Varanasi Airport (VNS) Information

(Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

Also referred to as the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi Airport is located to the north-west of the Uttar Pradesh city of Varanasi and boasts a newly constructed, ultra-modern terminal. Airlines serving the facility's mainly domestic flights are Air India and Jet Airways, together with Jet Lite, Mihin Lanka and SpiceJet. Additionally, Buddha Air offers a route to Kathmandu, while there is a seasonal flight by Thai Airways to Bangkok.

A north Indian holy city for Jains, Buddhists and Hindus, the incredibly ancient settlement of Varanasi, also named Benares, is set along the banks of the holy River Ganges and is the scene of many diverse religious festivals which attract huge numbers of worshippers, many of whom arrive at Varanasi Airport. For local Muslims, the airport has provided yearly Hajj flights to Mecca and Medina since the new terminal opened in 2010.

Regional and domestic destinations served are Colombo, Delhi, Gaya, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. The single air-conditioned passenger terminal has seven check-in desks and two gates, although amenities are somewhat limited. Departing passengers are advised to allow over an hour for the trip between the crowded city and the terminal, as traffic can be chaotic at times.

Varanasi Airport (VNS)

Address: Airport Road / Karmi, Babatpur Chaumuhani, Varanasi, IN-221006, India, IN
Tel: +91 0542 622 155
Varanasi Airport is located just over 22 km / 14 miles to the north-west of Varanasi city centre, next to Babatpur Mangari. The city is conveniently connected to the northern Indian National Highway system, with the ancient highway of the Grand Trunk Road, now the NH2, extending to Agra and Delhi, and the NH56 running to Lucknow. The NH7, the longest highway in India, connects with Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Facilities:

• Tourist information desks are located in both the International and Domestic Arrivals halls
• Telephone booths are found in the International Arrivals and Departures areas
• A post office can be found in the terminal's domestic area
• An airport restaurant and a snack bar are located in the Domestic Departures area
• Car rental is available through Buddha Travel and other local suppliers
• Wheelchairs and first-aid are provided as needed
• Passengers with reduced mobility should contact their airline for assistance
• Duty free shopping is available in the International Departures lounge
• A general shop offering souvenirs, newspapers, books and travel goods is located in the Departures area
• Car parking spaces are provided close to the terminal

Cars

From the airport, head south on Airport Road towards National Highway 56 and turn left onto this fast road. After roughly 20 km / 12 miles, turn off the highway at Chaukaghat and follow the signs to the central district. The journey usually takes around 30 minutes, but can take an hour or more in heavy traffic.

Buses

A cheap, somewhat irregular airport bus service runs to the centrally located Hotel India. Various upscale hotels in Varanasi may be able to provide shuttle services for their guests, if notified in advance of arrival, so make the necessary enquiries when booking your stay.

Taxis

A pre-pay taxi desk outside the Arrivals hall is run by the local police and offers a fixed-fare way to reach popular city destinations around Varanasi. Taxi ranks outside the terminal also hold unofficial taxis, which are best avoided. Private airport transfers by car (with driver) can be booked in advance online. Cheaper than regular taxis are auto rickshaws, for which fares need to be negotiated with the driver.