Somnath to Varanasi distance is approximately 1,816-1,827 km by road (29-37 hours) and 1,376 km by air. The direct Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express (Train 12945) runs from Veraval Junction (6 km from Somnath) to Varanasi in approximately 34 hours. By flight, the fastest option is Rajkot or Ahmedabad to Varanasi (via connection), taking 5-8 hours total. Somnath (first Jyotirlinga) and Kashi Vishwanath (eighth Jyotirlinga) are both on the 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage circuit. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
From India’s First Jyotirlinga to Its Most Sacred City
Somnath in Gujarat is the site of the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas – Shiva’s most sacred shrines across India. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is Shiva’s eternal city – the place where the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (the eighth Jyotirlinga) stands and where Lord Shiva is believed to reside permanently. For a pilgrim on the 12 Jyotirlinga circuit or for anyone who has completed Somnath and wishes to continue to the most significant Shaiva city in India, the Somnath to Varanasi journey is a devotionally logical continuation.
At approximately 1,816-1,827 km by road, this is a long-distance journey requiring careful planning. The direct train option (Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express, Train 12945) is the most convenient budget mode. Flight via Ahmedabad or Rajkot is the fastest.
I am Gurudutt, born and raised in Braj Bhoomi and founder of Experience My India. Since 2018, our team has guided over 50,000 pilgrims through Varanasi. This guide covers all modes of travel, the specific train details and practical arrival guidance for Varanasi after the Somnath journey.
Distance Overview – All Modes at a Glance
| Mode | Distance | Travel Time | Approx Cost | Best For |
| Flight (via Rajkot/Ahmedabad) | 1,376 km air | 5 – 8 hours total | ₹4,000 – ₹12,000 per person | Speed; time-limited pilgrims |
| Train (Veraval-Banaras Superfast, 12945) | 1,972 km rail | 34 hours | ₹650 – ₹3,000 | Budget; direct overnight service |
| Road / Car | 1,816 – 1,827 km | 29 – 37 hours | ₹22,000 – ₹40,000 (vehicle) | Groups wanting door-to-door |
| Bus (multi-leg) | 1,820 km | 40 – 48 hours | ₹1,000 – ₹3,500 | Very budget; not recommended for this distance |
Experience My India recommends the direct train (Train 12945) for budget pilgrims and flight for those with limited time. Call +91-7302265809 for travel coordination.
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Travel by Flight (Fastest)
There is no direct flight from the Somnath area to Varanasi. The journey requires a connection via a major hub.
Primary Flight Route
Somnath → Rajkot (RAJ) or Ahmedabad (AMD) → Varanasi (VNS)
| Leg | Details |
| Somnath → Rajkot Airport | 200 km by road, 3 hours by cab |
| Rajkot (RAJ) → Varanasi (VNS) | Direct or via connection; 2 – 3 hours flight |
| Total | 5 – 7 hours including road transfer |
Alternative Route via Ahmedabad
| Leg | Details |
| Somnath → Ahmedabad | 405 km by road, 6 – 7 hours by cab |
| Ahmedabad (AMD) → Varanasi (VNS) | 2 hours by flight; more flight options than Rajkot |
| Total | 9 – 10 hours including road |
Diu Airport note: Diu Airport (DIU) is approximately 90 km from Somnath with very limited services. It is not a practical hub for the Somnath-Varanasi journey. Rajkot (200 km from Somnath) and Ahmedabad (405 km) are the two practical hubs.
Cost range: Rajkot-Varanasi or Ahmedabad-Varanasi one-way flights range from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000 depending on timing and advance booking. Add ₹3,000-₹6,000 for the Somnath → Rajkot or Somnath → Ahmedabad cab. Experience My India advises on the best flight timing for your dates. Call +91-7302265809. View Our Same Day Varanasi Tour Package
Travel by Train (Direct Option)
The most practically convenient option for most budget and mid-range pilgrims is the direct train from Veraval Junction to Varanasi.
Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express (Train 12945)
| Detail | Information |
| Train name | Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express |
| Train number | 12945 |
| From | Veraval Junction (VRL) – 6 km from Somnath Temple |
| To | Banaras Station (BSBS) – also serves as connection to Varanasi Junction |
| Distance (rail) | 1,972 km |
| Duration | 34 hours |
| Frequency | Weekly – confirm the specific running day on IRCTC |
| Classes | Sleeper (SL), AC 3-Tier (3A), AC 2-Tier (2A) |
Train Fare Reference
| Class | Approx Fare |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹650 – ₹850 |
| AC 3-Tier (3A) | ₹1,700 – ₹2,100 |
| AC 2-Tier (2A) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 |
How to reach Veraval Junction from Somnath: Veraval Junction is approximately 6 km from the Somnath Temple – 10-15 minutes by auto-rickshaw (₹60-₹100) or pre-booked cab (₹150-₹200).
Booking note: Train 12945 runs weekly – the specific running day must be confirmed on IRCTC before planning. Book at least 30 days ahead for peak season (October-March). Experience My India coordinates train booking for all pilgrimage circuits. WhatsApp +91-7302265809. View Our 2 Days Varanasi Tour Package
Travel by Road
The road distance from Somnath to Varanasi is approximately 1,816-1,827 km, depending on the route taken through central India.
Main Road Route
Somnath → Ahmedabad → Vadodara → Bhopal → Kanpur → Varanasi
| Segment | Distance | Approx Time |
| Somnath → Ahmedabad | 405 km | 6 – 7 hours |
| Ahmedabad → Bhopal | 500 km | 7 – 8 hours |
| Bhopal → Kanpur | 400 km | 6 – 7 hours |
| Kanpur → Varanasi | 350 km | 5 – 6 hours |
| Total | 1,816 – 1,827 km | 29 – 37 hours driving |
Road trip reality: At a comfortable daily driving pace of 600 km per day, this is a 3-day road journey with two overnight stops (typically Ahmedabad and Bhopal). A private taxi one-way costs approximately ₹22,000-₹40,000 depending on vehicle type. The road option makes sense only for groups of 5-7 people where the per-person cost becomes competitive with individual flights.
Experience My India recommends the train or flight over the road option for this distance. Call +91-7302265809 for the recommended mode for your group.
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Somnath Temple and Kashi Vishwanath – Two Jyotirlingas
The spiritual significance of the Somnath → Varanasi journey is considerable – both temples are Jyotirlingas, the most sacred Shiva shrines in Hinduism.
| Jyotirlinga | Temple | Location | Position in the 12 |
| Somnath | Shree Somnath Temple | Somnath, Gujarat | First |
| Mallikarjuna | – | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh | Second |
| Mahakaleshwar | – | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | Third |
| Omkareshwar | – | Omkareshwar, MP | Fourth |
| … | – | – | – |
| Vishwanath (Kashi Vishwanath) | Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Varanasi, UP | Eighth |
The Jyotirlinga pilgrimage context: Pilgrims who begin the 12 Jyotirlinga circuit at Somnath (the first) and wish to continue will find Kashi Vishwanath (the eighth) in Varanasi. The two temples represent the western and eastern anchors of the Jyotirlinga geography.
Experience My India manages the Varanasi leg of this pilgrimage circuit – Kashi Vishwanath, Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti and the complete ghat circuit. Call +91-7302265809 for Varanasi planning. View Our 3 Days Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Package
Best Time to Travel from Somnath to Varanasi
| Season | Somnath Weather | Varanasi Weather | Verdict |
| October – March | 15°C – 32°C | 5°C – 28°C | ✅ Best for both cities |
| Mahashivaratri (Feb 26, 2026) | Somnath festival | Varanasi festival | ✅ Both cities celebrate – book 3 months ahead |
| December – January | 12°C – 28°C | 5°C – 20°C | ✅ Ideal – cool, clear |
| April – June | 28°C – 38°C | 38°C – 45°C | ⚠️ Gujarat coast manageable; Varanasi summer difficult |
| Monsoon | 25°C – 32°C | 27°C – 35°C | ⚠️ Gujarat heavy monsoon; Varanasi manageable |
October to February is the ideal travel window for both Somnath and Varanasi. Mahashivaratri (February 26, 2026) is the most significant festival at both Somnath Jyotirlinga and Kashi Vishwanath – book hotels at both cities 3-4 months ahead if you want to attend. Experience My India coordinates the Varanasi end of this pilgrimage. WhatsApp +91-7302265809. View Our 3 Days Varanasi Tour Package
Varanasi Arrival Guide
After a 34-hour train from Veraval or a 5-8 hour flight journey, here is what to plan for your first Varanasi day.
Key Varanasi Temple Timings
| Temple / Site | Opens | Closes | Notes |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | 3:00 AM | 11:00 PM | No phones inside; Sugam Darshan pass available |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti | – | – | Daily 6:30 PM (summer) / 7:00 PM (winter) |
| Assi Ghat (Subah-e-Banaras) | 5:00 AM | – | Daily sunrise yoga and classical music programme |
| Manikarnika Ghat | 24 hours | – | No photography; respectful viewing only |
| Sarnath | 6:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 10 km from Varanasi; entry ₹25 Indian |
If you arrive by morning train: Check in to your hotel, rest briefly, then aim for Kashi Vishwanath Temple morning darshan (best before 10:00 AM for shorter queues). Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti in the evening.
If you arrive by evening train: Check in; attend Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti (6:30-7:00 PM). Day 2 for the sunrise boat ride from Assi Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath morning darshan.
Experience My India manages all arrival logistics – hotel near the ghats, temple timing sequence and the complete 2-3 day Varanasi circuit. Call +91-7302265809 before your departure from Somnath.
Ground Truth – What Nobody Tells You About This Journey
After guiding 50,000+ pilgrims through Varanasi since 2018, here is what Experience My India knows about the Somnath to Varanasi journey that most travel guides will not say:
Train 12945 (Veraval-Banaras Express) runs only once a week. If your dates do not align with the specific running day, you cannot take the direct train. The alternative is Veraval → Ahmedabad by road (6-7 hours) and then Ahmedabad → Varanasi by a more frequent train. Confirming the weekly running day on IRCTC before planning is essential.
Varanasi Junction and Banaras Station are two different stations. Train 12945 terminates at Banaras Station (BSBS), which is approximately 3 km from the main ghat area. Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the more central station, also about 5 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat. Both require an auto-rickshaw or cab for the final stretch. Pre-booking a pickup is strongly advisable after a 34-hour journey.
The 34-hour train journey from Veraval to Varanasi passes through some of India’s most significant pilgrimage geography – the train moves through Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Godhra, Vadodara, Ratlam and Bhopal before entering Uttar Pradesh via Kanpur. For pilgrims who enjoy train travel as part of the pilgrimage experience, this route through central India is genuinely interesting.
The Diu Airport option is impractical for most schedules. Diu Airport is 90 km from Somnath and has very limited services. Many pilgrims plan to fly from Diu only to find the schedule incompatible with their itinerary. Rajkot (200 km, 3 hours by cab) is the most reliable flight hub for the Somnath-Varanasi journey.
Know Before You Travel – Somnath to Varanasi
- Road distance: 1,816-1,827 km via Ahmedabad and Bhopal; 29-37 hours; 3-day drive
- Direct train: Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express (Train 12945) – weekly; 34 hours; Veraval Junction is 6 km from Somnath
- Flight: Rajkot (3 hrs cab) or Ahmedabad (6-7 hrs cab) → Varanasi flight – 5-8 hours total
- Diu Airport (90 km) has very limited services – not recommended as the primary flight hub
- Train 12945 runs only once per week – confirm the running day on IRCTC before planning
- Varanasi arrival: pre-book pickup – after 34-hour journey, arriving at a confirmed cab is essential
- Kashi Vishwanath best darshan: weekday mornings before 9:00 AM – shortest queues
- Best season: October – February for both Somnath and Varanasi
- Experience My India manages the complete Varanasi circuit from your arrival. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
Frequently Asked Questions – Somnath to Varanasi Distance
Somnath in Gujarat to Banaras (Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh is approximately 1,816 to 1,827 km by road (29-37 hours), 1,376 km by air (5-8 hours including ground transfers) and approximately 1,972 km by the direct rail route. The most direct train is the Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express (Train 12945), taking 34 hours from Veraval Junction (6 km from Somnath Temple). Experience My India manages the Varanasi reception for all pilgrims arriving from Somnath. Call +91-7302265809.
The most direct train option from near Somnath to Varanasi is the Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express (Train 12945), running from Veraval Junction (VRL) to Banaras Station (BSBS) in approximately 34 hours. It runs weekly – confirm the specific day on IRCTC. There is no faster direct train on this route. The alternative is a multi-leg journey via Ahmedabad and a different train to Varanasi, which may offer more scheduling flexibility but similar or longer total travel time. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
As of May 2026, there is a Vande Bharat service between Ahmedabad and Somnath (Veraval) operating within Gujarat. However, there is no direct Vande Bharat from Somnath/Veraval to Varanasi. For the Somnath to Varanasi journey, pilgrims must use Train 12945 (direct, weekly) or travel to Ahmedabad and take a connecting train or flight. Confirm current Vande Bharat routes on IRCTC. Experience My India advises on the most convenient option for your dates. Call +91-7302265809.
Somnath Temple (first Jyotirlinga, Gujarat) and Kashi Vishwanath Temple (eighth Jyotirlinga, Varanasi, UP) are approximately 1,376 km apart by air and 1,816-1,827 km by road. Both are among the 12 Jyotirlingas – Shiva’s most sacred shrines in India. The Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express (Train 12945) connects the nearest railheads (Veraval Junction, 6 km from Somnath and Banaras Station, 3 km from the Varanasi ghat area) in approximately 34 hours. Experience My India manages Kashi Vishwanath darshan for all Varanasi-bound pilgrims. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
The direct train is the Veraval-Banaras Superfast Express, Train Number 12945. It departs from Veraval Junction (VRL) – 6 km from Somnath Temple – and arrives at Banaras Station (BSBS). The journey takes approximately 34 hours. The train runs once a week – the specific running day must be confirmed on IRCTC (irctc.co.in) before booking. Sleeper class fares range from ₹650-₹850 and AC 3-Tier from ₹1,700-₹2,100. Book 30 days ahead for peak season. Experience My India assists with booking coordination. Call +91-7302265809.
The best way depends on your priority. For speed: cab from Somnath to Rajkot (200 km, 3 hrs) + Rajkot → Varanasi flight (2-3 hrs) – total 5-7 hours (₹5,000-₹14,000 per person). For budget: Train 12945 from Veraval Junction – 34 hours, ₹650-₹850 sleeper. For groups: private car via Ahmedabad and Bhopal – 1,816 km, 3 days, ₹22,000-₹40,000 one vehicle. Experience My India recommends flight or direct train for most pilgrims. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
The main road route from Somnath to Varanasi is: Somnath → Ahmedabad (405 km, 6-7 hrs) → Bhopal (500 km, 7-8 hrs) → Kanpur (400 km, 6-7 hrs) → Varanasi (350 km, 5-6 hrs) – total approximately 1,816-1,827 km, taking 29-37 hours of driving across 3 days. A private taxi one-way costs ₹22,000-₹40,000 depending on vehicle type. The road trip is best suited for groups of 5-7 where the per-vehicle cost becomes competitive. Experience My India advises on route planning. Call +91-7302265809.
After the journey from Somnath, Experience My India recommends: if arriving by morning, check in and attend Kashi Vishwanath Temple darshan before 10:00 AM (shortest queues on weekday mornings). Evening: Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti at 6:30-7:00 PM. Day 2: sunrise boat from Assi Ghat at 5:30 AM, then the full morning ghat walk including Manikarnika. Day 3 (optional): Sarnath (10 km). Experience My India manages the full Varanasi sequence from your arrival time. WhatsApp +91-7302265809.
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