Home / Boat Rides / Motor Boat Ride in Varanasi
A motorboat for up to 6 people that covers the ghats quickly, from Assi to Dashashwamedh and beyond.
Quick answer: A motor boat in Varanasi costs ₹2,000 for a boat of 6 people, with ₹300 for each extra person. It covers the ghats in one ride, with Hindi and English commentary. Rates move with season, weather and the time you choose, so confirm on WhatsApp.
A motor boat is the practical way to see Varanasi's ghats if you have limited time, are travelling with family, or want to cover a long stretch of the river without waiting for a rowboat to fill. The boat runs on an engine, moves steadily against the current, and can take you from the southern ghats near Assi up through Tulsi, Harishchandra, Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh in a single sitting.
The ride follows the river's curve along the western bank, where the ghats rise as a continuous wall of steps, temples and old palaces. You pass Assi Ghat, where the Ganga Aarti is performed in the mornings and evenings, then Tulsi Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat and the cremation ghat at Manikarnika, before arriving at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the busiest of all.
Because the boat is faster than a rowboat, you have time for photographs at every stop and still return within the window you planned. Ask the boatman to slow down near the main ghats if you want longer views.
The listed rate is ₹2,000 for a 6-seat motor boat, plus ₹300 for each person beyond six. Rates are not fixed all year: they change with season, demand, weather and the exact time or route you choose. Around Dev Deepawali and other peak dates the boats are heavily booked, so call ahead rather than turning up on the day.
Related: Top boat rides in Varanasi · Boat ride price by ghat · Ganga Aarti timing · Dev Diwali guide
₹2,000 per boat (6 people)
6 people per boat; ₹300 for each extra person
All major ghats, Assi to Dashashwamedh and onward
Hindi and English
Sunrise and early evening
Confirm on WhatsApp; busy dates fill early
After we confirm your slot
Share your date and group size. We confirm availability and the final price on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
The listed rate is ₹2,000 for a boat of 6 people, with ₹300 for each additional person. The final amount depends on season, weather, timing and the route you choose, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you pay.
A standard motor boat is priced for 6 people. More guests can join for an extra ₹300 each, subject to the boat's safe capacity, which the boatman will confirm.
Yes, the ride is planned to cover the major ghats along the river. Tell us which ghats you most want to see and we will plan the pickup point accordingly.
Boatmen speak Hindi and English and point out the main ghats and temples. If you want detailed history, ask for a guide when booking.
Yes for weekends, festivals and Dev Deepawali. For ordinary weekdays, same-day slots are often possible, but confirm first on WhatsApp.
A private motor boat for your family or group, from ₹300 per person, with Ganga Aarti viewing and celebration decoration.
₹1,500 to ₹5,000 by packageA large decorated bajra for sunrise cruises, Aarti viewing and celebrations, priced from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 by package.
Price on requestThe traditional rowboat, slower and quieter, best for photography and sunrise.
Price on requestA river ride accompanied by live music, for celebrations, couples and small gatherings.
Price on requestA longer, more comfortable cruise on the Ganga for groups and special occasions.
Share your name and number and our Varanasi team will call you back, usually within a few hours between 9 AM and 9 PM IST. Prefer chat? Message us on WhatsApp.