If you are a foreigner and want to travel from Delhi to Varanasi with no money, the situation changes a bit.

India is super friendly to foreigners, so you actually have more helpful options — but also some safety rules.

Below are the most realistic and safe options for foreigners:

✅ 1. Hitchhiking (Very Common for Foreigners) – FREE

Many international backpackers travel from Delhi to Varanasi without spending a single rupee by using hitchhiking. India’s highways are lively, busy, and full of long-distance truck drivers who often enjoy talking to travellers. Because of this, hitchhiking becomes one of the easiest ways to travel on a zero budget.

The Delhi–Varanasi stretch covers more than 800 km, and the route passes through major cities like Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur, and Prayagraj. This means you’ll always find traffic flowing in that direction, giving you more chances to get a safe ride.

Where to start:

• NH-19 towards Ghaziabad / Kanpur – one of India’s busiest highways.

• Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar – the largest truck transport hub in North India.

• Azadpur Mandi – many trucks leave early morning.

These locations are safe, crowded, and full of long-distance drivers used to helping travellers.

What to say:

“Hello, I’m travelling to Varanasi. I don’t have money now. Could you please give me a ride?”

Indian drivers are extremely friendly when they meet foreigners. Many will offer tea or snacks before the journey begins, as hospitality is a major part of Indian culture.

Safety tips:

• Prefer trucks with two drivers (more common on long routes).

• Sit in the front cabin only.

• Share your live location with someone if possible.

• Avoid travelling at night if you are alone.

• Always keep your passport, cash, and phone close to your body.

An advantage for foreigners is that Indian truck drivers often want to make you feel welcome, so you’ll likely receive more offers for free rides compared to a local traveller.

✅ 2. Stay in a Gurudwara — They Help Foreign Travellers

One unique thing about India is the presence of Sikh Gurudwaras. These are spiritual places that offer langar—a free community meal—to every human being, regardless of nationality, gender, religion, or financial status. For a traveller without money, this is a blessing.

In Delhi, Gurudwaras are known for helping stranded travellers, including foreigners. You can calmly explain your situation, and volunteers may guide you towards safe options to reach Varanasi.

Where to go in Delhi:

• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Connaught Place) – 24/7 langar and supportive volunteers.

• Gurudwara Rakab Ganj – peaceful and spacious.

• Gurudwara Sis Ganj (Chandni Chowk) – located in Old Delhi’s historic area.

What they may do:

• Give food

• Provide temporary shelter

• Connect you to someone travelling towards Varanasi

• Call a volunteer who might help you reach the highway

• Offer guidance in English (many volunteers speak English well)

The environment in Gurudwaras is extremely safe, clean, and comforting—ideal for a foreign traveller with limited resources.

✅ 3. Volunteer Work → Free Transport

Foreign travellers in India often receive offers for help simply because locals want to support someone visiting their country. If you explain that you are travelling across India with no money, many people admire the courage and give assistance.

Volunteer work is a respectful way to travel for free. By offering small help, you get food, rest, and sometimes transportation.

People may give you:

• Free lifts

• Free food

• A place to rest

Dhabas (roadside restaurants) are the best places for this. They are friendly, open 24 hours, and family-run. If you offer simple help like cleaning tables, arranging chairs, or assisting in the kitchen, many dhaba owners will happily help you reach your next destination.

If you volunteer at a dhaba (roadside restaurant):

“Can I help here for a few hours? I need to travel to Varanasi.”

Many dhabas are happy to help travellers, especially foreigners, because they are proud to host international guests.

In many cases, a truck driver eating at the dhaba may agree to take you further towards Varanasi.

✅ 4. Ask Backpacker Hostels for Help

Delhi has dozens of backpacker hostels filled with international travellers. Many of them travel to Varanasi regularly, and some might have a spare seat in a van or car.

Popular hostels in Delhi like:

• Zostel

• Moustache

• Madpackers

• Joey’s Hostels

They sometimes have:

• Travellers driving to Varanasi

• WhatsApp groups

• Ride-sharing boards

You might find someone with a spare seat going there.

Backpacker hostels in Delhi are extremely foreigner-friendly, often providing maps, orientation, and safety tips. Even if they can’t arrange a direct ride, they can guide you to the safest place to start hitchhiking.

📌 Bonus Tip: Use Expat Communities

There are active Facebook and WhatsApp groups for foreigners living in or visiting India. Posting a simple message like:

“I am a traveller heading from Delhi to Varanasi with no money. Does anyone have space in their car or recommendations?”

…can quickly connect you with other travellers who are going in the same direction.

Many foreigners do long-budget trips together, so joining them makes your journey easier and safer.

📌 Bonus Tip: Travel Early Morning

The safest and most successful hitchhiking attempts happen between:

• 5:30 AM – 9:30 AM
• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Early morning drivers are usually fresh, calm, and open to conversation. Traffic is also smoother.

❌ Avoid This

• Don’t travel by train without a ticket (especially as a foreigner, it can cause big legal trouble).

• Don’t go with anyone who seems drunk or acting strange.

• Don't enter private houses or isolated areas.

• Don’t give your passport or phone to anyone.

• Avoid hitchhiking after dark.

India is safe for foreigners, but like every country, it requires basic precautions.

⭐ Most Practical “Free” Route for a Foreigner

1. Go to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib first → get food & explain your situation.

2. Then go to Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar or NH-19 highway.

3. Ask truck drivers politely for a ride.

4. Many will happily take a foreign traveller for free.

This route is the safest, most common, and most successful method used by budget travellers from across the world.

✨ Final Thoughts

Travelling Delhi to Varanasi Free as a Foreigner

Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi with no money is not only possible—it’s a memorable experience. India embraces travellers warmly, especially foreigners. If you follow the routes above, stay patient, and remain polite, you’ll reach Varanasi safely and create stories you’ll remember for life.

Hitchhiking, Gurudwaras, volunteer work, and backpacker communities together create a very real, practical system that allows you to move long distances for free. Thousands of travellers have done it before you, and thousands will do it after you.

Just remember: be respectful, stay safe, travel during daylight, and trust your instincts. India’s kindness will do the rest.