Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is Varanasi’s airport, located in Babatpur northwest of the city centre. For the journey to Varanasi, you can choose from airport taxi services or app-based cabs; the drive to Hotel Padmini International takes about 74 minutes.
- Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, also identified by the code VNS.
- Location: Babatpur, approximately 26 km northwest of Varanasi city centre.
- Airport transfer options: Prepaid taxis, maxi cabs and app-based cabs are among the services.
Where is Varanasi airport in relation to the city?
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is in Babatpur, northwest of central Varanasi. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) gives its distance and direction from Varanasi Railway Station as 18 km on a bearing of 320 degrees; Air India describes the airport as 25.8 km from the city centre.
The airport serves Varanasi and uses the IATA code VNS and ICAO code VEBN. These identifiers can help when you search for a flight or arrange a pickup. For transfers, the key practical point is that the airport is outside the city centre, so you’ll need onward transport after landing.
How do you get from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport to Varanasi?
Airport transfer options include a prepaid taxi, maxi cab and an application-based cab service. Air India also names car rentals, trains, buses and taxis as city-connection options, though availability and arrangements can vary.
AAI identifies a prepaid taxi booth operated by U.P. Traffic Police in the Arrival Visitor’s Concourse, an Ola cab aggregator service in the Arrival Hall and maxi cab services in the arrival area. The taxi pickup area is the airport’s A1 arrival area. Follow current airport directions to confirm where each service is operating when you arrive.
Uber says riders can request Uber Go from VNS at any time and on any day. The app displays the trip price rather than offering a flat downtown fare. Uber gives an average route price of ₹685 from VNS Airport to Varanasi, but the final amount may change if surcharges or tolls differ from the upfront estimate.
For a taxi or app-based cab, check the pickup instructions and fare details before setting off. If you’re considering another connection, confirm its operating arrangements with the relevant provider before relying on it for your arrival.
What should you check before choosing a transfer?
Confirm the pickup point and fare method for your chosen service before you leave the airport. For app-based rides, check the price shown in the app; for a prepaid taxi, find the booth and verify the process there. Airport service locations and arrangements can change.
AAI also identifies a hotel reservation counter in the arrival area. If you plan to use it, check what it can arrange and confirm the details before committing to a transfer. For any airport service, check the official site before you go, including the relevant airport or operator site.
How do you reach the Sigra area?
The hotel is in the Sigra area, on Sigra Mahmoorganj Road. To reach it, give your driver the address: D64/47A-6 Sigra Mahmoorganj Road, Sigra, near Padmini Hotel, Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010.
If you’re comparing arrival routes, Banaras (Manduadih) is about 11 minutes by car from Padmini International, while Varanasi Junction Railway Station is about 22 minutes by car. The differences between Varanasi’s rail stations can also help you plan your arrival; which railway station to use depends on your route.
Planning for a late or early arrival
Uber says its Uber Go service can be requested from VNS at any time and on any day, with the fare displayed in the app. Airport prepaid taxi and maxi cab services are additional options, but check their current arrangements before depending on them for a particular arrival time.
For a late or early landing, decide how you’ll confirm a pickup and where you’ll meet the driver before leaving the terminal.
A hotel reservation counter is available in the arrival area; verify its current availability with the airport. Once you’ve reached the area, a one-day Varanasi itinerary from the hotel area can help organise the rest of your visit.
FAQs
What is the airport code for Varanasi?
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport uses the IATA code VNS and the ICAO code VEBN.
Is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi city centre?
No. The airport is in Babatpur, approximately 26 km northwest of Varanasi city centre.
Does the airport have a prepaid taxi booth?
A U.P. Traffic Police-operated prepaid taxi booth is in the Arrival Visitor’s Concourse.
Does Uber offer rides from VNS?
Uber says riders can request Uber Go from VNS at any time and on any day. The app shows the trip price, which may change if surcharges or tolls differ from the upfront estimate.