Varanasi is packed with visitors all year round, in the best and the most overwhelming ways. Several Ganaga ghats, traffic because of diversions and construction projects, and various streets so narrow that even Google Maps gives up. For all foreign and first-time visitors, one of the biggest questions always remains: how to travel in Varanasi without stress or any confusion? Through this foreigner’s guide to Kashi, we will try to answer this simple question and help you plan your Kashi tour efficiently. We have broken down all the essential points about Kashi local transport vs taxi from a foreign tourist’s point of view—cost, comfort, and when to choose what.
Understanding Varanasi’s Transportation System
There are two very different faces of Varanasi transportation:
Cantonment / Airport / Main Road Side: These are the main areas with wider roads, such as the airport area, the Cantt station area, malls, hotels, and other places.
Old City & Ghats: Places like the ghat area, marketplaces, etc. Here you will find super-narrow lanes, crowded bazaars, and complex navigation. It goes without saying that these areas can’t be explored with a car. You walk, or take cycle rickshaws and autos part of the way.
So, we recommend that you hire a Varanasi Cab service for airport, railway station, hotel transfers, and city tours. Switch to local transport & walking when exploring the ghat area, bazaar lanes, and other short distances. Ghat areas, specifically, are fully walkable and often faster on foot than any vehicle.
Varanasi local transport: What you should expect
There are multiple transportation options available in Varanasi.
1. Auto Rickshaw / Tuk-Tuk
You can find these auto rickshaws practically everywhere in Kashi. These are great for short distances such as Cantt to Godowlia, Lanka to Assi, BHU to any ghats, and so on. The best part is that they don’t charge on a standard meter basis, and the fare is usually negotiable before hiring.
Some key points & tips:
- Varanasi tuk-tuk prices for short rides are usually around ₹80-₹150 for 2-3 km. If any of the tuk-tuk driver asks for ₹300 or above for a very short ride, don’t hire them because that’s inflated.
- You can ask at your hotel reception about the tuk-tuk price from your location to your destination. Any local can help you with that as well.
- If you are sharing the auto and not reserving it, they may charge ₹10-₹30 per seat. Negotiations could still be harder due to a language barrier.
To sum up the Kashi auto rickshaw guide, they are fine budget travellers but won’t offer a comfortable ride. You have to face noise, dust, honking, very tight seating, and occasional “shop stops” if you agree to cheap rides. Autos are cheap and flexible, but not always reliable.
2. Cycle Rickshaw
You won’t find many cycle rickshaws these days in Varanasi; however, they are still very common near popular tourist spots like Godowlia, Dashashwamedh Road, Chowk area, ghat approach roads, and other such places. They are great for short and slow rides where cars can’t go.
Some key points & tips:
- Cycle rickshaws are best for short 1-2 km distances, such as Godowlia to Assi, Godowlia to Lanka crossing, etc.
- Cycle rickshaws usually cost around ₹50-₹120 depending on your distance and time of day.
- You can opt for a cycle rickshaw when roads are jammed, and you don’t mind going slow and scenic.
- If you’re sensitive about human-powered transport, treat them respectfully, pay fair rates, and avoid heavy bargaining over tiny amounts.
3. Buses and Shared Transport
You can also get local buses and shared tempos for travelling in Varanasi. However, they are not ideal for Varanasi’s safe transport for international tourists. Local buses and tempos are mostly overcrowded, the local language makes communication difficult, frequent stops and delays, and confusing bus routes and timetables. The fare for local buses ranges between ₹10-₹40. Sure, it is cheap, but it comes with stress and discomfort. If you are a seasonal traveller, you might already know your way. But for most, just skip.
4. Taxi Service in Varanasi
A taxi service would be the most comfortable, convenient, safe and predictable option. You get many benefits that are ignored with local transportation. Cab services are very reliable for airport to hotel transfers, Varanasi Cantt railway station taxi pickups, half-day or full-day sightseeing, night-time or early morning rides, and so on. Compared to autos and cycle rickshaws, taxis are less stressful (especially with luggage) and safe. A Cab service for tourists offers benefits like:
- AC/heater for a comfortable ride in extreme heat or winter
- English-speaking drivers
- Door-to-door pickup from hotels
- GPS navigation, so you can follow your route on Google Maps
- Fixed or pre-agreed pricing, especially with tourist operators
Chiku Cab’s Taxi Service: Best Transport in Varanasi for Foreigners
Chiku Cab is among the trusted taxi operators in Varanasi. Their taxi services are very reliable for travel purposes in Varanasi. They provide different taxi services for airport pickup & drop, outstation travels, local travels, and more. They carefully plan each ride, taking into consideration the current traffic conditions, traffic diversions, and passengers’ requirements. And the best part is that their taxi services are very affordable in comparison with other available taxi services.
Why Chiku Cab is a Reliable Varanasi Transport Option for Foreigners?
Their taxi services are very reliable and beneficial in Varanasi, mainly because:
- They are a trusted local tour operator and Cab service provider of Varanasi. They have been providing services since 2018 in Kashi.
- They operate with highly skilled, experienced and licensed taxi drivers in Varanasi. Their drivers are fluent in English and know all the narrow streets and shortcuts.
- The drivers are police verified, background checked, and trained.
- Their taxis are all registered with proper yellow number plates.
- They operate with complete transparency. Their pricing is fair, and everything regarding it is mentioned on the website upfront.
- The vehicles meet all standard safety requirements, such as airbags, seatbelts, fire extinguishers, and more.
Types of Taxi Services Available
There are different taxi services available for exploring and navigating around Varanasi:
1. Airport Transfer Taxi: This taxi service for quick and instant pickup and drop-off from and to the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. You can book the airport cab online and get instant pickup from your location. Chiku Cab keeps track of the flight timings and schedules the pickups accordingly.
2. Taxi for Local Sightseeing: This Cab service enables easy local transportation without any hassle. The local sightseeing taxi is available on an hourly rental basis, so you can travel flexibly at your own pace. And Chiku Cab’s knowledgeable drivers will help you keep up with Varanasi’s culture, tradition, and rituals by being your tour guide.
3. Outstation Taxi Service: Chiku Cab also offers affordable taxi options in Varanasi for tourists for outstation trips. You can explore nearby outstation places such as Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Agra, Lucknow, and more. The outstation taxi service is available for one-way and round-trip rides from Kashi. They also provide complete customised tour packages for outstation trips from Varanasi.
Cab Booking in Varanasi
Cab/taxi booking experience in Kashi is very seamless and convenient with Chiku Cab. Their taxi booking app allows you to book rides on the go within minutes. The booking is processed immediately when the pickup arrives within 15 minutes as per the schedule. It’s the best option for foreign visitors as you don’t have to rely on anything else. The booking is simple; download their mobile app, choose a taxi service, enter basic details, choose a cab option, select a payment method, and proceed. You will get confirmation immediately with all the booking details, invoices, and the driver’s contact information. You can even track the ride’s status in real time through the mobile app.
Taxi or Local Transport – What Should Foreigners Choose?
If you are a first-time visitor, travelling with your family, or a solo traveller, a taxi is the best, most comfortable transport in Varanasi for foreigners. You can use a taxi/cab for airport, station, hotel transfers, local tour, and night or dawn rides. You can switch to tuk-tuk, cycle rickshaws or walking near ghats, old city markets, and other short-distance travels. This way, you get safe transport in Kashi for foreigners without missing out on the chaotic charms that make Kashi unforgettable.
FAQs About Foreigner Tourism Guide to Varanasi
Q. Which is better – taxi or local transport in Varanasi?
A. For a first-time visitor, a taxi is the best choice for airport transfers and major city sightseeing. You get better safety, comfort, and clarity. Local transport is always reliable for short inner-city rides and the Ghat areas.
Q. How can foreigners book a taxi in Varanasi?
A. There are multiple ways to book a taxi. You can book via hotel, prepaid airport taxi counter, ride-sharing apps, or local tour operators. In the case of Chiku Cab, you can book a taxi through their mobile app.
Q. Is a taxi safe in Varanasi for tourists?
A. Yes, taxis are very safe in comparison with local transportation. With Chiku Cab, you get a licensed and professional driver who follows all the safety protocols. The vehicles themselves are verified with registered number plates. Plus, you get all the details on your phone, and you can always track the vehicle via GPS through the app.
Q. How can foreigners travel safely in Varanasi?
A. Avoid very late-night wandering alone in deserted lanes, stick to trusted cab operators in Kashi, negotiate tuk-tuk fares upfront, and keep valuables close in crowded areas. Share your live location with a friend when taking late rides.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
