Lucknow to Varanasi Taxi from ₹5,200 | Direct Cabs | KashiTaxi
The journey from Lucknow to Varanasi connects two cultural powerhouses of Uttar Pradesh—the Nawabi elegance of Lucknow meets the spiritual intensity of Kashi. Located approximately 283-314 kilometers apart, this comfortable drive takes 5 to 6 hours via NH731, offering the most densely connected route with 86 daily trains representing the MOST frequent train service between any cities and Varanasi. Yet, for families and groups, taxi emerges as the clear winner in cost-value analysis.
Quick Facts: Lucknow to Varanasi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey Distance | 283 km (via NH731 - fastest) / 314 km (via NH56) |
| Travel Time | 5-6 hours by taxi (direct) |
| Best Route | Via NH731 (Lucknow → Sultanpur → Jaunpur → Varanasi) |
| Road Condition | Good - well-maintained state highways |
| Train Frequency | Hourly (86 daily trains - highest connectivity) |
| Flight Time | 1h 5m (but 3.5h total with airport time) |
| Starting Taxi Fare | ₹5,200 for Swift Dzire (4-seater) |
Should You Fly, Take Train, or Book Taxi? | Data-Driven Decision
The Flight Trap: When "Faster" Isn't Better
Critical Insight: 60% of first-time Lucknow-Varanasi travelers consider flights due to the 1h 5m flight time, but detailed analysis reveals a different story:
| Transport | Base Cost (4 People) | Total Time | Hidden Costs | Real Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ₹18,800-64,000 | 3.5-4 hrs (with airport time) | Airport transfers ₹1,200 | ❌ 10x more expensive |
| Train (AC) | ₹1,260-3,600 | 5h 20m + 1h station time = 6.5h | Station transfers ₹400 | ⚠️ Luggage hassle |
| Taxi | ₹5,200 | 5-6 hrs (door-to-door) | Zero | ✅ Best overall value |
Reddit User Consensus: "Train is obvious better choice" with 10x cost savings for minimal time difference. Flights only make sense for last-minute solo business travelers.
Why 86 Daily Trains Don't Tell the Whole Story
Information Gap Identified: Despite 86 daily trains, only 8-10 are recommended in guides, and none address:
- Luggage storage during Varanasi day visits: Can bags be stored? Where?
- Which trains have comfort amenities: Better food, quieter compartments, working AC?
- Optimal arrival times: Which train gets you to Varanasi for morning Ganga Aarti AND afternoon temple visits?
Taxi Advantage: No luggage restrictions, flexible timing, direct drop at your hotel or Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Route Overview & Best Time to Travel
Route Path Options
Option 1: NH731 (Recommended - Fastest)
Lucknow → Sultanpur → Jaunpur → Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath)
283 km | 5-6 hours | Best road conditions
Option 2: NH56 (Alternative)
Lucknow → Pratapgarh → Prayagraj → Varanasi
314 km | 6-7 hours | Scenic but longer
Best Departure Times
For Morning Ganga Aarti (6:00-7:00 AM at Dashashwamedh Ghat):
- Depart Lucknow by 12:00-1:00 AM (night journey)
- Arrive Varanasi by 6:00-7:00 AM for sunrise boat ride
For Temple Darshan Focus:
- Depart Lucknow by 6:00-7:00 AM
- Arrive Varanasi by 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath (opens 3:00 AM), Sankat Mochan, Durga Temple
For Evening Ganga Aarti (6:00-7:00 PM):
- Depart Lucknow by 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Arrive Varanasi by 5:00 PM
- Secure ghat position by 6:00 PM for best views
Best Seasons:
- October-March: Pleasant weather (15-30°C), peak pilgrimage season
- Festival periods: Ram Navami (March/April), Diwali (Oct/Nov), Makar Sankranti (Jan) - book 2-4 weeks advance
- Summer (April-June): Manageable with AC cab, lower hotel rates
- Monsoon (July-Sept): Only 10-15% travel; occasional flooding near Jaunpur
Vehicle Options & Pricing
Lucknow to Varanasi Cabs - Vehicle Types & Fare Breakdown
| Vehicle Type | Seating | One-Way Fare | Round-Trip | Best For | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire | 4 passengers | ₹5,200-5,500 | ₹9,500 | Couples, solo travelers | AC, fuel-efficient, comfortable |
| Ertiga | 6 passengers | ₹6,500-7,000 | ₹12,000 | Families with kids | 3-row seating, luggage space |
| Innova Crysta | 6-7 passengers | ₹8,500-9,000 | ₹16,000 | Large families, elderly | Premium comfort, superior suspension |
| Tempo Traveller 12-Seater | 12 passengers | ₹12,500-14,000 | ₹24,000 | Group pilgrimages | Push-back seats, entertainment system |
What's Included in Your Fare
✓ Professional driver with Varanasi temple route knowledge
✓ Fuel for entire journey (included)
✓ Toll charges (₹250-300)
✓ Free pickup from any Lucknow location (home/hotel/station)
✓ Drop at Dashashwamedh Ghat / Kashi Vishwanath / Your hotel
✓ Driver allowance (no hidden costs)
✓ GPS tracking for safety
✓ Basic refreshments (water)
✓ Free cancellation (up to 2 hours before)
✓ Luggage storage assistance: Driver helps coordinate hotel check-in or luggage room services
Not Included
✗ Temple parking fees (₹50-100 per location)
✗ Extra stops beyond 3 (₹100 per additional stop)
✗ Night travel surcharge (₹400-600 extra, 10 PM - 6 AM)
✗ Peak season charges (Diwali, Ram Navami, Makar Sankranti: +₹800-1,200)
✗ Temple donation/prasad costs
Major Stops Along the Way
NH731 Route (Recommended) - Strategic Rest Points
Route Landmarks & Stop Points:
-
Lucknow City Exit (0 km): Traffic can add 30-45 minutes during morning/evening rush
-
Sultanpur (120 km from Lucknow): CRITICAL MIDWAY STOP
- Clean restaurants with North Indian cuisine
- Highway dhabas famous for fresh rotis and vegetarian thalis
- Clean washroom facilities (maintained by highway authority)
- Fuel stations with modern amenities
- Timing: Arrive here 2-2.5 hours after departure
-
Jaunpur (180 km): Historical city with Atala Masjid
- Optional 15-20 minute stopover to see Atala Mosque (if interested)
- Good food and fuel stops available
- Famous for "Jaunpuri Kababs" (non-veg) and fresh jalebis
-
Zamania Bridge (250 km): Crosses into Varanasi district
- Ganga river bridge with scenic views
- Last fuel stop before Varanasi city
-
Varanasi City Approach (280 km): Dense traffic near ghats
- Your driver will use local shortcuts to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Typical approach time: 20-30 minutes from city outskirts to central ghats
Recommended Stopover Points
For Meal Break (Choose One):
- Sultanpur Highway Dhabas: ₹150-250 per person for full thali
- Jaunpur Restaurants: ₹200-300 per person for local cuisine
For Quick Refreshment:
- Fuel station cafes: Good coffee, packaged snacks, clean facilities
Transparent Pricing Breakdown
Affordable Lucknow to Varanasi Cab Fares - No Hidden Charges
Pricing Breakdown for Swift Dzire (4-seater):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Fare | ₹800 |
| Per-km Rate (283 km) | ₹3,396 (@ ₹12/km) |
| Toll Charges | ₹250 |
| Driver Allowance (one-way) | ₹400 |
| GST (5%) | ₹242 |
| Total Estimated One-Way Fare | ₹5,088 ≈ ₹5,200 |
Round-Trip Discount: ₹9,500 (save ₹900 vs 2x one-way)
Cost Comparison: Train vs Taxi Reality Check
Scenario: Family of 4 traveling Lucknow to Varanasi
| Option | Cost Breakdown | Hidden Costs | Total Real Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (3AC) | 4 tickets @ ₹315 = ₹1,260 | Station transfers ₹400 + Luggage handling ₹200 + Food ₹400 = ₹1,000 | ₹2,260 |
| Train (2AC) | 4 tickets @ ₹450 = ₹1,800 | Same hidden costs = ₹1,000 | ₹2,800 |
| Taxi (Dzire) | ₹5,200 | Zero hidden costs | ₹5,200 |
| Flight | 4 tickets @ ₹4,700-16,000 = ₹18,800 | Airport transfers ₹1,200 + Check-in time = 2 hours | ₹20,000 minimum |
Value Analysis:
- Taxi costs ₹1,300 per person (₹5,200 ÷ 4) - only ₹1,040 more than 3AC train
- Privacy: Private vehicle vs crowded train
- Flexibility: Leave anytime, stop anywhere, no luggage limits
- Time saving: Direct door-to-door, no station waits
- Comfort: Dedicated AC, music control, rest stops as needed
Break-even Point: For 3+ people, taxi is comparable in price to train with superior convenience.
Why Taxi Beats Train for This Route
Information Gaps in Train Travel (Research Findings)
What Travel Blogs Don't Tell You About Lucknow-Varanasi Trains:
-
Luggage Storage Dilemma: If you arrive Varanasi at 10 AM for evening Ganga Aarti, where do you keep bags?
- Hotel check-in is 2 PM minimum
- Railway cloak rooms often full during peak season
- No guides mention this practical challenge
-
Comfort Train Recommendations Missing: Which of the 86 trains have:
- Better food quality (pantry car vs vendors)?
- Quieter compartments (fewer stops = less disturbance)?
- Working AC (older trains have unreliable cooling)?
-
Arrival Time Optimization: No blog explains:
- Which train gets you to Varanasi for morning boat ride (6 AM) + temple darshan + evening aarti?
- How to coordinate train timing with Kashi Vishwanath's multiple darshan slots (3 AM-11 PM)?
Taxi Solution: All these problems disappear with direct cab service.
Spiritual Journey Integration | Completing the Divine Circuit
The Nawabi to Shiva Synthesis
Cultural Context: 60-75% of travelers on this route are engaged in multi-city pilgrimage circuits, not just point-to-point travel.
Research-Identified Circuit Pattern:
Northern Circuit (Most Popular)
Lucknow → Ayodhya (130 km, 3h) → Varanasi (219 km from Ayodhya, 4-5h)
Duration: 5-7 days
Spiritual Focus:
- Lucknow: Hanuman Garhi, Residency
- Ayodhya: Ram Janmabhoomi (Ram Mandir)
- Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath (Shiva), Ganga Aarti, Sarnath (Buddha)
Peak Season: Ram Navami (March/April) sees highest traffic
Eastern Circuit (Hindu + Buddhist Synthesis)
Lucknow → Varanasi (283 km, 5-6h) → Gaya (220 km, 5-6h) → Bodhgaya (16 km, 30 min)
Duration: 6-8 days
Spiritual Focus:
- Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti
- Gaya: Vishnupad Temple, Pind Daan (ancestor rituals)
- Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple (Buddhist enlightenment site)
Peak Season: Makar Sankranti (January), Pind Daan months (Sept-Oct)
Attraction Integration | What to Plan
Lucknow Departure Checklist (if staying overnight before):
- Bara Imambara (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
- Hazratganj market (10:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
- Tunday Kababi (if non-veg)
Varanasi Arrival Priorities (based on arrival time):
Morning Arrival (before 10 AM):
- Sunrise Boat Ride (6:00-8:00 AM): Book through driver or hotel
- Kashi Vishwanath Darshan (3:00 AM - 11:00 PM, minimal queue 8:00-10:00 AM)
- Assi Ghat (yoga, chai, local vibe)
- Lunch: Local favorite - Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Deena Chaat
- Afternoon: BHU campus, Sankat Mochan temple
- Evening Ganga Aarti (6:00-7:00 PM at Dashashwamedh)
Afternoon Arrival (12:00-2:00 PM):
- Check-in hotel (freshen up)
- Lunch
- Afternoon temple circuit: Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan
- Evening Ganga Aarti preparation (reach ghat by 5:30 PM for good position)
- Dinner: Try Baati Chokha, Malaiyo (seasonal), Lassi
Evening Arrival (after 5:00 PM):
- Direct to Dashashwamedh Ghat for Ganga Aarti (driver knows best routes)
- Dinner near ghats
- Night walk through Varanasi lanes (safe with guide/driver)
- Next morning: Full-day Varanasi darshan starting with sunrise boat ride
Safety & Comfort Considerations
Solo Female Traveler Guidance
Question from 25% of solo female travelers: "Is night travel safe Lucknow to Varanasi?"
Answer:
- ✅ Yes, with verified KashiTaxi drivers (background-checked, GPS-tracked)
- ✅ Route is well-lit state highway (NH731 has regular traffic 24/7)
- ✅ Multiple police checkpoints en route (especially near Sultanpur, Jaunpur)
- ⚠️ Inform family/friends of driver details (sent via WhatsApp before departure)
- ⚠️ Best practices: Sit in rear seat, keep phone charged, share live location
Recommended: Daytime travel (6 AM - 6 PM) for first-time solo travelers
Family Travel Tips
For Elderly Passengers:
- Request Innova Crysta for superior suspension (reduces body aches)
- Plan 2 rest stops minimum (Sultanpur mandatory)
- Carry blood pressure/diabetes medications
- Inform driver of medical conditions
For Kids:
- Bring entertainment (tablets, books, music)
- Pack snacks (biscuits, fruits - avoid heavy meals to prevent car sickness)
- Request rear-seat arrangement (kids in middle, adults on sides)
Weather & Packing Advice (Seasonal Specifics)
October-March (Peak Season) - Pleasant Weather
Temperature Range: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
What to Pack:
- Light woolens (jacket for early morning/evening)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for temple visits)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Traditional wear for temple entry (no shorts/sleeveless in Kashi Vishwanath)
- Reusable water bottle
Festival Calendars (Book 2-4 weeks advance):
- Diwali (Oct/Nov): Varanasi is breathtaking with 1 million diyas on ghats
- Makar Sankranti (14 Jan): Holy dip in Ganga
- Ram Navami (March/April): If combining Lucknow → Ayodhya → Varanasi circuit
April-June (Summer) - Lower Season
Temperature Range: 35-45°C (95-113°F)
What to Pack:
- Cotton clothing (light colors)
- Hat/cap and UV protection sunglasses
- Hydration salts (dehydration risk)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Advantage:
- Lower hotel rates (40-50% off peak season)
- Trains have better availability
- Taxi fares same (no peak season surcharge)
Disadvantage:
- Heat waves can increase travel time by 30-45 minutes (AC breaks, driver fatigue)
- Temple visits exhausting (best done early morning/late evening)
July-September (Monsoon) - Restricted Travel
Temperature Range: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Rainfall: Heavy (100-300mm monthly)
What to Know:
- Only 10-15% travel during monsoon
- Flooding risk on certain routes (especially near Jaunpur)
- Bus services often cancelled
- Taxi travel manageable but add 1-2 hours buffer for delays
Advantage:
- Lowest hotel and taxi rates
- Green landscapes, romantic setting
- Fewer crowds at temples
Disadvantage:
- Ganga Aarti may be cancelled during heavy rain
- Boat rides risky (high water levels)
- Road conditions deteriorate
Along-Route Hidden Gems (Research Gap Addressed)
Breaking Journey Options (Requested by 15% of Travelers)
Option 1: Jaunpur Stopover (60 km from Varanasi)
Religious Significance: Ancient city with Atala Masjid (1408 AD), Jama Masjid Duration: 1-2 hours additional Best For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers What to See:
- Atala Masjid: Indo-Islamic architecture marvel
- Shahi Bridge: 16th century bridge over Gomti river
Option 2: Sultanpur Lunch Break (120 km from Lucknow)
Practical Stop: Most travelers stop here anyway for meals Duration: 30-60 minutes Best For: Vegetarian food, clean washrooms Recommended: Highway dhabas with fresh rotis (avoid pre-made food)
Booking Process & Customer Support
How to Book Your Lucknow to Varanasi Taxi
Step 1: Choose Your Vehicle & Date
- WhatsApp: +91 99354 74730
- Call: +91 94503 01573
- Website: Book Now
Step 2: Provide Details
- Pickup location in Lucknow
- Pickup date & time
- Number of passengers
- Drop location in Varanasi (hotel/ghat/temple)
- Special requirements (elderly, kids, luggage)
Step 3: Receive Confirmation
- Driver details sent 2 hours before pickup
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver photo and contact number
- Live GPS tracking link
Step 4: Pickup
- Driver arrives 15 minutes before scheduled time
- Luggage assistance provided
- Route confirmation and ETA discussion
Payment Options
- ✓ Cash to driver (after journey completion)
- ✓ UPI/Paytm/Google Pay (driver's QR code)
- ✓ Online advance payment (10% booking amount, balance to driver)
- ✓ Corporate invoicing available (for business travelers)
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation: Up to 2 hours before pickup
- 50% refund: 2 hours to 30 minutes before pickup
- No refund: Less than 30 minutes before pickup
- Emergency cancellation: Full refund for medical/flight emergencies (proof required)
Why Choose KashiTaxi Over Alternatives
KashiTaxi vs Competitors
| Feature | KashiTaxi | Ola/Uber | UPSRTC Bus | Local Travel Agents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Pricing | ✓ Transparent | ✗ Surge pricing | ✓ Fixed | ⚠️ Negotiable |
| Temple Route Knowledge | ✓ Expert drivers | ✗ City drivers only | ✗ Bus routes only | ✓ Some |
| 24/7 Support | ✓ Yes | Limited | ✗ No | ⚠️ Office hours |
| GPS Tracking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Luggage Assistance | ✓ Yes | Limited | ✗ No | ⚠️ Depends |
| Multi-City Circuits | ✓ Custom packages | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | ₹5,200 | ₹6,500+ (surge) | ₹800 | ₹5,500+ |
Customer Reviews & Trust Factors
4.7/5 Rating (based on 850+ completed Lucknow-Varanasi trips)
Common Praise:
- "Driver knew exactly where to stop for best food" - Priya S., Mumbai
- "Reached Varanasi 30 minutes early, caught morning aarti" - Rajesh K., Delhi
- "Clean car, courteous driver, transparent pricing" - Anjali M., Bangalore
Trust Indicators:
- 12+ years serving Lucknow-Varanasi route
- 10,000+ completed pilgrimage trips
- Government-verified taxi service
- Partnership with major hotels in Varanasi
Contact & Quick Booking
Ready to Start Your Spiritual Journey?
Call/WhatsApp: +91 99354 74730
Alternate: +91 94503 01573
Email: taxiinvaranasiii@gmail.com
Website: www.kashitaxi.in
Operating Hours
- Pickup Service: 24×7 (any time)
- Customer Support: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Emergency Support: 24×7 (for active bookings)
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Verified Pricing: Accurate as of Dec 2025 (subject to seasonal variations)
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