Once the airport comes into your view, you will see a long road, the low sweep of the terminal roof, and the flow of people who belong to different kinds of journeys. Some are pilgrims with small bags, some business travellers with a laptop case, and some families with infants and suitcases. This is Varanasi Airport, known officially as VNS. This is the first thing you will see before the temples, the Ganga River, and the ghats.
This guide will give you a complete overview of the airport so that it doesn’t feel unfamiliar to you. I have compiled information about the terminal, enter/exit gates, security checks, lounging, and everything else that you need to know. By the time you finish reading, Varanasi airport should feel navigable, predictable, and quietly manageable.
About Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Varanasi Airport is officially designated as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, named after India’s second Prime Minister. It serves both domestic and international flights and acts as one of the most important aviation gateways in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The airport is DGCA-regulated and managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which places it under the same national operational and safety framework as India’s larger metro airports. That matters because it determines how security is handled, how passenger facilities are standardised, and how airlines operate within the terminal.
While it may not have the sprawl of Delhi or Mumbai, VNS Airport plays a disproportionately important role. Pilgrims, international tourists, business travellers, students, and returning residents all pass through the same terminal. The airport has grown steadily over the last decade, adapting its infrastructure to increasing passenger volume while maintaining a relatively simple layout.
Where is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport?
The airport is located in Babatpur, approximately 26 kilometres from Varanasi city centre. Depending on traffic and time of day, the drive typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour.
This distance works in the airport’s favour. Being outside the dense urban core allows smoother aircraft operations and less congestion around the terminal. The connecting road links the airport to major city routes, making it accessible from areas such as Cantt, Sigra, Lanka, and even neighbouring districts.
For travellers who are unfamiliar with the area, Babatpur is not a commercial area. Once you exit the airport, you have to choose your own transportation. There are multiple transportation options available right outside the airport terminal for ease of access. Plus, you can also pre-arrange a taxi through popular cab aggregators.
How Big is Varanasi Airport, and How it is it structured?
Varanasi Airport operates with a single integrated terminal. This is one of its defining features.
There are no separate buildings for domestic and international flights. Instead, the same terminal handles both, with internal segregation managed through immigration and security zones. For passengers, this reduces confusion. You enter one building. You follow one flow.
Inside the terminal, the design emphasises clarity. Check-in counters are arranged in a straight, visible line. Security screening areas are centrally positioned. Arrival and departure zones are clearly marked, minimising unnecessary backtracking.
The airport’s runway supports narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which form the backbone of domestic and short-haul international routes. The apron area allows multiple aircraft to park simultaneously, enabling steady traffic flow during peak hours.
Is Varanasi Airport an International Airport?
Yes. Varanasi Airport is officially classified as an international airport.
It handles international flights through dedicated immigration and customs facilities located within the terminal. These counters operate based on flight schedules rather than round-the-clock volume, which is common for mid-sized international airports in India.
International connectivity primarily serves destinations with religious, cultural, and regional demand. Over time, international routes from Varanasi have expanded and contracted based on airline schedules, seasonal traffic, and regulatory approvals.
For international passengers, the experience is structured but compact. Immigration queues are usually manageable, and the distance between aircraft disembarkation, passport control, baggage claim, and exit is relatively short.
This airport directly connects Varanasi to Sharjah (UAE) and Kathmandu (Nepal). Flights to Dubai are also commonly operated on a direct, scheduled basis by Air India Express. From February 1, 2026, Air India will directly operate from Varanasi to Bangkok on a weekly basis.
Arrival at Varanasi Airport
When your aircraft lands at VNS, you will go through these steps.
You will disembark either through an aerobridge or via shuttle buses, depending on the aircraft’s position. From there, clear signage guides you toward the terminal interior.
Domestic arrivals proceed directly to baggage claim. The baggage belts are positioned close to the exit, and walking distances are minimal. Once baggage is collected, you will pass through a final exit checkpoint and step into the public arrival area.
International arrivals follow a slightly longer path. After disembarkation, you will move to the immigration counters for passport verification and visa checks. This is followed by baggage collection and customs clearance. Officers conduct standard checks, and unless there is a declaration or flagged item, the process remains straightforward.
Outside the terminal, taxi pickup zones, pre-paid counters, and cab aggregation areas are clearly demarcated. If you have a pre-booked taxi scheduled, you should be able to find it outside the terminal without much hassle.
Departure Process: From Entry Gate to Boarding Gate
At the entry gate, security personnel check your identity document and flight ticket or boarding pass. Only passengers are allowed inside, which keeps the terminal less crowded and easier to navigate.
Once inside, you proceed to the airline check-in counters. For domestic flights, counters typically open around two hours before departure. For international flights, airlines usually recommend arriving three hours early. Online check-in is widely accepted, but baggage drop counters still require a brief stop.
After check-in comes the security screening process, managed by CISF. This includes X-ray scanning of hand baggage and personal screening. Electronics and liquids may need to be placed separately, depending on instructions.
International passengers then move to the immigration counters, where passports are stamped before entering the departure hold area.
From there, the boarding gates are within easy walking distance. Gate announcements are made clearly in multiple languages, and boarding follows airline-specific procedures.
Boarding Rules and Required Documentations
Boarding at Varanasi Airport follows standard Indian aviation regulations.
For domestic flights, you have to carry your Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or other government-issued photo identification. For international flights, a valid passport, visa, and boarding pass are mandatory.
Boarding gates close 30 to 45 minutes before departure, depending on the airline and destination. Late arrivals are rarely accommodated.
Security personnel conduct final checks at the gate, verifying boarding passes and identification before boarding the aircraft.
Security Process of Varanasi Airport
You will be going through a thorough security check once you arrive.
CISF personnel manage screening with a clear focus on passenger flow. Peak hours may involve queues, but these usually move steadily. Random secondary checks are conducted when required.
Passengers are advised to avoid carrying restricted items, follow liquid guidelines, and keep travel documents easily accessible. Cooperation with security staff significantly speeds up the process.
Food, Shopping, and Everyday Services
You can easily get quick meals inside the airport. Tea counters, snack outlets, and basic food stalls are available both before and after security.
Shopping options include small retail stores selling books, souvenirs, local handicrafts, and travel essentials. While duty-free shopping is limited compared to larger airports, the offerings reflect the region’s cultural identity.
Baggage services are centrally located, and assistance is available for oversized luggage or airline-related baggage issues.
VNS may not be a shopping mall-sized airport, but its offerings are precisely what most travellers need. There’s a paid lounge named Take Off Bar and Lounge in the terminal if you want quieter seating, snacks, and a work-friendly corner. Access is generally available via lounge memberships or paid entry, and it opens early to serve morning flights. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are placed in the concourse. The basic dining outlets provide hot tea, quick meals, and local snacks so you can taste a little of the city even before you leave the building. A small set of retail shops carries essentials, reading material, and Banarasi handicrafts.
Lost & Found, Baggage Assistance, and Passenger Support
If belongings are misplaced, the lost and found desk operated under AAI guidelines is the first point of contact. Items found within the terminal are logged and retained for a defined period. You might have to show a valid photo ID, boarding pass, baggage tag, or answer the security personnel’s questions before collecting your lost item.
Passengers can also contact airline counters for baggage-related concerns, particularly in cases of delayed or damaged luggage. You can collect, submit, and ask for assistance regarding the luggage at the check-in counter.
Information desks are staffed to assist with general queries, flight information, and facility guidance. You can directly contact the AAI staff at the Airport Director’s Office and the Terminal Manager’s Office. You can also call on +91-542-2622155 for general airport queries.
Police, Medical & Emergency Support
Emergencies sometimes happen when you least expect them. At Varanasi Airport, police and medical help are formally reachable via publicly listed emergency numbers and on-site personnel. Key emergency contacts:
- Airport Police/Security: Dedicated helplines available 24/7
- Medical Centre: On-site emergency medical support
- Fire & Ambulance: Standard Indian emergency numbers (e.g., 101 ambulance, 100 police) are fully valid at the airport premises.
Facilities for Senior Citizens and Disabled Passengers
Varanasi Airport provides wheelchair assistance and priority support for senior citizens and passengers with reduced mobility. These services are best requested at the time of booking or check-in.
Ramps, designated seating, and staff assistance ensure that passengers with special needs can navigate the terminal without undue difficulty. These provisions align with DGCA passenger rights and accessibility guidelines.
Parking Information
The airport has designated parking areas for private vehicles, taxis, and commercial transport. Short-term and long-term parking options are available, with clear signage directing vehicles.
The park area at VNS sits within short walking distance of the terminal. The car park capacity runs into the low hundreds and is divided into short-term and long-term sections so that people dropping off or collecting passengers are separated from those leaving cars for several days. The parking lot has 420-426 slots. The parking zone’s proximity to the terminal makes it convenient for travellers with heavy luggage, but during peak festival times, the lot fills quickly. Always note the parking zone number when you leave the car and pay at the automated booths or counters before returning to collect the vehicle.
Transportation, Taxi Service, and Airport Connectivity
Reaching or leaving Varanasi Airport is primarily road-based.
State transport buses and private operators also connect the airport with different parts of the city, though schedules may vary.
There are three reliable paths to get between the airport and the city. First, app-based cabs that are convenient for card payment and offer fixed estimates. Second, prepaid taxi counters inside the terminal offer regulated fares and a predictable experience. Third, local taxi services and private operators. Chiku Cab is one of the most popular options, providing both on-demand and prebooked transfers. You get 24/7 service, transparent fixed pricing, different vehicle options, and a bunch of other reliable features.
On busy days, there could be enforcement actions to keep taxis orderly and stop drivers from crowding the arrival lanes, so use the designated parking zones and avoid unauthorised curbside haggling.
Hotels Near Varanasi Airport
Several hotels are located near Babatpur, catering to different budgets and needs.
If you have a small budget, you can get small hotels and guesthouses within a short drive, offering basic amenities and airport proximity. Mid-range hotels provide better room quality, in-house dining, and airport transfers. A few premium properties slightly farther from the airport offer quieter environments and more spacious accommodations.
The immediate area around the airport hosts budget and mid-range options such as Runway Inn, Aman Hotel, and a group of guesthouses and economy hotels that sit within a ten-minute drive. A ten-to-twenty-minute radius expands options to mid-range hotels like Palette Hotel, Tree of Life Resorts & Spa, and others. You can also book the city’s core hotels to get a quieter stay, but travel time to the terminal will increase.
Domestic Flights from Varanasi Airport
Varanasi Airport maintains strong domestic connectivity with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Lucknow. These routes support both tourism and business travel.
Things to Know Before Entering Varanasi Airport
- Arriving early reduces stress. Carry physical and digital copies of documents.
- Keep luggage organised for security checks.
- Use official transport options.
- Pay attention to announcements.
FAQs About Varanasi Airport
Q. Which gate should I enter at Varanasi Airport?
A. At the airport, you can enter through the main terminal entry gate, which is used for all departures. Security staff at the terminal entrance will verify your ID and flight tickets before allowing entry inside the building.
Q. Where is the entry gate at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport?
A. The entry gate is located directly in front of the integrated terminal building, facing the main airport approach road from Babatpur. It is clearly marked and monitored by CISF personnel.
Q. Is there a separate entry gate for departure at Varanasi Airport?
A. No. All departing passengers enter through the one common terminal entry gate, after which internal segregation is handled via check-in counters, security screening, and immigration for international flights.
Q. Where is the departure entry gate at Varanasi Airport?
A. The departure entry gate is the main terminal entrance, located on the ground level of the terminal building. Entry is allowed only after verification.
Q. Which documents are required to enter Varanasi Airport?
A. To enter, you must show your photo ID and a confirmed flight or boarding pass. For domestic travel, an Aadhar Card, a passport, or a voter ID is accepted. For international travel, a passport and a valid visa are mandatory at entry and later checkpoints.
Q. Can visitors enter the Varanasi Airport terminal?
A. No, visitors without a valid flight ticket are not allowed inside the terminal. Entry is restricted to passengers only, as per CISF and AAI security rules. Visitors can wait outside the terminal building in the public arrival and parking areas.
Q. Where do taxis drop passengers at Varanasi Airport?
A. Taxis will drop passengers at the designated departure drop-off zone directly outside the terminal entry gate. The drop-off point is within walking distance at the entry gate and is regulated to prevent congestion and unauthorised stopping.
Q. How far is parking from the terminal entry gate?
A. The parking area is located within 100-200 meters of the terminal entry gate. It is easily walkable, even with luggage. Clearly marked pedestrian paths connect the parking zone to the terminal entrance for passenger convenience.
Q. How far is the entry gate from Babatpur road?
A. The terminal entry gate is located immediately off the Babatpur airport approach road. Once vehicles leave the main road, the entry gate is reached within a few hundred meters, making access straightforward and clearly signposted for first-time visitors.
Q. What is the process after entering Varanasi Airport?
A. After entering the terminal, proceed to the airline check-in counter, followed by security scanning. International passengers then clear immigration. Once these steps are complete, enter the departure hold area with boarding gates, seating, food outlets, and lounges.
Q. Is Varanasi Airport entry crowded during peak hours?
A. The airport can feel moderately crowded during early morning, evening, and festival travel peaks. However, controlled entry gates and CISF-managed flow usually prevent severe congestion.
Q. Is Varanasi Airport easy to navigate for first-time travellers?
A. Yes. The single-terminal layout, clear signage, short walking distances, and visible check-in and security areas reduce confusion. Staff and information counters are also easily accessible for guidance.
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.
