Planning a cruise on the River Ganga and wondering about the Varanasi cruise ticket price?
Cruise fares in Varanasi vary according to the vessel, morning or evening timing, Ganga Aarti viewing, onboard services and whether you are booking a regular cruise or a special festival experience.
As of October 2026, Alaknanda Cruiseline’s official booking page lists regular luxury river cruise experiences starting from ₹700 per person, while premium evening experiences start from ₹5,000 per person. Current BookMyShow listings also show an evening 84-ghat cruise with Ganga Aarti at around ₹1,200 per person.
This guide explains current Varanasi cruise prices, timings, Ganga Aarti options, 84-ghat cruises and factors that affect the final ticket cost.
Varanasi Cruise Ticket Price 2026
Here is a practical overview of currently advertised cruise prices:
| Cruise Experience | Current Listed Price |
|---|---|
| Regular luxury river cruise | From ₹700/person |
| 84 Ghats Cruise Ride & Ganga Aarti listing | ₹699/person |
| Alaknanda evening cruise | Around ₹1,200/person |
| Premium evening cruise experience | From ₹5,000/person |
| Dev Deepawali experiences | Usually much higher; varies by operator |
Alaknanda Cruiseline officially advertises its standard cruise category from ₹700 per person, covering morning, evening and special tours. Its premium curated evening experiences start from ₹5,000 per person.
BookMyShow currently lists an Evening Cruise Tour by Alaknanda Cruise Line at ₹1,200, while another 84 Ghats Cruise Ride & Ganga Aarti option is listed at ₹699.
Prices can change according to date, demand and cruise availability, so treat these as current reference prices rather than permanent fixed rates.
Why Do Varanasi Cruise Ticket Prices Vary?
Not every Ganga cruise offers the same experience.
The final ticket price may depend on:
- Cruise vessel
- Morning or evening slot
- Ganga Aarti viewing
- Number of ghats covered
- Duration
- Refreshments or meals
- Premium seating
- Guided experience
- Festival dates
- Special events
A basic sightseeing cruise can therefore cost much less than a curated premium evening or Dev Deepawali cruise.
Evening Cruise Ticket Price in Varanasi
Evening cruises are particularly popular because travelers can see the ghats after sunset and may also get a view of the famous Ganga Aarti.
A current Alaknanda evening cruise listing on BookMyShow shows:
Ticket Price: ₹1,200
Departure: 5:45 PM
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Boarding: Ravidas Ghat
Experience: 84 Ghats tour + Ganga Aarti viewing + refreshments.
This makes evening cruises particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want sightseeing and Ganga Aarti in a single river experience.
Morning Cruise Price in Varanasi
Morning cruise fares depend on the vessel and selected experience.
Alaknanda’s official cruise category currently starts from ₹700 per person and includes morning as well as evening cruise options.
Morning cruises are a good choice for travelers who prefer:
- Cooler weather
- Peaceful river views
- Morning rituals along the ghats
- Photography
- Less emphasis on Ganga Aarti
Exact morning timings and prices should be checked for the chosen travel date.
84 Ghats Cruise Varanasi Price
One of the most popular cruise experiences in Varanasi is a journey along the city’s famous ghats.
Current BookMyShow listings show an 84 Ghat Cruise Ride & Ganga Aarti at ₹699, while Alaknanda’s evening cruise covers the route from Ravidas Ghat towards Namo Ghat and back as part of its 84-ghat experience.
The experience can include views of historic riverfront architecture, temples, major ghats and Ganga Aarti depending on the selected ticket.
Alaknanda Cruise Ticket Price
Alaknanda is one of the better-known cruise operators on the Ganges in Varanasi.
Its official website currently lists:
Regular Cruise Tours: starting from ₹700/person
Premium Cruise Experiences: starting from ₹5,000/person.
The operator runs vessels including Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Swami Vivekanand and Sam Manekshaw.
Current evening listings can differ by vessel and date, so always check the actual booking screen before payment.
Ganga Aarti Cruise Varanasi Price
A Ganga Aarti cruise allows visitors to experience the ceremony from the river rather than only from the crowded ghats.
Current options range from relatively affordable shared cruise seats to premium experiences.
For example, a current Alaknanda evening tour priced at ₹1,200 includes Ganga Aarti viewing during a 90-minute cruise.
Premium cruise experiences marketed with panoramic Ganga Aarti views currently start from ₹5,000 per person on Alaknanda’s official website.
If Ganga Aarti is your main priority, confirm that it is explicitly included in the selected cruise before booking.
What Is Included in a Varanasi Cruise Ticket?
The inclusions vary by cruise.
A typical cruise ticket may include:
- River cruise
- Views of Varanasi ghats
- Seating
- Life-safety arrangements
- Ganga Aarti viewing on selected evening cruises
- Tea, coffee or refreshments on some cruises
- Guided or recorded information about the ghats
The current Alaknanda evening cruise listing includes an 84-ghat tour, Ganga Aarti viewing, tea or coffee, cookies and mineral water.
Premium tickets may include additional food, upgraded seating or curated experiences.
Varanasi Cruise Timings
There is no single timing for every cruise.
Different operators offer morning, evening and special-event departures.
A current Alaknanda evening cruise departs at 5:45 PM and lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Alaknanda’s official booking page confirms that it operates morning, evening and special cruise tours.
Always verify:
Reporting time
Departure time
Cruise duration
Boarding point
on your final ticket.
Morning vs Evening Cruise: Which Is Better?
Choose a Morning Cruise If:
You want peaceful river views, sunrise atmosphere, photography and morning rituals.
Choose an Evening Cruise If:
You want illuminated ghats, sunset atmosphere and Ganga Aarti.
For first-time visitors to Varanasi, an evening Ganga Aarti cruise often provides the more dramatic experience.
However, travelers interested in photography and peaceful sightseeing may prefer the morning.
Cruise vs Regular Boat Ride in Varanasi
A cruise and a traditional boat ride offer different experiences.
A cruise usually provides:
- More structured timing
- Larger vessel
- Seating
- Organized route
- Refreshments on selected tours
- Greater onboard comfort
A traditional boat ride generally provides:
- Smaller group experience
- Greater flexibility
- Traditional Banaras atmosphere
- Private charter possibilities
Current regular boat fares can also vary widely depending on shared/private booking and time of day, so do not assume a small boat is automatically cheaper in every situation.
Dev Deepawali Cruise Ticket Price in Varanasi
Dev Deepawali is very different from a normal cruise day.
Demand rises sharply and special experiences can cost several times more than standard cruise tickets.
For 24 November 2026, current listings show examples ranging from approximately ₹2,500 for some shared festival experiences to ₹9,000 for cruise tiers, while premium curated products can exceed ₹15,000 per person.
Best Time to Book a Varanasi Cruise
For normal travel dates, you may have more flexibility.
However, advance booking is advisable for:
- Weekends
- Holiday periods
- Dev Deepawali
- Kartik Purnima
- Major pilgrimage periods
- Large family or group travel
Evening cruises can also fill faster because of demand for Ganga Aarti viewing.
Where Do Varanasi Cruises Depart From?
Boarding depends on the cruise operator.
A current Alaknanda evening cruise uses Ravidas Ghat as its boarding point.
Other boat and cruise experiences may depart from Namo Ghat, Assi Ghat, Gaay Ghat or other designated locations.
Always follow the boarding location printed on your confirmed ticket rather than assuming all cruises depart from the same ghat.
How to Book a Cruise in Varanasi
Before booking, decide:
- Morning or evening
- Ganga Aarti required or not
- Regular or premium experience
- Number of guests
- Travel date
- Preferred budget
Then check the latest ticket price and availability.
For travelers already booking a Varanasi tour, cruise booking can also be added to a wider itinerary including hotel, local sightseeing, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and transportation.
Need Help with Varanasi Cruise Booking?
Grand India Trip can assist you with cruise booking as part of your Varanasi travel plan.
Is a Varanasi Cruise Worth the Ticket Price?
For many travelers, yes—especially if they want to see a large part of the riverfront comfortably.
A cruise is particularly useful for:
- Families
- Senior citizens
- First-time visitors
- Groups
- Travelers interested in Ganga Aarti
- Visitors who prefer organized sightseeing
A ₹700–₹1,200 standard cruise can offer good value if it combines ghats, river sightseeing and Ganga Aarti.
Premium cruises make more sense for travelers who value better seating, food and a curated experience.
How to Choose the Right Varanasi Cruise
Do not choose only by price.
Compare:
Route – how many ghats are covered?
Duration – how long is the cruise?
Ganga Aarti – included or not?
Food – refreshments or meals?
Vessel – standard or premium?
Boarding Point – convenient for your hotel?
Cancellation Terms – refundable or not?
A slightly higher-priced ticket may offer much better value if it includes additional experiences.
Final Varanasi Cruise Ticket Price Summary
The Varanasi cruise ticket price currently starts around ₹700 per person for standard cruise categories, while specific evening cruise experiences can cost around ₹1,200 per person.
Premium curated cruises can start around ₹5,000 per person, while Dev Deepawali cruise experiences are considerably more expensive due to exceptional demand and special inclusions.
For the latest price, always check the exact cruise, travel date and inclusions before booking.
If you are planning a complete Varanasi trip, combining your cruise with hotel, transportation and sightseeing can make the journey easier to organize.
FAQs
What is the Varanasi cruise ticket price in 2026?
Current standard cruise options start from approximately ₹700 per person. A current Alaknanda evening cruise listing costs around ₹1,200, while premium experiences start from approximately ₹5,000.
What is the ticket price for an evening cruise in Varanasi?
A current Alaknanda evening cruise is priced at ₹1,200 per person for a 90-minute experience. Prices can vary by date and cruise.
What is the 84 Ghats cruise price in Varanasi?
84 Ghat Cruise Ride & Ganga Aarti shows a ticket price of ₹699. Prices are subject to availability and change.
Does the Varanasi cruise ticket include Ganga Aarti?
Some evening cruise tickets include Ganga Aarti viewing, while others may offer only sightseeing. Check the inclusions before booking.
What is the Alaknanda Cruise ticket price?
Alaknanda Cruiseline currently advertises regular cruise tours starting from ₹700 per person, while premium cruise experiences start from ₹5,000 per person.
What time does the evening cruise start in Varanasi?
A current Alaknanda evening cruise listing starts at 5:45 PM and lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Other cruises may have different timings.
Is a morning or evening cruise better in Varanasi?
Morning cruises are better for peaceful river views and photography. Evening cruises are better if you want sunset views and Ganga Aarti.
How much does a Dev Deepawali cruise cost in Varanasi?
Dev Deepawali pricing varies substantially. Current 2026 listings range from a few thousand rupees per person to premium cruise experiences above ₹15,000 depending on the vessel and inclusions.
Where does the Alaknanda evening cruise depart from?
The current evening cruise listing shows Ravidas Ghat, Varanasi as the boarding location.
Can I add a Ganga cruise to my Varanasi tour package?
Yes. You can include a morning or evening cruise in a Varanasi itinerary along with temple visits, sightseeing, Ganga Aarti, hotel accommodation and transportation.