Ganges ghats
Stone steps along the Ganges where pilgrims bathe and evening fire ceremonies are held.
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Airport · Varanasi, India
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport VNS
0 km from central Varanasi. Live flights, getting to town, car rental and where to stay.
- to the centre
- 0 km
- terminals
- 1
- local time
- --:--
- IATA · ICAO
- VNS · VEBN
About the airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is in Babatpur, about 26 km north-west of Varanasi (Benares), in Uttar Pradesh. It is run by the Airports Authority of India and serves the holy city on the Ganges, one of India’s great pilgrimage and cultural destinations. Between April 2025 and March 2026 it handled about 4.3 million passengers, placing it among the country’s 20 busiest airports.
Terminals
There is one integrated terminal for domestic and international flights, a building of about 3,900 m² with 16 check-in counters and four immigration counters. Expansion works are under way, with a new terminal and a longer runway announced in October 2024.
Airlines and destinations
IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Buddha Air operate here. There are flights to India’s major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata) and to international destinations such as Bangkok, Sharjah and Kathmandu.
Services
It has the services of a mid-sized integrated terminal: airline desks, a café, shops and immigration control for international flights.
Tips
The airport is about 26 km from the city, so allow extra time for the journey, especially for an early flight. Given the volume of travellers, arrive with a comfortable margin and check your flight status before leaving.
Getting to the city
Taxi
Prepaid taxi counters are often available inside the terminal, or ride-hailing apps can be used outside; agree the fare in advance if not metered.
Bus
A shuttle or public bus connects the airport with the centre of Varanasi, timed around flights.
Airport map
Terminal
A single passenger terminal, with arrivals and departures in the same building, with shops and places to eat. It handles mainly domestic flights, with some international routes.
Varanasi
Things to do in Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a sacred Hindu city on the banks of the Ganges.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from central Varanasi?
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport airport is about 0 km from central Varanasi.
How do I get from the airport to central Varanasi?
From Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport airport you can take Taxi and Bus. Pre-booked taxis and private transfers are also available.
How many terminals does Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport airport have?
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport has one terminal: Terminal.
Landing in Varanasi?
Book your car and your stay before you arrive: more choice and better prices.