Mathura to Varanasi Distance: Road and Train Options
Looking for more places to explore on your next trip? Mathura and Vrindavan are popular destinations for travelers interested in spirituality, history, temples, and local culture.
Explore different Mathura Vrindavan Tour Packages to learn about available travel options and plan your journey according to your preferences.
Travelers departing from the capital can explore the Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package From Delhi for information about travel arrangements and sightseeing opportunities.
For those traveling from South India, the Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package From Bangalore and Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package From Hyderabad provide additional information about planning a visit to these destinations.
For more information about temple visits, local attractions, and travel planning, explore Vrindavan Mathura Guide and discover more about Vrindavan, its spiritual significance, and its popular places to visit.
Mathura to Varanasi is about 663 km by NH 19, or about 715 km via the Agra Lucknow Expressway, which is longer but faster. The drive takes 10 to 13 hours, and direct trains from Mathura Junction take 8 to 15 hours. Neither town has an airport on this route.
If you searched for "travel distance nfpa 101", that phrase belongs to fire-safety rules for building exits, not journeys. This guide covers the road and rail distance between Mathura and Varanasi, with the Vrindavan transfer and an Ayodhya stop explained as trade-offs for a first trip across north India.
Travel Distance NFPA 101 Versus Road Distance: How Far Is It?
Mathura to Varanasi is about 663 km by NH 19. The Agra Lucknow Expressway version is about 715 km. The expressway covers more ground on paper, but it is the faster choice, so the longer figure is not a reason to avoid it.
Most visitors who start from Vrindavan rather than Mathura should know that the route notes add 12 km to the journey. Vrindavan is only about 15 km from Mathura, so the detour is small, but it still changes your planning. If your trip begins in Vrindavan and you want to see the whole picture, our Varanasi to Vrindavan route map and travel guide covers the same corridor from the other end.
Plan on the full day. By road the journey takes 10 to 13 hours, and that range is an honest reflection of traffic, toll queues, meal stops and the pace of your driver. Direct trains take 8 to 15 hours. The wide spread is normal for Indian rail, so treat the figures as a planning window, not a promise.
Road Route: NH 19 or the Expressway
NH 19 is the traditional route and the one most drivers know well. It is slower but keeps you on ordinary highway, with more towns and dhabas to stop at. The expressway is the newer option. It is longer on paper but is described as the faster choice, so if your priority is getting to Varanasi sooner, it is the one to compare against NH 19.
Ask your driver which route they plan to use before you confirm the booking. Ask whether the fare includes tolls and waiting time, and whether they expect to pass Ayodhya. A driver who knows the road will tell you what the day looks like, and that is worth more than a cheap quote.
If your trip starts further north and you are coming down through Delhi first, the Mathura distance from Delhi, route, travel time and complete guide is a useful companion for that leg. It is a separate journey, so read it before you plan the Mathura stage.
Train Options from Mathura Junction
Direct trains run from Mathura Junction to Varanasi, including the Shiv Ganga Express and the Kashi Vishwanath Express. Both take 8 to 15 hours. Check the timings for your travel date, because the spread reflects how each service runs on different days.
3AC fares on these direct trains are around ₹1,100 to ₹1,300. That is a fixed and modest sum compared with a private car, so trains suit budget-conscious first-time visitors who want a set schedule. Book early, because 3AC berths on popular services fill quickly, and confirm the timings close to your date.
There is no direct train to Vrindavan. Most travellers therefore go to Mathura Junction and then take a short road transfer to Vrindavan. If you are arriving from abroad and want the simplest way into the region, the Vrindavan Mathura Tour Package site has a clear guide on travelling to Vrindavan from Delhi, which helps you plan the first leg before you reach Mathura.
Trains are usually the more comfortable choice for a long overnight-style journey, because you can stretch out, move around and avoid driving fatigue. Roads offer more flexibility. Compare your sleep and comfort needs before you decide. If you are an early riser who dislikes long sitting, a train may suit you better. If you want to stop at will, the road is your friend.
If you want to add a short visit to Gokul before the Mathura stage, the distance from Mathura to Gokul guide sets out the road and timing details for that short side trip.
Comparison of Travel Options
| Option | Distance | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road by NH 19 | 663 km | 10 to 13 hours | Not stated in sources | Travellers who want flexible stops and a door-to-door route |
| Road by Agra Lucknow Expressway | 715 km | 10 to 13 hours | Not stated in sources | Travellers who value the faster expressway |
| Shiv Ganga Express or Kashi Vishwanath Express | Not stated in sources | 8 to 15 hours | 3AC around ₹1,100 to ₹1,300 | Budget-conscious first-time visitors who want a fixed schedule |
| Air | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | No airport at either end, so there is no air option on this route |
The table shows the trade-off clearly. Roads give you control and stops, while trains give you a fixed fare and a predictable schedule. Air is not part of this journey, so you will not find a flight that solves the trip.
Stops on the Way and the Recommended Choice
Ayodhya sits naturally on the route between Mathura and Varanasi, so a break there can split a long road journey. It is a sensible pause if you are driving and want to avoid one exhausting push. The sources do not give a visit time, so ask your driver how long the stop is likely to take and whether it fits your plan. On a train, Ayodhya does not give you a natural break in the same way, so it is a reason to choose the road.
If you prefer to see Gokul on the way, the complete travel guide to the distance from Mathura to Gokul, with route and time is worth reading before you add it to a morning. Keep it short and leave yourself time to reach Mathura Junction for the train.
For a first-time international visitor, the simplest plan to verify is a direct train from Mathura Junction with a short road transfer to Vrindavan. It keeps the fare fixed, gives you a clear departure window and avoids long driving on unfamiliar roads. If you are arriving from abroad, confirm your first leg into India and read the Mathura to Delhi route, time and travel options guide so you know how the first leg fits with the Varanasi journey.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel from Mathura to Varanasi?
By road the journey takes 10 to 13 hours. Direct trains from Mathura Junction take 8 to 15 hours. Times vary with traffic, the route you choose and how many stops you make, so build some slack into your day.
Is there a direct train to Vrindavan from Varanasi?
No, there is no direct train to Vrindavan. Travel to Mathura Junction by train and arrange a short road transfer to Vrindavan, which is about 15 km away.
Is there an airport near Mathura or Varanasi for this route?
There is no airport at either end of this route, so flights are not an option for this journey. Trains and road are the practical choices.
Sources
- Mathura and Vrindavan to Varanasi: Distance, Route and Travel Guide, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Govardhan to Vrindavan Distance: Complete Travel Guide 2026, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Mathura Vrindavan Distance: Easy Travel Planning Guide, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Distance from Mathura to Gokul: Route and Travel Guide, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Travel to Vrindavan from Delhi, Distance & Routes, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Mathura to Delhi Distance, Route, Time & Travel Options Guide, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Distance from Mathura to Gokul, Easy Travel Guide, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
- Distance From Mathura to Gokul: Complete Travel Guide with Route and Time, Mathura Vrindavan tour package
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