Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Bhante H. Sadatissa at Varanasi Airport Babatpur 1956

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport Varanasi: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (IATA: VNS), located in Babatpur about 26 kilometers northwest of the Varanasi city center, is the principal aviation gateway to one of India’s oldest and most spiritual cities. Established in 1924, the airport has grown alongside Varanasi’s transformation into a major pilgrimage, cultural, and tourism destination (MagicBricks). Renamed in 2005 to honor India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, the airport merges historical reverence with modern amenities, reflecting the city’s deep cultural heritage and aspirations.

Operating 24/7 with both domestic and international flights, the airport is distinguished by cultural touches such as announcements in Sanskrit, echoing Varanasi’s spiritual character (Wikipedia). Recent expansion projects—including a new 75,000-square-meter terminal and extended runways—are set to significantly increase capacity and enhance traveler experience (The Hindu; Economic Times).

This guide offers detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, transportation, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions, helping travelers make the most of their visit to Varanasi.

Thakin Nu, Prime Minister of Burma, departing from Banaras in 1947

Introduction
Historical Background and Airport Significance
International Gateway and Modern Expansion
Airport Facilities, Visiting Hours, and Ticketing
Transportation and Accessibility
Exploring Varanasi: Top Attractions Near the Airport
Travel Tips for Visitors
Economic Impact and Sustainability Initiatives
Airport Expansion 2025: Key Features
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Final Tips
Sources

Historical Background and Airport Significance

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport began operations in 1924 as Varanasi Airport, making it one of India’s earliest airfields (MagicBricks). Its establishment responded to Varanasi’s growing need for air connectivity, supporting the city’s pivotal role as a spiritual and cultural center.

In October 2005, the airport was renamed in honor of Lal Bahadur Shastri, a native of Uttar Pradesh and a symbol of simplicity and integrity (MagicBricks). This renaming highlighted the airport’s role as both a modern facility and a tribute to national heritage.

International Gateway and Modern Expansion

The airport’s international terminal, inaugurated in 2012, connected Varanasi directly with global cities, meeting rising demand from international tourists and pilgrims, particularly from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe (LinkedIn). In 2022–23, the airport managed significant cargo volumes, underlining its role in regional trade (MagicBricks).

Architecturally, the terminal design draws from Varanasi’s ancient temples, ghats, and spiritual motifs, immersing visitors in the city’s cultural atmosphere (LinkedIn; The Hindu).

Airport Facilities, Visiting Hours, and Ticketing

Operating Hours: The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for both domestic and international flights.

Ticketing: Tickets can be booked via airline websites, travel agencies, or online travel platforms. Early booking is recommended during peak seasons.

Amenities: Passenger facilities include check-in counters, security screening, baggage services, food outlets, retail shopping, and assistance for travelers with special needs. Unique features include a free reading lounge and announcements in Sanskrit (MagicBricks).

Accessibility: Ramps, dedicated restrooms, and on-request assistance are available for differently-abled travelers.

Transportation and Accessibility

The airport’s location along National Highway 31 ensures direct and efficient road connectivity to Varanasi and nearby towns (TripXL). Key transportation options include:

Taxis: Available at the terminal; fares typically range from ₹300 to ₹800, depending on distance and vehicle type (KashiYatra).
App-Based Cabs: Uber and Ola operate from the airport, offering convenient, app-based booking (OffTheGate).
Buses: Public buses connect the airport to the city and nearby towns, though less frequent and best suited for those traveling light.
Rail: Babatpur station (4 km away) offers limited connectivity; Varanasi Junction (18 km away) is the primary rail hub (Varanasi Guru).
Private Transfers & Group Travel: Outstation cabs, tempo travellers, and buses can be pre-booked for onward journeys to destinations like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, or Bodh Gaya (KashiYatra).

Exploring Varanasi: Top Attractions Near the Airport

Varanasi’s rich heritage is easily accessible from the airport. Notable sites include:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Among India’s most revered Hindu temples.
Sarnath: The site of Buddha’s first sermon, featuring ancient stupas and a renowned archaeological museum.
Ghats of Varanasi: The iconic steps along the Ganges, famous for sunrise boat rides and the Ganga Aarti.
Ramnagar Fort: A historic fort and museum on the Ganges’ eastern bank.

Guided tours and local transport are available for exploring these landmarks (Varanasi Guru).

Travel Tips for Visitors

Arrive Early: For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Documentation: Carry valid ID and, if applicable, a visa.
Weather: Plan for hot summers and more pleasant winters; carry water and sun protection.
Transfers: Pre-book taxis for late-night arrivals and peak periods.
Group Travel: Consider larger vehicles for families or groups for comfort and efficiency (KashiYatra).
Local Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or religious sites.

Economic Impact and Sustainability Initiatives

The airport’s growth has boosted regional tourism, commerce, and investment. Infrastructure upgrades—including runway and apron expansion—support increasing passenger and cargo volumes (Economic Times). Sustainability is prioritized in the new terminal, which features solar energy and waste recycling systems (The Hindu).

Airport Expansion 2025: Key Features

The 2025 expansion, funded by a ₹2,870 crore investment from the Airports Authority of India, will transform the airport’s capacity and traveler experience:

New Terminal: 75,000 sq. meters, handling up to 6 million passengers annually, with a peak capacity of 5,000 per hour.
Runway Extension: Expanded to 4,075 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft.
Apron Expansion: Space for 20 aircraft, reducing congestion.
Cultural Design: Architectural elements inspired by Varanasi’s spiritual heritage.
Green Initiatives: Emphasis on solar power, waste recycling, and energy efficiency.

This phased project will minimize disruptions and is expected to double the airport’s passenger capacity (The Hindu).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the airport’s operating hours?
A: The airport operates 24/7 for all flights.

Q: How can I book tickets for flights from Varanasi?
A: Tickets can be booked online through airline websites, travel portals, or authorized agencies.

Q: What transportation is available from the airport to Varanasi city?
A: Taxis, app-based cabs, shuttle services, and buses are available.

Q: Are there facilities for passengers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, dedicated restrooms, and assistance services.

Q: What are the nearest historical sites to the airport?
A: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi Ghats, and Ramnagar Fort are easily accessible.

Q: Are there luggage storage facilities at the airport?
A: No dedicated luggage storage is available; plan accordingly.

Summary and Final Tips

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is a modern, accessible, and culturally immersive gateway to Varanasi. Its robust 24/7 operations, diverse transportation choices, and proximity to major heritage sites make it ideal for travelers of all backgrounds. The airport’s ongoing expansion and sustainability focus reinforce its role as both a facilitator of convenient travel and a steward of Varanasi’s timeless legacy (MagicBricks; The Hindu; TripXL; Varanasi Guru).

Travelers are encouraged to pre-book transfers, check flight schedules in advance, and make use of airport amenities for a smooth journey. For real-time updates, travel guides, and exclusive tips, download the Audiala app and follow our channels.