Mathura to Varanasi distance is approximately 691 km by road via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Ganga Expressway – travel time approximately 8 hours 59 minutes by car. By train from Mathura Junction: approximately 687 km, 14-15 hours. By bus: 657-717 km, 11-14 hours. This route has tolls. Combining Mathura (Krishna’s birthplace) with Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti) creates one of India’s most complete Hindu pilgrimage circuits. Experience My India plans both. Call +91-7302265809. See our Mathura Vrindavan tour Package or message WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Why the Mathura-Varanasi Route Is a Complete Pilgrimage in Itself
Mathura and Varanasi are the two oldest continuously inhabited pilgrimage cities in India. Mathura – on the Yamuna – is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu. Varanasi (Kashi) – on the Ganga – is the city of Lord Shiva, where the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga stands and where the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat draws devotees from every Hindu tradition every single evening.
The 691 km road journey between them crosses the entire length of Uttar Pradesh – from the Yamuna plains of the Braj Mandal to the Ganga ghats of the eastern UP. For a pilgrim, this is not just a road trip. It is a movement between two of Hinduism’s most defining sacred geographies: from Yamuna to Ganga, from Krishna to Shiva, from the Braj tradition of love and devotion to the Kashi tradition of liberation and moksha.
I am Gurudutt, founder of Experience My India, born and raised in Braj Bhoomi and guiding pilgrims since 2018 – 8 years of coordinating pilgrimages through this region. I have guided more than 50,000 pilgrims through the Mathura-Vrindavan-Varanasi circuit. In this guide you will find every detail you need for the Mathura to Varanasi journey – distance, train options (including Vande Bharat), road routes, taxi fares and the ideal pilgrimage itinerary combining both cities. Call +91-7302265809.
Mathura to Varanasi Distance – Quick Reference
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Travel Time | Notes |
| Car / Cab (via Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy) | 691 km | 8 hr 59 min | Fastest road route; tolls |
| Car / Cab (via Agra-Lucknow Expy, Ganga Expy + NH 19) | 691 km | 8 hr 59 min | Same distance; tolls |
| Car / Cab (via Agra-Lucknow Expy only) | 716 km | 10 hr 15 min | Longer; alternate |
| Bus | 657-717 km | 11-14 hours | AC, Volvo, sleeper options |
| Train (Mathura Junction to Varanasi Junction) | 687 km | 14-15 hours | Direct trains available |
| Flight (via Delhi) | 581 km air | 6 hours total | DEL-VNS; includes transit |
Kashi to Mathura (reverse journey):
| Route | Distance | Time |
| Via Ganga Expy + Agra-Lucknow Expy | 693 km | 9 hr 16 min |
| Via NH 19, Ganga Expy + Agra-Lucknow Expy | 690 km | 9 hr 16 min |
| Via Agra-Lucknow Expy only | 713 km | 10 hr 12 min |
Experience My India plans both directions. View Our 6 Days Mathura Vrindavan Ayodhya Varanasi Tour
Best Route from Mathura to Varanasi
The fastest and recommended road route from Mathura to Varanasi is:
Mathura → Agra (57 km) → Agra-Lucknow Expressway → Lucknow → Ganga Expressway → Varanasi
| Route | Distance | Time | Tolls | Verdict |
| Via Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy | 691 km | 8 hr 59 min | Yes | ✅ Fastest – recommended |
| Via Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy + NH 19 | 691 km | 8 hr 59 min | Yes | ✅ Same time; slight variation |
| Via Agra-Lucknow Expy only | 716 km | 10 hr 15 min | Yes | ⚠️ Longer distance and time |
Why the Ganga Expressway matters: The Ganga Expressway is a newly operational high-speed access-controlled expressway connecting Lucknow to Varanasi – cutting the eastern UP leg of this journey significantly compared to older NH routes. Together with the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, it creates an almost entirely expressway-based Mathura-Varanasi corridor. The tolls are worth it for the time saved.
Experience My India uses the Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy combination for all Mathura-Varanasi cab bookings. Call +91-7302265809. View Our 9 Days Vrindavan Mathura Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Package
Mathura to Varanasi by Road
Route Breakdown
| Segment | Distance | Notes |
| Mathura to Agra | 57 km | 60-80 minutes via NH-19 |
| Agra to Agra-Lucknow Expy entry | Via Agra city | Designated interchange |
| Agra to Lucknow (Agra-Lucknow Expy) | 302 km | 3-3.5 hours on expressway |
| Lucknow to Ganga Expy entry | Via Lucknow city | |
| Lucknow to Varanasi (Ganga Expy) | 290 km | 3-3.5 hours on expressway |
| Total Mathura to Varanasi | 691 km | 8 hr 59 min |
Toll note: Both the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Ganga Expressway are tolled. FASTag is mandatory at all expressway plazas. Confirm current toll amounts with your cab driver before departure.
Best departure time: A 5:00-6:00 AM departure from Mathura allows arrival in Varanasi by 2:00-3:00 PM – giving you the Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti on your arrival evening. A 7:00 AM departure means arriving by 4:30-5:00 PM – still enough for the evening Aarti if traffic cooperates.
For Vrindavan pilgrims starting the day at Banke Bihari Temple – see the complete Vrindavan temple circuit guide at Vrindavan Mathura Guide before planning your Varanasi departure day.
Mathura to Varanasi by Train
The nearest major railway station to Mathura is Mathura Junction (MTJ). For Vrindavan pilgrims, Mathura Junction is approximately 14 km from Vrindavan.
| Train Type | From | To | Distance | Time | Notes |
| Express / Superfast trains | Mathura Junction (MTJ) | Varanasi Junction (BSB) | 687 km | 14-15 hours | Direct trains available |
| Vande Bharat (if running on route) | Mathura Junction | Varanasi | 687 km | Faster | See FAQ Q1 below |
Train vs. cab comparison for Mathura to Varanasi:
- Train (14-15 hours): No driving fatigue; comfortable for overnight journey; economical for solo travellers; book at irctc.co.in
- Car (8 hr 59 min): Significantly faster; door-to-door; flexible stops at Prayagraj or Lucknow; better for families and groups
Key Mathura Junction fact: Book train tickets well in advance for this route – particularly for Janmashtami (September 2026) and festival periods when Mathura-Varanasi trains fill up 30-45 days ahead.
Experience My India coordinates all Mathura-Varanasi travel logistics. Call +91-7302265809.
Mathura to Varanasi by Bus
Regular AC Volvo and sleeper buses operate on the Mathura-Varanasi route via private and state operators.
| Bus Type | Distance | Journey Time | Booking |
| AC Volvo / Sleeper coach | 657-717 km | 11-14 hours | redBus, private operators |
| UPSRTC state bus | Varies | 12-15 hours | UPSRTC counter or online |
Bus practical note: The 11-14 hour bus journey is long for an awake daytime journey but works well as an overnight option – depart Mathura at 9:00-10:00 PM and arrive in Varanasi by 8:00-11:00 AM the next morning. This saves one night’s hotel cost. For groups of 4+, a private cab at ₹7,000-₹12,000 total becomes competitive with 4 individual bus tickets while providing far more flexibility.
Experience My India recommends private cab over bus for families and groups of 3+. Call +91-7302265809.
Mathura to Varanasi by Flight
There is no direct flight from Mathura or Vrindavan to Varanasi – the nearest airport to Mathura is Agra Airport (AGR) and flights to Varanasi from Agra are limited.
The practical flight option is: Mathura → Delhi (3-4 hours by road) → Delhi (DEL) to Varanasi (VNS) by flight (1.5 hours) → total 6 hours including transit.
| Flight Route | Air Distance | Flight Time | Total Time Including Transit |
| Delhi (DEL) to Varanasi (VNS) | 581 km (air) | 1.5 hours | 6 hours total (including Mathura-Delhi road + airport time) |
For most pilgrims, the car journey (8 hr 59 min, door-to-door, no airport formalities) is more practical than the flight option. The flight makes sense only for those with significant time constraints or business-class comfort requirements. Experience My India plans both. Call +91-7302265809. View Our 7 Days Vrindavan Mathura Ayodhya Kashi Prayagraj Tour Package
Mathura to Varanasi Taxi Fare
| Vehicle Type | Mathura to Varanasi (One-Way) | Passengers | Notes |
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios) | ₹6,500-₹9,000 | 4 | Most common for families |
| Standard SUV (Ertiga, Innova) | ₹8,999-₹12,000 | 6-7 | Comfortable for long journey |
| Premium SUV (Innova Crysta) | ₹10,000-₹14,000 | 6-7 | Most comfortable for 691 km |
| Tempo Traveller (12-17 seater) | ₹15,000-₹22,000 | Groups | Pilgrim yatra groups |
What typically includes: Vehicle + driver + fuel. What is additional: Tolls (Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy – estimated ₹700-₹1,200 total for the full route), driver food allowance (₹250-₹300 per day). Confirm all-inclusive pricing before booking.
For pilgrim groups combining Mathura Vrindavan darshan with the Varanasi leg – see the Mathura Vrindavan temple timings and darshan guide at Vrindavan Mathura Guide to plan your departure day correctly.
Experience My India provides FASTag-equipped vehicles for all expressway routes. Call +91-7302265809.
The Krishna-Kashi Pilgrimage Circuit
Combining Mathura/Vrindavan with Varanasi creates one of the most theologically complete Hindu pilgrimage circuits available in Uttar Pradesh.
| City | Deity | Sacred Tradition | Primary Site |
| Mathura | Lord Krishna (Dwapara Yuga) | Braj Bhakti tradition | Krishna Janmabhoomi (Garbha Griha – exact birthplace) |
| Vrindavan | Lord Krishna | Raas Leela; Vaishnava devotion | Banke Bihari Temple; Radha Raman; Keshi Ghat Aarti |
| Varanasi (Kashi) | Lord Shiva | Moksha tradition; Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga | Kashi Vishwanath; Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti; Sarnath |
What to cover in Mathura and Vrindavan (Days 1-2):
- Dwarkadhish Temple Mangala Aarti (6:30 AM)
- Krishna Janmabhoomi (no electronics past security)
- Vishram Ghat Yamuna Aarti
- Banke Bihari Temple (opening: 7:45 AM summer / 8:45 AM winter) – see full darshan guide
- Radha Raman Temple Shringar Aarti (8:00-9:00 AM)
- Keshi Ghat Yamuna Aarti (6:30 PM daily)
- Prem Mandir fountain show (7:30 PM summer / 7:00 PM winter)
What to cover in Varanasi (Days 4-5 after journey):
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (e-pass required at srikashivishwanath.in; no phones/cameras inside)
- Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti (6:45 PM summer / 5:45 PM winter)
- Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi – Dhamek Stupa, Buddha’s first sermon site)
- Manikarnika Ghat (the primary cremation ghat – one of Varanasi’s most significant sites)
- Assi Ghat (southernmost major ghat; morning Aarti)
Mathura Vrindavan Varanasi Itinerary
| Day | City | Key Activities |
| Day 1 | Mathura | Dwarkadhish Mangala Aarti 6:30 AM → Janmabhoomi → Vishram Ghat → Gita Mandir → Yamuna Aarti evening |
| Day 2 | Vrindavan | Banke Bihari opening darshan → Radha Raman Shringar Aarti → ISKCON → Nidhivan afternoon → Keshi Ghat Aarti 6:30 PM → Prem Mandir |
| Day 3 | Travel day | Depart Mathura 5:00-6:00 AM → Agra-Lucknow Expy → Ganga Expy → arrive Varanasi 2:00-3:00 PM → Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti evening |
| Day 4 | Varanasi | Kashi Vishwanath (e-pass required) → ghats walk → Sarnath (10 km) → Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti |
| Day 5 | Varanasi / depart | Morning boat ride on Ganga → Manikarnika Ghat → depart |
Optional extension: Ayodhya is approximately 200 km from Varanasi – the natural third sacred city for the complete Ram-Krishna-Kashi yatra.
Experience My India plans the complete Mathura-Vrindavan-Varanasi circuit. Call +91-7302265809. View Our 5 Days Mathura Vrindavan Ayodhya Kashi Tour Package
What Nobody Tells You About the Mathura to Varanasi Journey
After coordinating this journey for pilgrim groups since 2018 – 8 years of firsthand experience on this route – here is what I, Gurudutt, founder of Experience My India, share privately:
691 km is a full day’s drive – and the Ganga Expressway changes everything. Before the Ganga Expressway opened, the Lucknow-Varanasi leg was notoriously slow through multiple towns. The expressway now makes the entire Mathura-Varanasi journey achievable in under 9 hours under normal traffic. This is a genuine improvement. But it still requires a 5:00-6:00 AM departure from Mathura for a civilised afternoon arrival in Varanasi.
The train (14-15 hours) is dramatically slower than the car (8 hr 59 min) on this route. Unlike many Indian routes where trains are competitive with road travel, the Mathura-Varanasi train (687 km, 14-15 hours) is almost twice as long as the expressway drive. The expressway has fundamentally changed the calculus on this corridor. Unless you specifically prefer train travel, private cab is the better choice on this route.
Kashi Vishwanath e-pass must be booked 2-7 days ahead at srikashivishwanath.in. Many pilgrims arrive in Varanasi expecting to walk in to Kashi Vishwanath and find a 2-4 hour queue without an e-pass or are turned away at peak periods. Experience My India always pre-books the Kashi Vishwanath e-pass before departure from Mathura.
The Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti timing shifts seasonally: 6:45 PM (April-September) and 5:45 PM (October-March). Groups arriving on the travel day need to know the exact current timing before planning their first evening in Varanasi. Experience My India confirms the Aarti time on the morning of departure from Mathura.
Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam) is a natural midpoint stop. At approximately 330 km from Mathura and 300 km from Varanasi, Prayagraj is almost exactly the midpoint of the journey. A 30-minute stop at the Sangam or a half-day in Prayagraj can be added to the journey for groups doing the Allahabad Triveni Sangam. View Our 5 Days Varanasi Ayodhya Prayagraj Tour Package
Know Before You Travel
- Mathura to Varanasi distance: 691 km by road; 687 km by train
- Fastest road route: Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy – 8 hr 59 min; tolls apply; FASTag recommended
- By train from Mathura Junction: 14-15 hours; book at irctc.co.in; reserve 30-45 days ahead during festivals
- By bus: 11-14 hours; book via redBus; AC Volvo recommended for this distance
- Taxi fare (sedan, one-way): ₹6,500-₹9,000; SUV ₹8,999-₹12,000; Innova ₹10,000-₹14,000
- Best departure time from Mathura: 5:00-6:00 AM for afternoon arrival
- Kashi Vishwanath e-pass: book at srikashivishwanath.in 2-7 days ahead; no phones/cameras inside
- Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti: 6:45 PM (summer) / 5:45 PM (winter)
- Sarnath: 10 km from Varanasi; Dhamek Stupa ₹40-₹65; museum closed Fridays
- Ayodhya is 200 km from Varanasi – natural extension for the complete yatra
- Full Mathura Vrindavan temple timings
- Experience My India plans the complete circuit. Call +91-7302265809.
FAQ – Mathura to Varanasi Distance
As of the latest available information, Vande Bharat Express trains connect major city pairs in Uttar Pradesh, but the specific availability of a direct Mathura-Varanasi Vande Bharat should be confirmed at irctc.co.in or the official Indian Railways site – train schedules change periodically. For the Mathura-Varanasi distance (687 km), a direct Vande Bharat would significantly reduce journey time compared to the 14-15 hour conventional train. Experience My India confirms current train options before every trip – call +91-7302265809.
Three practical options from Mathura to Varanasi (691 km by road): (1) Private cab via Agra-Lucknow Expressway + Ganga Expressway – 8 hr 59 min; ₹6,500-₹14,000 one-way depending on vehicle; fastest and most flexible. (2) Train from Mathura Junction (MTJ) to Varanasi Junction (BSB) – 687 km, 14-15 hours; book at irctc.co.in. (3) AC bus – 11-14 hours; book via redBus. Experience My India coordinates all three options – call +91-7302265809.
Yes – Vande Bharat trains run to Varanasi from several cities. The specific connectivity from Mathura Junction should be confirmed at irctc.co.in as routes and frequencies change. Varanasi is a major Vande Bharat hub with connections to Delhi, Lucknow and other major cities. For Mathura-origin travellers, the most practical Vande Bharat option may involve travelling to a connecting hub (Delhi or Lucknow) first. Experience My India advises on current train options – call +91-7302265809.
Varanasi Junction (BSB) to Mathura Junction (MTJ) by train: approximately 687-693 km, 14-15 hours by conventional express/superfast trains. This is a direct connection – check irctc.co.in for the latest schedules and available trains. Book at least 30-45 days ahead during festival periods (Janmashtami, Kashi Vishwanath festival seasons). By road (reverse): Varanasi to Mathura via Ganga Expy + Agra-Lucknow Expy – 690-693 km, 9 hr 16 min. Experience My India – call +91-7302265809.
The road distance from Mathura to Varanasi is approximately 691 km via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Ganga Expressway (fastest route; tolls; 8 hr 59 min). Alternative: via Agra-Lucknow Expy only – 716 km, 10 hr 15 min. The reverse (Kashi to Mathura) is approximately 690-693 km via Ganga Expy + Agra-Lucknow Expy, 9 hr 16 min. FASTag recommended throughout. Experience My India coordinates all Mathura-Varanasi road trips – call +91-7302265809.
Mathura to Varanasi taxi fares one-way: Sedan (Dzire, Etios) ₹6,500-₹9,000 for 4 passengers; Standard SUV (Ertiga, Innova) ₹8,999-₹12,000 for 6-7 passengers; Premium SUV (Innova Crysta) ₹10,000-₹14,000; Tempo Traveller (12-17 seater) ₹15,000-₹22,000. Tolls (₹700-₹1,200 estimated) are usually additional. Confirm all-inclusive pricing before booking. Experience My India provides FASTag-equipped vehicles – call +91-7302265809.
Yes – Prayagraj (Allahabad) is approximately 330 km from Mathura and 300 km from Varanasi, making it a near-perfect midpoint stop on the 691 km journey. A 30-minute stop at the Triveni Sangam (sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati) adds meaningful pilgrimage value to the travel day with minimal detour. For a more complete Prayagraj stop, add a half-day and stay overnight. Experience My India’s 5-day Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi tour (₹11,500) covers this – call +91-7302265809.
The rail distance from Mathura Junction (MTJ) to Varanasi Junction (BSB) is approximately 687 km. The journey takes 14-15 hours by conventional express or superfast trains. Direct trains are available – check irctc.co.in for current schedules. For comparison, the road distance is 691 km but the road journey is only 8 hr 59 min via the Agra-Lucknow and Ganga Expressways – significantly faster than the train on this particular route. Experience My India – call +91-7302265809.
For speed and flexibility: private cab via Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy (8 hr 59 min, ₹6,500-₹14,000 one-way). For budget solo travel: overnight train from Mathura Junction (14-15 hours; book irctc.co.in). For overnight budget group travel: AC sleeper bus (11-14 hours; book redBus). On this specific route, the road significantly beats the train in journey time – unlike many Indian routes where trains are competitive. Groups of 3+ find cab most practical. Experience My India – call +91-7302265809.
Kashi (Varanasi) to Mathura distance by road: approximately 690-693 km via the Ganga Expressway and Agra-Lucknow Expressway – journey time approximately 9 hours 16 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Alternative: via Agra-Lucknow Expy only – 713 km, 10 hr 12 min. All routes have tolls. By train from Varanasi Junction to Mathura Junction: approximately 687 km, 14-15 hours. Experience My India – call +91-7302265809.
Key Varanasi sites after arriving from Mathura: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (e-pass at srikashivishwanath.in; no cameras/phones; open 4:00 AM-11:00 PM), Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti (6:45 PM summer / 5:45 PM winter – arrive 30 minutes early), Sarnath (10 km – Dhamek Stupa; Buddha’s first sermon site; museum closed Fridays), Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat morning Aarti. Experience My India’s Varanasi 2-day tour from ₹3,999 covers all – call +91-7302265809.
Yes. Experience My India plans the complete Mathura-Vrindavan-Varanasi pilgrimage – Vrindavan temple circuit (Days 1-2), Mathura Janmabhoomi + Vishram Ghat (Day 2), cab transfer via Agra-Lucknow Expy + Ganga Expy on Day 3 (5:00-6:00 AM departure), Kashi Vishwanath e-pass pre-booked and Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti on arrival evening. Varanasi 2-day from ₹3,999; full circuit package from ₹8,999. WhatsApp +91-7302265809 – complete Krishna-Kashi itinerary in 30 minutes.
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