Uttar Pradesh is a state of dualities. On one end, you have Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, echoing with the poetry of refined etiquette (Tehzeeb), the aroma of Tunday Kebabs, and the grandeur of Imambaras. On the other lies Varanasi (Kashi), the City of Lights, older than history itself, vibrating with the cosmic energy of the Ganga Aarti, ringing temple bells, and the eternal cycle of life and death.
Connecting these two cultural powerhouses is a journey that every traveler must experience at least once. But how you travel defines what you see. While trains are crowded and flights are fleeting, a road trip from Lucknow to Varanasi allows you to witness the soul of India changing mile by mile.
Whether you are a pilgrim seeking Moksha, a history buff chasing Mughal and Sharqi architecture, or a family looking for a safe weekend getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Lucknow to Varanasi road trip. And why booking a premium chauffeur-driven cab with MTC Car Hire is the smartest decision you’ll make for this journey.
The Route: Modern Speed vs. Ancient History
Gone are the days when the drive from Lucknow to Varanasi was a bumpy, dust-filled 10-hour ordeal. In 2025, the infrastructure of Uttar Pradesh has transformed, giving you two distinct route options. Your choice depends on what you want to experience.
Option 1: The Express Route (Via Purvanchal Expressway)
● Best For: Business travelers, families with kids, and those who prioritize speed and comfort.
● The Drive: This is modern India at its finest. You start from Lucknow and hit the Purvanchal Expressway. It’s a 6-lane, access-controlled marvel where MTC’s premium SUVs (like the Toyota Innova Crysta) can cruise smoothly. You’ll exit near Sultanpur or Azamgarh to connect to Varanasi.
● Time: Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.
● Why MTC Recommends This: The smooth tarmac means less fatigue. You arrive in Varanasi fresh, not exhausted, ready to head straight to the evening Aarti.
Option 2: The Heritage Route (Via NH-31 & Jaunpur)
● Best For: History lovers, photographers, and “slow travel” enthusiasts.
● The Drive: This route takes you through the heart of rural UP. It’s vibrant, chaotic in parts, and incredibly scenic. The highlight is the city of Jaunpur, often called the Shiraz-e-Hind.
● The Jaunpur Pause: Ask your MTC chauffeur to stop at the Shahi Bridge (Mughal Bridge). Built in the 16th century by Munim Khan, this massive stone bridge spanning the Gomti River is still in use and makes for a spectacular photo op. You can also glimpse the towering Atala Masjid, a masterpiece of Sharqi architecture.
● Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours (including stops).
The Spiritual Detour: The “Golden Triangle” of UP (Ayodhya)
Since the consecration of the Ram Mandir, the travel dynamics of this region have changed forever. Many of our guests now choose to turn a simple transfer into a pilgrimage.
The MTC “Temple Trail” Plan:
Instead of driving straight to Varanasi, customize your MTC booking to include a stopover in Ayodhya.
- Depart Lucknow: 6:00 AM.
- Arrive Ayodhya: 8:30 AM (Via NH-27).
- Darshan & Lunch: Spend 4-5 hours visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan.
- Depart for Varanasi: 2:00 PM.
- Arrive Varanasi: 7:00 PM (Just in time for dinner by the Ghats).
Why do this with MTC?
Attempting this detour via public transport is a logistical nightmare involving luggage lockers, multiple auto-rickshaws, and rigid train schedules. With a private MTC cab, your luggage stays safe in the boot of the car while you worship. Our drivers know the city restrictions and the closest drop-off points to the temple complex, saving you kilometers of walking.
The “Dhaba” Experience: Culinary Pit Stops
No road trip in North India is complete without a meal at a highway Dhaba. The Lucknow-Varanasi corridor offers some rustic gems that serve food hotter and fresher than any 5-star hotel.
● Near Sultanpur: Look out for Sangam Dhaba or Fauji Dhaba. These are family-friendly spots known for their Tandoori Roti, Dal Fry, and Kadhai Paneer. The food is spicy, rich, and cooked in open kitchens.
● The “Kulhad” Chai: Throughout the journey, you will find tea stalls serving tea in clay cups (Kulhads). There is an earthly flavor to this tea that you simply cannot replicate in a city café.
MTC Tip: Our drivers are locals. They know exactly which Dhabas have clean washrooms—a crucial detail for families traveling with women and children!
The Challenge: Navigating the Chaos of Varanasi
Here is the truth that most travel blogs won’t tell you: Driving inside Varanasi is not for the faint-hearted.
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Its streets were designed for pedestrians and bullock carts, not SUVs. As you approach the city, the traffic thickens. Major intersections like Godowlia and Maidagin often have strict “No Vehicle Zones” enforced by the traffic police, especially during the evening Aarti or festivals.
This is where the MTC Chauffeur Advantage shines:
If you were driving a self-drive rental, you would likely end up stressed, stuck in a narrow lane, or fined for entering a restricted zone. MTC chauffeurs, however, are trained for this specific “Last Mile” logistics.
- Smart Drop-Offs: They know exactly how close they can get you to the Ghats (usually Godowlia Crossing or Benia Bagh) before you need to switch to an e-rickshaw or walk.
- Parking Woes Solved: Parking in Varanasi is scarce. With MTC, you simply hop off at your hotel or drop point. Finding a secure parking spot is our driver’s responsibility, not yours.
- Luggage Assistance: Our drivers will assist you in offloading luggage and can often help coordinate with hotel porters, ensuring you don’t have to drag heavy bags through crowded lanes alone.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Tribe
A 7-hour journey requires comfort. At MTC India Mobility, we don’t believe in a “one car fits all” approach. Here is how to choose your ride:
● For the Power Couple:
○ Recommendation: Maruti Dzire or Honda Amaze.
○ Why: Economical, efficient, and comfortable for two people with 2-3 bags. Perfect for a quick weekend dash.
● For the Family Vacation (3-5 Pax):
○ Recommendation: Toyota Innova Crysta.
○ Why: The undisputed king of Indian highways. The “Captain Seats” in the middle row provide business-class comfort for parents or elders. The superior suspension flattens out any bumps on the state highways near Jaunpur.
● For the Big Pilgrimage Group (8-12 Pax):
○ Recommendation: Tempo Traveller.
○ Why: Keeping the whole family together is part of the fun. Our Tempo Travellers are spacious, AC-equipped, and allow you to sing bhajans or play games together without being split into two separate cars.
Why MTC Car Hire? Trust, Transparency, and Safety.
In an unregulated market of private taxis, MTC India Mobility stands out as a beacon of reliability for tourists.
1. Police-Verified Chauffeurs
We understand that safety is the primary concern, especially for female travelers or late-night drives. Every MTC driver undergoes rigorous background checks and police verification. They aren’t just drivers; they are trained highway pilots who prioritize your safety over speed.
2. No “Return Fare” Shocks
One of the biggest scams in the taxi industry is the hidden “Return Fare” for one-way drops. With MTC, our pricing is transparent. Whether you book a One-Way Drop (where you pay for the drop distance) or a Round Trip, the fare structure is explained upfront. You pay for what you book. Tolls and taxes are billed on actuals—no markups.
3. Reliability for Early Starts
To beat the Varanasi traffic, we often recommend leaving Lucknow by 6:00 AM. When you book a local taxi, there’s always a fear: “Will he show up?” With MTC, our automated dispatch system and 24/7 control room ensure your car is at your doorstep 15 minutes before time. We track your ride from start to finish.
Plan Your Trip Today
The road from Lucknow to Varanasi is a passage through time. It takes you from the architectural wonders of the medieval era to the spiritual timelessness of the Vedas. Don’t let the stress of driving or the discomfort of public transport dilute this experience.
Sit back, recline your seat, watch the rural landscape of Uttar Pradesh roll by, and let MTC Car Hire drive you to divinity.
Ready to Book?
● Website: www.mtccarhire.com
● Call / WhatsApp: +91-7081609090
● Email: info@mtccarhire.com
Special Offer: Booking a round trip? Ask our support team about special packages for the “Ayodhya-Varanasi-Prayagraj” circuit!