Varanasi Junction Guide: Lounges, Platforms and Pure Food

Varanasi is a popular pilgrimage destination also known as Kashi or Banaras. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world, which attracts many tourists every day. Varanasi Junction is one of the popular gateways to reach Banaras.

Since it attracts millions of passengers every year, railway stations are overcrowded, especially during religious festivals. However, multiple stations are available in the city of Banaras. The station connects multiple cities and major routes, making it popular among other railway stations in Varanasi.

This post will explore the Varanasi Station in detail, including its facilities, trains, and food options. Moreover, it also includes the other stations that have direct access to Banaras.

Varanasi Junction Overview

Varanasi Junction is also known as Varanasi Cantt railway station and BSB station. It is the primary and oldest railway station serving the holy city of Banaras. It is also considered a major hub in the North Eastern railway network, connecting northern railway to southern and eastern corridors.

However, travellers often confuse this station with the Banaras railway station. So, it becomes essential to know the station codes that are unique for each station. Varanasi Junction railway station code is BSB, and passengers must check the PNR status to find the station code, boarding time, and ticket confirmation.

Station Name: Varanasi Station
Station Code: BSB
Division: Varanasi
State: Uttar Pradesh
Number of Platforms: 11
Number of Tracks: 13
Daily Footfall: 400,000

Varanasi Platform Facilities for Passengers

BSB railway station offers different facilities to passengers for a better travel experience. It improves travel comfort and makes it memorable. So, let’s explore the major facilities available at Varanasi Junction that are discussed below.

Waiting Room: Passengers waiting for the trains can use this facility to rest for a few hours. It helps to get a relaxing place and includes both AC and non-AC waiting halls.
Ticket Counter: Reserved or unreserved ticket counters are available for passengers to book tickets and continue the journey accordingly.
Cloak Room: Luggage storage facility is also available at Varanasi station, offering a stress-free visit to nearby areas and during longer layovers.
Refreshment Area: Fresh meals and snacks are also available at the refreshment area in the station premises. Travellers can also use the RailMItra train food delivery service to get fresh meals from FSSAI-certified restaurants at preferred stations.
Book Stalls: Travellers can also visit the book stalls available at the railway station. They generally include newspapers, novels, spiritual literature, and magazines to keep passengers entertained throughout the journey.
Lifts and Escalators: Modern foot overbridges and lifts are also available, connecting platforms. This improves effortless movement for patients, the elderly, and passengers with heavy loads.
Retiring Room: Varanasi railway station offers the retiring room facility for passengers for relaxation in a dormitory or private room as required.

Also Read: Indian Railway Retiring Room Complete Guide (2026): Facilities, Eligibility and Rules

Popular Trains at Varanasi Junction

Multiple trains originate, terminate, and pass through the BSB station. So, check the trains available at Varanasi Jn Railway Station (BSB) and plan the journey accordingly. However, passengers popular choices are as follows.

Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express
Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Train
Mahanagri Express
Varanasi-Mysuru Express
Shramjeevi Express
Kamayani Express
Farakka Express
Kashi Vishwanath Express
Varuna Express
Varanasi-Bareilly Express

Pure Veg Food at Varanasi City Railway Station

Passengers looking to visit Varanasi or passing through the BSB station can explore the regional taste through online train food delivery apps like RailMitra. It ensures fresh and delicious meals onboard, right to passengers seats, to enjoy the regional delicacies. All is required to check the train schedule and plan meals accordingly.

A food court is available at Varanasi Junction to meet passengers meal requirements. However, passengers passing through it can explore a variety of options without getting off the train. So, order pure veg food from the following.

Shuddh Satvik Thali (No onion or no garlic)
Deluxe Vegetarian Thali
Baati Chokha Thali
Kachori Sabzi
Tamatar Chaat
Banarasi Lassi
Launglata
Chole Samosa

List of Railway Stations in Varanasi

The city of Banaras officially has different railway stations. So, check the list of railway stations available in Banaras.

Varanasi Junction (BSB)
Banaras Railway Station (BSBS)
Kashi Railway Station (KEI)
Sarnath Railway Station (SCS)
Bhulanpur Railway Station (BHLP)

Tips to Travel Through Varanasi Junction

Following certain tips can assist passengers in getting a smooth travel experience at BSB railway station.

Check PNR Status Before Leaving for Station: Always check the PNR status to confirm the station name and code before reaching the station.
Know the Cloakroom Operational Timings: Before using the cloakroom service, check the operational time to avoid last-minute rush.
Book Retiring Room Early: Always book the retiring room early to get a confirmed accommodation. It allows a comfortable stay at a lower cost.
Reach Early at Station: Plan to reach the boarding station early to avoid the last-minute chaos and easily reach the boarding platform.

Conclusion

Varanasi Junction is the most spiritual station. Millions of passengers travel through this railway station, offering different trains connecting major cities and western and eastern railway zones. The station is often confused with Banaras Railway Station (BSBS) that can cause missed trains.

BSB station offers different facilities like a retiring room, cloak room, waiting halls, ticket counter, refreshment area, book stalls, lifts, and escalators. Moreover, Varanasi is also known for its regional delicacies, offering pure veg meals to maintain a spiritual vibe. Passengers passing through this station can also order online train food via RailMitra.