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Varanasi Boat Ride Timings & Duration

When do boats run on the Ganga, and how long does a ride take? Morning and evening timings by season, plus how long each route lasts.

Travel Guide
Boats on the Ganga at sunrise in Varanasi
Evening Ganga Aarti boat ride timing
Boats moored in the morning in Varanasi
Illuminated boat after the evening Aarti
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Sunrise Rides≈ 5:30 – 7:30 AM
Evening Aarti≈ 5:45 / 6:45 PM
50 Ghats Ride≈ 1 – 1.5 hrs
DailyAll year*

Boats run on the Ganga throughout the day, but the two most popular times are sunrise and the evening Ganga Aarti. Exact times shift with the season because both follow the sun.

Morning (Sunrise) Boat Ride Timings

Summer (Apr – Sep)Board around 5:00 – 5:30 AM
Winter (Oct – Mar)Board around 6:00 – 6:30 AM
Subah-e-Banaras at Assi GhatBefore sunrise — see Subah-e-Banaras

Book a sunrise boat ride — we confirm the exact boarding time for your date.

Evening (Ganga Aarti) Boat Ride Timings

Winter (Oct – Mar)Aarti starts around 5:45 PM — board by about 5:00 PM
Summer (Apr – Sep)Aarti starts around 6:45 PM — board by about 6:00 PM
Aarti durationAbout 45 minutes

See the full month-by-month Ganga Aarti timings.

How Long Does a Boat Ride Take?

  • 50 Ghats Ride (Assi to Manikarnika and back): about 1 to 1.5 hours
  • All 84 Ghats Ride (Assi to Namo / Adikeshav): about 2 hours or more
  • Evening Aarti ride: about 1.5 to 2 hours including the 45-minute Aarti

Durations depend on the current, the boat type and how long you stop for photos. See the 84 ghats boat tour.

When Boats Don't Run

During monsoon floods (usually July to September), the district administration can suspend all boat operations when the Ganga crosses its warning level. Read our monsoon boat ride guide.

Book a private boat in Varanasi Sunrise rides, Ganga Aarti boats and all 84 ghats — from ₹2,999 per boat.
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Boat Ride Timings — FAQs

Sunrise is best for calm water, soft light and morning rituals. Evening is best for watching the Ganga Aarti from the river.
The standard 50 ghats ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The full 84 ghats ride takes about 2 hours or more.
Around 5:00–5:30 AM in summer and 6:00–6:30 AM in winter, just before sunrise.
Yes, boats run daily all year, except when the administration suspends operations during monsoon floods.

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Last updated: 8 October 2026 · All Varanasi guides