There are six of us: 4 adults and 2 teen girls. We are leaning towards air, but have been told the airport is quite far from town. Any reasons why you think we should take the train? Thanks!

I think there is a fast train which means including airport transfer times in Delhi and Varnasi (30 mins outside airport, check in times, etc) you should check how long the train journey will take. Indifference point IMO will be 4 hours +. Also, there is prob one/two daily flights so you need to check whether the timing works for you. TRain will prob give you more timing flexibility. Check Indian Airlines and Jet websites then train schedules to decide.

http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

This site has the train schedules. Look up "Trains Between Important Stations" and you will see all of the times. It's a long (over 12 hours) trip, and, speaking from 2nd-class-trip experience, I would only take a 1st class train!! It is an unforgettable experience, though.

Thanks! I think we'll try to fly since time is short and we've got a couple of teens with us.

I just did the Delhi/Varanasi flight this past spring. I don't recall the distance from the airport to the city as being that excessive. I wasn't really paying attention, but if were ridiculously far, I'm sure I would have noticed.

a wise decision to fly. The road is long, the flights are not that expensive and they are quite good. I suggest you prefer Jet Airways over Indian Airways, although I hear that recently the latter one has become a bit more punctual too. But Jet Airways has never disappointed me.