By train
The nearest major station is Varanasi Cantt. 6 km, which is connected to most major cities in the country. Sarnath does have a small train station, but very few trains stop here.
By bus
Long distance buses usually arrive at the station across from the Varanasi Cantt train station, where you can transfer to a local bus to Sarnath, or take a taxi or rickshaw.
By Taxi/Rickshaw
The town is easily reached by taxi or auto rickshaw from Varanasi. If you're non-Indian and arriving in Varanasi by train, a taxi driver will probably descend on you before you leave your train platform. Make no commitment there! You can negotiate a better rate with an autorickshaw driver, outside the station. If you have tons of luggage though, go with the taxi -- it won't fit in the rickshaw. The route, though once somewhat rural, is now noisy, busy, and almost completely built up till you're on the road just outside Sarnath.
By plane
Varanasi Airport IATA: VNS is 24 km from Sarnath and is the nearest airport.