Nearest Airport to Varanasi: Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is an important cultural, religious, and historical hub in India. Whether you’re visiting to experience its spiritual ambiance, visit sacred sites, or explore its ancient temples, knowing the nearest airport to Varanasi will help streamline your travel plans.
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Nearest Airport to Varanasi
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport)
The nearest airport to Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (IATA: VNS), located about 25 kilometers from the city center. This is the primary airport serving Varanasi and the surrounding region.
Airport Overview:
- Location: Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Distance from City Center: 25 km (roughly a 30-minute drive)
- Facilities: The airport offers a range of amenities including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. It has both domestic and international terminals, making it accessible for travelers from various parts of India and abroad.
- Airport Code: VNS
How to Reach Varanasi City from the Airport:
- Taxi: The quickest way to reach the city from the airport is by hiring a taxi. The journey typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Auto-rickshaw: For a more economical option, you can hire an auto-rickshaw, though it may take a bit longer.
- Private Transfers: Many hotels in Varanasi offer airport transfer services, which can be arranged in advance for added convenience.
Flights:
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. It also handles international flights to destinations like Bangladesh, Thailand, and the Middle East. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet frequently operate flights to and from the airport.
Gorakhpur Airport
Another airport option near Varanasi is Gorakhpur Airport (IATA: GOP), located approximately 250 kilometers away from Varanasi. Although it’s not as convenient as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, it offers another entry point for travelers heading to the region.
Airport Overview:
- Location: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Distance from Varanasi: 250 km (about a 5-6 hour drive)
- Flights: The airport is primarily served by domestic flights, mainly connecting to cities like Delhi and Kolkata.
How to Reach Varanasi from Gorakhpur Airport:
- Taxi: You can hire a taxi for the long journey from Gorakhpur Airport to Varanasi. The ride will take several hours.
- Train/Bus: An alternative is to travel by train or bus, as the region is well-connected by rail and road.
Prayagraj Airport (Allahabad Airport)
Located around 130 kilometers from Varanasi, Prayagraj Airport (formerly Allahabad Airport, IATA: IXD) is another possible entry point, particularly for those traveling from cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
How to Reach Varanasi from Prayagraj Airport:
- Taxi: It will take around 2.5-3 hours by taxi to reach Varanasi from Prayagraj Airport.
- Train: There are also regular train services between Prayagraj and Varanasi, making it an affordable and convenient option.
At The End
For travelers heading to Varanasi, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the most convenient and accessible option. It offers a good range of domestic and international flights, with easy connectivity to the city. However, if you’re traveling from a region not directly connected to Varanasi, Gorakhpur Airport and Prayagraj Airport offer viable alternatives, though they involve longer travel times to reach Varanasi.