Varanasi to Agra Taxi | Taj Mahal Tour | ₹8,000
Quick answer: Varanasi to Agra is about 580-620 km and usually takes 8-9 hours by taxi. Sedan fares start from ₹8,000-9,000. For the Taj Mahal, a 2-day or 3-day plan is much better than a rushed same-day trip.
Agra is worth planning properly. The Taj Mahal is best seen at sunrise, Agra Fort needs time, and Fatehpur Sikri is another 40 km from the city. We usually suggest leaving Varanasi early, staying overnight in Agra, and keeping Friday in mind because the Taj Mahal is closed.
Quick Facts: Varanasi to Agra Taxi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey Distance | 580-620 km (depending on route) |
| Travel Time | 8-9 hours (long-distance highway) |
| Best Route | Via Lucknow or Prayagraj |
| Road Condition | Excellent - mainly NH highways |
| UNESCO Sites | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri |
| Main Attraction | Taj Mahal (7 Wonders of the World) |
| Starting Fare | ₹8,000 for Swift Dzire (4-seater) |
Varanasi to Agra Cab Route & Best Time to Travel
Varanasi to Agra Route Options
Option 1: Via Lucknow (Recommended) Varanasi → NH30 → Lucknow → Agra-Lucknow Expressway → Agra Distance: 590 km | Time: 8-9 hours Why we prefer it: Better expressway stretch, predictable driving, and better rest stops.
Option 2: Via Prayagraj Varanasi → NH19 → Prayagraj → Kanpur → Agra Distance: 620 km | Time: 9-10 hours Useful when: You want to pass through Prayagraj/Kanpur side.
Best Time for an Agra Taxi Tour
- For Taj Mahal: October to March, especially sunrise.
- Best months: November to February.
- Avoid if possible: April to June, when Agra can be extremely hot (35-48°C).
- Monsoon: July to September is humid and the marble areas can get slippery.
Important: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Varanasi to Agra Taxi Fare & Vehicle Options
| Vehicle Type | Seating | Pricing | Best For | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire | 4 passengers | ₹8,000-9,000 | Couples, budget travelers | Good highway comfort |
| Ertiga | 6 passengers | ₹10,500-12,000 | Families | Extra luggage space |
| Innova Crysta | 6-8 passengers | ₹13,000-15,000 | Large families, luxury | Premium long-distance |
| Tempo Traveller | 12-13 passengers | ₹20,000-23,000 | Group tours | Photography groups |
Included in the fare:
- Professional driver experienced with long-distance routes
- Fuel for the journey
- Toll charges (₹600-800 on expressway)
- Driver overnight allowance
- Pickup from anywhere in Varanasi
- Drop at Agra hotel or monuments
- GPS tracking and comprehensive insurance
- Multiple rest stops
Not included:
- Monument entry fees (Taj Mahal ₹1,100 for Indians, ₹50 for locals)
- Driver accommodation (₹800-1,200 in Agra)
- Food and beverages
- Guide charges (₹500-1,000 per monument)
- Additional sightseeing beyond Agra
Places to Visit in Agra on a Varanasi to Agra Taxi Tour
1. Taj Mahal (UNESCO)
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM (closed Fridays) Entry Fee:
- Indians: ₹1,100 (includes shoe covers, water bottle)
- SAARC/BIMSTEC: ₹740
- Foreigners: ₹1,300
- Children under 15: Free
Best time: Sunrise (6:30-7:30 AM). It is cooler, the light is better, and the crowd is smaller.
Useful facts:
- Built: 1631-1653 (22 years)
- Material: White Makrana marble
- Inlay work: 28 types of precious stones
- Workers: 20,000+ artisans
- Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori
- Height: 73 meters (main dome)
- Symmetry: Perfect bilateral symmetry
Duration: 2-3 hours minimum
2. Agra Fort (UNESCO)
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (daily) Entry Fee: ₹650 (Indians), ₹850 (foreigners)
Highlights:
- Red sandstone fort (1565-1573)
- Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal
- Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)
- Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas
- View of Taj Mahal from fort
- Shah Jahan imprisoned here in his last years
Duration: 2 hours
3. Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO)
Location: 40 km from Agra (1-hour drive) Timings: Sunrise to sunset Entry Fee: ₹610 (Indians), ₹760 (foreigners)
Highlights:
- Abandoned Mughal capital (built 1571)
- Buland Darwaza
- Jama Masjid, Salim Chishti's tomb
- Panch Mahal (5-story palace)
- Mughal architecture at its best
Duration: 2-3 hours
4. Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Entry Fee: ₹310 (Indians), ₹510 (foreigners)
Highlights:
- First marble tomb in India
- Intricate marble inlay work
- Prototype for Taj Mahal design
- Peaceful and usually less crowded
Duration: 1 hour
5. Mehtab Bagh
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Entry Fee: ₹300 (Indians)
Across the Yamuna River, this is the easiest place for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
Duration: 1 hour
