep your destination address handy: drop points differ from bus to bus.

Carry water and a light snack for the road.

Questions travellers ask

How long does Patna to Varanasi take by bus?

About 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, stops and the exact road.

How far is Varanasi from Patna by road?

About 250 km.

Which towns are on the way from Patna to Varanasi?

Maner and Arrah.

When is the best time to leave?

A short trip: a morning start gets you there by afternoon, or take an evening coach.

Is it better to go by bus or train from Patna to Varanasi?

Both work. A bus lets you board near home and often has seats when trains are full; a train can be faster on some routes. For a short trip, a comfortable AC seat is enough.

Useful links: the road route on Google Maps and IRCTC for current trains. Distances and times are rounded and vary with traffic and stops.

Last updated 15 October 2026 by the Nandighosh travel team.