Arriving at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the start of your Varanasi adventure.
But figuring out the best way to reach your hotel can be confusing. This guide gives you on‑the‑ground, quarterly‑verified advice so you:
- choose the right taxi,
- pay the right price, and
- avoid rookie scams.
We verify fares on‑site every quarter; photos are geo‑tagged at VNS and time‑stamped 21 July 2025 for proof.
After check‑in, plan a sunrise boat ride or hunt down the best vegetarian cafés near Assi Ghat.
2025 Fare Comparison — Airport ➜ City (Zone B: Ghats / Old City)
Government‑approved slab for Zone B (Ghats / Old City). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
| Service | Destination (Ghats Area) | Fare (Jul 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Taxi – Sedan | Zone B (Cantt./Ghats) | ₹850 – ₹1,000 |
| Prepaid Taxi – SUV | Zone B (Cantt./Ghats) | ₹1,100 – ₹1,300 |
| Uber Go (Off‑peak) | Ghats | ₹640 – ₹700 |
| Ola Micro (Off‑peak) | Ghats | ₹620 – ₹680 |
| Auto‑rickshaw (negotiated) | Walk outside airport | ₹500 – ₹600 |
Return Trip — City ➜ Airport
| Service | Typical Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uber Go / Ola Mini | ₹550 – ₹700 | Surge applies at peak times. |
| Hotel car / travel desk | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | Convenient, fixed quote. |
How to Book (Prepaid Counter)
- Find the counter → arrivals hall, left side.
- State your hotel/ghat.
- Pay the fixed price – cash always works; UPI & cards usually work, but carry backup cash in case the POS is down.
- Collect the receipt – keep it; fare is all‑inclusive (no night or luggage add‑ons).
- Proceed to Bays 5‑8, show the slip to the coordinator, board.
Using Uber or Ola
- Connect to airport Wi‑Fi or mobile data.
- Set pick‑up Pillar 12 (official ride‑share bay, formalised late 2023).
- Compare Uber & Ola – availability fluctuates; check both. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Verify car & plate before entering.
Navigate the Terminal
- Prepaid Counter: inside arrivals hall, left of exit.
- Prepaid Stands: first lane, Bays 5‑8.
- Uber/Ola: Pillar 12 in the ride‑share lane.
Travel Time (25 km route)
| Time slot | Typical travel time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 11:00 | 70 – 90 min | Heavy city traffic. |
| 13:00 – 16:00 | 55 – 75 min | Moderate congestion. |
| After 20:00 | 45 – 60 min | Lightest traffic. |
Distance is ≈ 25 km (22 – 25 km depending on chosen route). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Safety & Scam Shield
- Ignore touts claiming the counter is “closed.”
- Fare on slip is final – RTO‑approved, inclusive of all charges. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Lost item? Call airport police with the slip number.
- Airport Police Helpline: +91‑94544 01119
Accessibility Notes
- Terminal ramps throughout; lifts near Gate 1.
- Sedans (Dzire/Etios) fit a folded wheelchair – confirm with coordinator.
FAQ
Is there a night surcharge for prepaid taxis?
No. The amount on your prepaid slip is all‑inclusive. App‑cab fares, however, may surge at night.
Can I pay with UPI or card at the prepaid counter?
Usually yes, but connectivity sometimes fails; carry some cash as a fallback.
Which is better at the airport, Uber or Ola?
Check both apps on arrival; supply and surge differ hour‑to‑hour.
How far is the airport from the main ghats?
Approximately 25 km (22–25 km by route), taking 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
What to do if I leave belongings in a cab?
For prepaid, call the airport police with your slip number. For app‑cabs, use the in‑app “lost item” feature.