By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Distance
26 km from old city
Transfer Time
45-60 min by taxi
Airlines
IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet
Varanasi's airport has grown significantly in recent years and now handles domestic flights from all major Indian cities. As of 2026, IndiGo and Air India operate the most frequent Delhi-Varanasi routes (1.5 hours, 8-10 daily flights). Direct flights also operate from Mumbai (2.5 hours), Bangalore (2.5 hours), Kolkata (1.5 hours), and Hyderabad (2 hours).
Major Routes & Fares
| From | Duration | Fare Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | 1.5 hrs | INR 3,000-8,000 | 8-10 daily |
| Mumbai (BOM) | 2.5 hrs | INR 4,000-10,000 | 4-6 daily |
| Bangalore (BLR) | 2.5 hrs | INR 4,500-12,000 | 2-3 daily |
| Kolkata (CCU) | 1.5 hrs | INR 3,000-7,000 | 3-4 daily |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | 2 hrs | INR 4,000-9,000 | 1-2 daily |
Money Saver
By Train
Train is the most popular way to reach Varanasi for domestic travelers — and when comparing transport costs, it is the best value for money. Varanasi Junction (BSB) is one of the busiest railway stations in Uttar Pradesh, connected to virtually every major city in India.
Best Trains from Major Cities
From Delhi
INR 1,500-2,800Vande Bharat Express (22436) — ~8 hrs (Chair Car / Executive)
Fastest option (launched 2023, still running as of March 2026). Reclining chairs, onboard meals, WiFi.
From Delhi
INR 400-1,600Shiv Ganga Express (12559) — ~12 hrs (Sleeper / AC)
Overnight departure (6:55 PM). Arrives early morning — perfect timing.
From Mumbai
INR 600-2,200Mahanagari Express (11093) — ~24 hrs (Sleeper / AC)
Long journey but well-run train. Book AC 2-tier for comfort.
From Kolkata
INR 400-1,500Vibhuti Express (12333) — ~12 hrs (Sleeper / AC)
Overnight option from Howrah. Also consider Doon Express.
From Lucknow
INR 250-1,000Multiple trains — ~5-7 hrs (Sleeper / AC)
Frequent connections. BSB-LKO is a heavily serviced route.
Local Tip
By Road
Varanasi is connected by NH-2 (Delhi-Kolkata highway) and NH-7 (Varanasi-Kanyakumari highway). Road travel is best for shorter distances — from Allahabad (130 km, 3 hrs), Lucknow (300 km, 6 hrs), or Patna (290 km, 6 hrs). From Delhi (800 km), train or flight is strongly preferred.
Government Buses (UPSRTC)
- Regular AC and non-AC buses from Lucknow, Allahabad, Gorakhpur
- Fares: INR 300-800 depending on distance and bus type
- Book on UPSRTC website or at bus stations
- Not recommended for long distances (uncomfortable seats)
Private Car / Taxi
- Self-drive or chauffeur-driven from nearby cities
- Allahabad: INR 2,500-3,500 (one-way)
- Lucknow: INR 4,000-5,500 (one-way)
- Good option if combining with Allahabad (Prayagraj) visit
Airport to City Transfer
| Mode | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Taxi | INR 800-1,000 | 45-60 min | Fixed rate. Book at counter inside airport. Safest option. |
| Ola / Uber | INR 500-700 | 45-60 min | Cheaper but availability can be patchy. Book from the app. |
| Auto-rickshaw | INR 400-600 | 50-70 min | Not recommended with heavy luggage. Available outside airport. |
| Hotel Pickup | INR 800-1,500 | 45-60 min | Arranged by hotel. Most convenient. Confirm price in advance. |
Heads Up
Local Transport Within Varanasi
Walking
Free
The only way to navigate the narrow lanes of old Varanasi. Most ghat-area sightseeing is done on foot. Wear comfortable shoes.
Best for: The old city, ghat area
Cycle Rickshaw
INR 20-50
The traditional Varanasi transport. Agree on price before riding. Good for Godowlia to Lanka or between ghats when you are tired.
Best for: Short distances in old city
E-Rickshaw (Toto)
INR 10-20 (shared)
Electric three-wheelers that run on fixed routes. Very cheap shared transport. Flag one down on the main road.
Best for: Godowlia to Lanka, BHU, Assi
Auto-Rickshaw
INR 30-100
Available on all major roads. Meters exist but are rarely used — negotiate the price. From Godowlia to Airport Road area: INR 50-80.
Best for: Medium distances
Ola / Uber
INR 80-200
Works in Varanasi but availability near the old city is limited. Best for airport/station transfers and trips to Sarnath.
Best for: Airport, station, suburbs
Getting Around the Old City
The old city of Varanasi is a dense, medieval labyrinth of narrow lanes (called "galis") that are barely 2-3 feet wide in places. No cars, no autos, and sometimes barely enough room for two people to pass. Navigation here requires patience, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to get lost.
Local Tip
- Google Maps works in the lanes but is not always accurate. Follow the crowds toward the ghats — downhill = toward the river.
- Ask locals for directions by the nearest ghat name, not your hotel name. Everyone knows the ghats.
- Share your live location with someone. It is easy to get disoriented in the lanes.
- Do not follow strangers who offer to "show you the way." They are usually leading you to a shop.
- Early morning and late night are the best times to walk the lanes — less congestion.