How far is Prayagraj from Varanasi?

Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is approximately 120 km west of Varanasi. By train, the journey takes 2-3 hours. By road (bus or taxi), it takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. It is one of the easiest day trips from Varanasi.

Is Prayagraj worth a day trip from Varanasi?

Yes, especially if you are interested in spirituality or Indian history. The Triveni Sangam — the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers — is one of Hinduism's holiest sites. The Allahabad Fort (Mughal era), Anand Bhawan (Nehru family home, now a museum), and Khusro Bagh (Mughal garden tombs) are all worth visiting. A day trip covers the highlights comfortably.

What is the best way to get from Varanasi to Prayagraj?

Train is the best option — frequent, comfortable, and takes 2-3 hours. Top choices: Vande Bharat Express (fastest, 1.5 hours), Prayagraj Express, or Shatabdi Express. Trains depart from Varanasi Junction. A private taxi (INR 2,500-3,500 one way) is more flexible but slower due to road conditions. Buses take 3.5-4.5 hours and are the budget option.

Should I do a day trip or stay overnight in Prayagraj?

A day trip works well for the main sights (Sangam, Fort, Anand Bhawan). However, if you want to visit all the Mughal heritage sites, attend the Sangam evening aarti, or the trip coincides with a mela (fair/festival), an overnight stay is worthwhile. During Magh Mela (January-February) or Kumbh Mela, definitely plan an overnight stay.

Varanasi to Prayagraj: Day Trip Guide to the Sangam City (2026)

Quick Facts

Distance

120 km

Travel Time

2-3 hrs

Best Transport

Train

How to Get There

By Train (Recommended)

The most comfortable and reliable option. Multiple daily trains from Varanasi Junction to Prayagraj Junction (also called Allahabad Junction) — see our how to reach Varanasi guide for arriving at the junction. The journey takes 1.5-3 hours depending on the train. The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest at 1.5 hours.

Cost: INR 145-1,505 depending on class and train type

By Bus

UP State Transport (UPSRTC) buses run frequently from Varanasi Bus Stand to Prayagraj. The journey takes 3.5-4.5 hours via NH-19 (Grand Trunk Road). AC buses are available. Buses are slower than trains due to frequent stops and road conditions.

Cost: INR 180-350 (non-AC to AC)

By Taxi / Private Car

The most flexible option for a day trip — you can stop at sites along the way and explore Prayagraj at your own pace. The drive takes 3-3.5 hours via the Varanasi-Prayagraj Expressway. Ola Outstation or local taxi services are available.

Cost: INR 2,500-3,500 one way / INR 4,000-6,000 round trip with waiting

Money Saver

The train is the clear winner for value and speed — see our budget guide for full cost comparisons. Book an early morning train (5-6 AM departure) to maximize sightseeing time. The Vande Bharat Express is worth the premium for its speed and comfort. Book on IRCTC at least 7-10 days in advance.

Best Trains: Varanasi to Prayagraj

Train	Depart	Arrive	Duration	Fare
Vande Bharat Express (22436) Fastest option. Semi-high-speed. Book 30+ days ahead.	06:00 AM	07:30 AM	1h 30m	INR 755 (CC) / INR 1,505 (EC)
Prayagraj Express (14418) Overnight option — arrives early. Useful if combining with a stay.	11:45 PM	02:20 AM	2h 35m	INR 145 (SL) / INR 545 (3AC)
Sangam Express (14854) Afternoon departure. Good for a late start — but limits sightseeing time.	02:15 PM	04:55 PM	2h 40m	INR 145 (SL) / INR 545 (3AC)
Kashi Vishwanath Express (15128) Early morning option. Arrives in time for full day of sightseeing.	05:10 AM	07:30 AM	2h 20m	INR 145 (SL) / INR 545 (3AC)

Timings and fares are indicative and subject to change. Check IRCTC for current schedules and availability. SL = Sleeper, 3AC = AC 3-tier, CC = Chair Car, EC = Executive Chair.

What to See in Prayagraj

Triveni Sangam

1-2 hours Boat ride: INR 100-200 per person (shared), INR 500-800 (private)

The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical underground Saraswati river. Hindus believe bathing here washes away all sins. You can see the two visible rivers meeting — the brown Ganga and the greenish Yamuna — from a boat. Pandits (priests) perform rituals at the water's edge. This is also the site of the Kumbh Mela.

Tip: Go early morning for the most spiritual atmosphere. Boats are the only way to reach the exact confluence point. Negotiate the price before boarding.

Allahabad Fort (Akbar's Fort)

30-45 min Free (open areas only)

Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583 at the confluence of the rivers. One of the largest forts of the Akbar era. Inside is the Ashoka Pillar (3rd century BCE) and the Patalpuri Temple with an underground section. Note: Most of the fort is under Indian Army control; only a portion is open to visitors.

Tip: The accessible portion is limited, but the Ashoka Pillar and Patalpuri Temple are worth the visit. Photography may be restricted in some areas due to military presence.

Anand Bhawan

1-1.5 hours INR 50 (Indian) / INR 100 (Foreign)

The ancestral home of the Nehru family — Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister), and Indira Gandhi all lived here. Now a museum showcasing the Indian independence movement, personal belongings, letters, and photographs. The adjacent Swaraj Bhawan is where Indira Gandhi was born.

Tip: One of the best-maintained house museums in India. The freedom movement exhibits give powerful historical context to modern India. The garden is pleasant for a break.

Khusro Bagh

30-45 min Free

A magnificent walled Mughal garden containing the tombs of Prince Khusro (son of Emperor Jahangir), his mother Shah Begum, and his sister Nisar Begum. The sandstone and marble tombs feature fine Mughal architecture and are set in a peaceful garden. A hidden gem that most tourists overlook.

Tip: The tomb of Shah Begum is architecturally stunning — compare it to Mughal tombs you may see in Agra or Delhi. The garden is a peaceful escape from the city.

Hanuman Temple (Bade Hanuman Ji)

15-20 min Free

A unique temple at the Sangam with a reclining (lying down) statue of Lord Hanuman — one of the few such temples in India. During monsoon floods, the temple partially submerges but the statue reportedly remains above water. Located near the fort, it is a short walk from the Sangam boat area.

Tip: The reclining Hanuman statue is unusual and worth seeing even if temples are not your primary interest. Very crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays (auspicious for Hanuman worship).

Spiritual Note

The Triveni Sangam is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. According to scripture, bathing here during the Kumbh Mela earns merit equivalent to performing a thousand ashwamedha yagnas (horse sacrifices). Even on an ordinary day, a holy dip at the confluence is considered deeply purifying. The Kumbh Mela held here is the largest human gathering on earth — over 100 million pilgrims attended in 2019.

Day Trip vs Overnight

Day Trip (8-10 hours)

Early morning train (5-6 AM departure)
Triveni Sangam and boat ride (1.5 hours)
Allahabad Fort and Hanuman Temple (45 min)
Lunch at a local restaurant (45 min)
Anand Bhawan museum (1 hour)
Khusro Bagh (30 min)
Evening train back to Varanasi

Best for: Travelers with limited time

Overnight Stay (2 days)

Day 1: Arrive, Sangam boat ride, Fort, Hanuman Temple
Day 1 evening: Sangam aarti ceremony
Day 2 morning: Early Sangam dip (sunrise)
Day 2: Anand Bhawan, Khusro Bagh, All Saints Cathedral
Day 2: Explore Civil Lines area, local food
Day 2 evening: Return to Varanasi

Best for: History buffs, festival visits, deeper exploration

Local Tip

A day trip comfortably covers the highlights. The only strong reasons to stay overnight are: (1) visiting during Magh Mela or Kumbh Mela, (2) wanting to experience the sunrise Sangam dip, or (3) being a serious Indian history enthusiast who wants to explore every Mughal and colonial-era site.

Varanasi to Prayagraj