Passing through Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport? A layover in Varanasi is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 100 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of VNS:
- Can you legally enter India? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 100-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
What’s Worth Seeing in Varanasi
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Varanasi, two standouts are:
- Sarnath Archaeological Site — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Varanasi.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat (Quick Glimpse) — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside VNS — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- VNS Airport Lounge (e.g., Executive Lounge)
- Handicraft & Souvenir Shops
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Varanasi: Dosa Cafe and Bati Chokha Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Varanasi Airport Food Court or Cafe Coffee Day. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From VNS, the Taxi gets you to Varanasi in around 100 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 120 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Varanasi layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$5 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$20 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Varanasi, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
Luggage storage options at VNS can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Varanasi for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at VNS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Varanasi itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for India that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at VNS.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Varanasi count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave VNS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.