Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Vārānasi, India
1. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
The primary airport serving Varanasi, offering both domestic and international flights. It's located about 26 km northwest of the city.
- Size: Considerably larger than other regional airports in Varanasi.
- Connectivity: Direct flights to major Indian cities and international destinations available.
- Ease of Access: Improved road infrastructure connecting the airport with the city.
2. Auto-rickshaw Taxis from Airport
A common mode of transportation for getting to the city from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Pre-paid auto-rickshaws are available at the airport.
- Affordability: Cost-effective option for solo travelers.
- Accessibility: Easily found at the airport and available throughout the city.
- Negotiation Required: Fares should be negotiated before starting your journey.
3. Private Taxis from Airport
Pre-bookable private taxis available at the airport for a more comfortable journey to the city.
- Comfort: Spacious vehicles with air conditioning and ample legroom.
- Reliability: Booked in advance for a guaranteed ride.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than auto-rickshaws but offers convenience.
4. City Buses from Airport
Buses operated by Varanasi Transport Corporation (VTC) provide an economical means to travel from the airport to the city.
- Economy: One of the most affordable modes of transport.
- Crowdedness: Can be quite crowded during peak hours and may not always be available at night.
- Route Coverage: Limited routes cover only the main parts of the city.
5. Shared Taxis from Airport
Shared taxis (also known as e-rickshaws) offer an affordable and eco-friendly travel option from the airport to the city.
- Economy: One of the most affordable modes of transport for solo travelers.
- Shared Ride: Travel with multiple passengers, reducing cost and environmental impact.
- Route Coverage: Limited routes cover only the main parts of the city.
6. Train from Airport to City
A train service connects Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport with Varanasi Junction. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
- Speed: One of the quickest modes to reach the city center.
- Convenience: Direct trains available from the airport station.
- Cost: Comparatively more expensive than other public transport options.
7. Cycle-rickshaws in City
Manually pedaled cycle-rickshaws are a popular and affordable mode of transportation within the city.
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective options for short distances.
- Eco-friendly: Environmentally friendly, contributing less to air pollution.
- Limited Speed: Not suitable for long distances due to slow speed.
8. Local Tuk-tuks in City
Tuk-tuk vehicles (locally known as 'tongas') are available for short trips within the city.
- Affordability: A more affordable option than taxis for short distances.
- Flexibility: Can be negotiated to reach destinations not easily accessible by other means.
- Negotiation Required: Fares should be negotiated before starting your journey.
9. Boat Taxis on Ganges River
Traditional wooden boats serve as taxis for river journeys along the Holy Ganges in Varanasi.
- Experience: A unique cultural experience, traveling on the sacred River Ganges.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than other transport options within the city.
- Limited Operating Hours: Boat services may be unavailable during low water levels or poor weather conditions.
10. Bicycle Rentals in City
Cycle rental shops offer bikes for exploring Varanasi at a leisurely pace.
- Cost: A very affordable option, especially for longer stays.
- Ease of Navigation: Easier to navigate narrow streets and crowded areas.
- Physical Exertion: Requires physical fitness and endurance for longer journeys.
11. Car Rentals in City
Car rental services provide self-drive or chauffeur-driven vehicles for exploring Varanasi.
- Convenience: Offers flexibility to explore the city at your own pace.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than public transport options but offers convenience.
- Parking Availability: Limited parking spaces available in the city, especially during peak hours and festivals.
12. Walking Tours in City
Guided walking tours offer insights into Varanasi's history, culture, and spiritual significance.
- Cultural Insights: A rich learning experience about the city's cultural heritage.
- Physical Exertion: Requires a reasonable level of physical fitness due to walking distances.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than other modes of transport within the city.
13. Cycle-rickshaw Tours in City
Guided tours using cycle-rickshaws allow for a more leisurely exploration of Varanasi.
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective guided tour options.
- Experience: A unique cultural experience, traveling on the sacred River Ganges and exploring the city.
- Physical Exertion: Requires a reasonable level of physical fitness due to cycling distances.
14. Tuk-tuk Tours in City
Guided tours using tuk-tuks offer a more adventurous exploration of Varanasi.
- Flexibility: Can be negotiated to reach destinations not easily accessible by other means.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than cycle-rickshaws but offers a unique experience.
- Negotiation Required: Fares should be negotiated before starting your journey.
15. E-rickshaw Tours in City
Guided tours using e-rickshaws offer an eco-friendly exploration of Varanasi.
- Eco-friendliness: Environmentally friendly, contributing less to air pollution.
- Cost: Comparatively more affordable than car rentals and taxi tours but offers a unique experience.
- Coverage: Limited routes cover only the main parts of the city.