Varanasi to Bodhgaya Cab & Tempo Traveller Service
All Routes
Distance
260 km
Travel Time
5.5 to 6 hours
Route
NH-19 via Sasaram and Gaya
260 km, 6 hours via NH-19 through Sasaram. The seat of Buddha's enlightenment — Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, and the foreign monastery zone.
Varanasi to Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage route after Sarnath. The 260 km journey via NH-19 takes 5.5–6 hours, passing the Sasaram region (Sher Shah Suri's tomb). Bodhgaya is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree — the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree itself, the international monastic zone (Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, Burmese temples), and the Dungeshwari (Sujata) caves of Buddha's pre-enlightenment fasts. Varanasi On Wheels has operated Buddhist-circuit transport for Sri Lankan, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese pilgrim groups since the early 2000s.
Trip Highlights
- Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Bodhi Tree — circumambulation and meditation
- International monastery zone (Thai, Japanese, Tibetan)
- Dungeshwari (Sujata) caves — pre-enlightenment site
- Optional all-night meditation at Mahabodhi
- 80m Great Buddha Statue at Daijokyo Buddhist Temple
Stops Along the Way
- 1
Sasaram
Sher Shah Suri's tomb — Mughal-era octagonal mausoleum in a lake. 30-min photo stop.
- 2
Aurangabad
Lunch break recommended. Highway dhabas with vegetarian/non-veg options.
- 3
Gaya
Optional Vishnupad Temple stop for pind-daan pilgrims. 15 km before Bodhgaya.
- 4
Bodhgaya
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, monastery zone — at least a full day needed.
Fares by Vehicle
| Vehicle | Capacity | One-Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire (4-seater) | 1–4 pax | ₹5,500 | ₹10,500 |
| Innova Crysta (6-seater) | 1–6 pax | ₹7,200 | ₹13,500 |
| Tempo Traveller 12-seater | 6–12 pax | ₹8,500 | ₹16,500 |
| Tempo Traveller 17-seater | 12–17 pax | ₹10,500 | ₹20,000 |
| Maharaja Urbania (luxury) | 1–9 pax | ₹13,500 | ₹26,000 |
* Fares exclude driver allowance, tolls, parking, and 5% GST. Round-trip rates assume single-day return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bodhgaya from Varanasi by road?
Bodhgaya is 260 km from Varanasi via NH-19, with travel time 5.5–6 hours. The route passes Sasaram and Gaya. A morning departure (6 AM) reaches Bodhgaya by 12 PM for an afternoon Mahabodhi visit.
Can Bodhgaya be visited as a one-day round trip from Varanasi?
Possible but tight — 12+ hours of driving leaves only 4–5 hours at Bodhgaya. We strongly recommend a 2-day overnight trip, especially if you want the dawn meditation at the Bodhi Tree.
Are international Buddhist pilgrim groups familiar to your drivers?
Yes. We've operated Buddhist circuit transport since the early 2000s for Sri Lankan, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Bhutanese groups. We can arrange a multilingual local guide at Bodhgaya (₹2,500–₹4,000/day extra).
Is the Mahabodhi Temple entry free?
Indian nationals: free. Foreign nationals: ₹100 entry. Camera fee ₹100 extra. Mobile photography in the inner sanctum is restricted. Footwear deposited at the gate.
Can we extend this trip to Rajgir and Nalanda?
Yes — Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda is a popular 3-day Buddhist mini-circuit (200 km total). Pricing for the 3-day Varanasi → Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Varanasi loop starts at ₹22,500 in a tempo traveller 12-seater.
Is Bodhgaya safe for solo female travelers?
Yes. The monastic zone is well-lit, monitored, and very international — many female pilgrim travelers. Our female-friendly drivers are vetted and we share live trip-tracking with family on request.
Multi-Day Tour Packages on This Route
Starting From
₹5,500 one-way
excl. driver allowance, tolls, GST
Free quote · No booking fees · 24×7 support
Why Book With Us
- Since 1993 — 33 years on this route
- Drivers know every shortcut
- Fixed rates — no surge pricing
- Free flight tracking + waiting
- 24×7 emergency support