Varanasi Airport Guide 2025: Terminals, Facilities, and Travel Tips

Jul 25, 2025

Varanasi Airport, also known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), is the international airport serving the people of Varanasi, located in Babatpur City, around 26 km northwest. Recently, in the fiscal year 2024-2025, the airport handled more than four million visitors and acquired the ranking among one of the major Indian Airports. In 2020, Varanasi Airport was praised and awarded by Airports Council International for being the best airport in Asia-Pacific. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) became India's first airport to make airport announcements in the Samskrit language. The airport has been operating since 1924 and currently offers international flight services to the UAE and Nepal only, as well as domestic flights to other Indian territories. Suppose you are someone who is curious to learn more about Varanasi Airport. In that case, you must read below and find out essential information about the airport, including its terminal, operating airlines, facilities, transportation, Airport check-in, and more.

Terminal Overview

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) has only one integrated terminal building that handles all international and domestic flight operations. The estimated floor area of the Integrated terminal building is 3,900 square meters (42,000 square feet). At the airport, there are sixteen check-in counters with common-user terminal equipment, four immigration counters that also work as emigration counters, and two baggage-claim belts that allow visitors to get their luggage upon arrival. The terminal also has a gate at the ground level so that one can reach other aircraft on foot or through a shuttle. The airport also features all the essential services and amenities for travellers' convenience, including stalls for snacks, books, merchandise, apparel, and a VIP waiting lounge with essential services. Learn more as you go through this page.

Airlines Operating from Each Terminal

The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) has many airlines that operate domestic and international flights to numerous destinations. Below is the list of low-cost carriers and main service airlines which you can find helpful.

Air India
Air India Express
Akasa Air
Alliance Air
Buddha Air
IndiGo
SpiceJet

Transportation to and from Varanasi Airport

Transportation at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is easy, no matter where you are coming from or going to since there are numerous ways to get there. You won't find them difficult or stressful while using them, and they will take you to any part of the state or back to the airport. Below are some popular transportation options given for travelling to and from the Varanasi Airport.

Metro

Varanasi city has a light rail transit system that operates through two corridors (two Metro-Lines) and is controlled by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation. Currently, the metro rail is not connected directly to the airport, but there are some future plans for making a direct link from the airport to the major cities, as per sources. The nearest metro station to the Varanasi airport is Varanasi Junction, which is nearly 20 km away.

Taxi & Cab Services

There are plenty of taxi and cab services available, which you can use to reach the airport or go to any destination from the airport after arrival. Prepaid taxis or app-based cab services are widely popular and easily available outside the Integrated Terminal building, and the cost is quite reasonable.

Airport Shuttle & Buses

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) also offers airport shuttle bus services, which are fully electric and operate between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time. The electric buses at the airport go on Route 101, which runs from the airport to Mirzamurad via Harhua, Bhojbeer, Kachahari JHV Mall, Cantt railway Station, Rohania, and Mohansarai. Varanasi has an extensive bus network connecting major cities in the state and other states nationwide. Here is the timetable of electric buses operating from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi

Arrival Time: 08:10 - Departure Time: 08:20
Arrival Time: 11:20 - Departure Time: 11:30
Arrival Time: 12:20 - Departure Time: 12:30
Arrival Time: 13:20 - Departure Time: 13:30
Arrival Time: 14:35 - Departure Time: 14:45
Arrival Time: 15:20 - Departure Time: 15:30
Arrival Time: 18:20 - Departure Time: 18:30
Arrival Time: 19:10 - Departure Time: 19:20
Arrival Time: 20:10 - Departure Time: 20:20
Arrival Time: 20:50 - Departure Time: 21:00

Baggage Services & Lost and Found

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) consists of numerous baggage-related services that help passengers avoid issues. Inside the integrated terminal building is a lost and found department under the terminal manager, handling all the concerns regarding the loss of items and claiming them. You can easily reach the baggage drop section near the security hold area. Following the directions, you can drop your bag with proper tagging, and if arriving at the airport, you can see the baggage claim area along the domestic and international arrival hall. For any concerns related to the loss of baggage, make a complaint to the Varanasi Airport lost and found department, where you have provided a detailed description of your lost item along with proof of your ID to the lost and found office.

To collect lost items, reach the Varanasi Airport terminal manager's office within 90 days to make a claim; otherwise, it may be disposed of. Perishable items or edibles are kept for 48 hours, after which they will be disposed of. You must reach AAI Stores to claim your item during working days between 9:30 am and 6 pm. Documents required for claiming are:-

A copy of the boarding pass/proof of journey is needed.
A copy of your government-issued passport/ID card.
Proper Details of claimable item or items.

Check-in and Security Procedures

When heading to the airport, airlines offer Web Check-in services to save time. If you are ineligible, you need to go to the airport check-in counter and follow the check-in procedure. After that, proceed to the security screening. Both are crucial procedures and must be completed; onboarding will only be made then.

Flight Check-in Procedure at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)

The check-in procedure is initiated before the security screening outside the main terminal.
When you enter the airport, you will see the signage that will help you reach the check-in counter.
There are many KIOKS placed at the airport for quicker flight check-in.
Once you reach the counter or KIOKS, follow the instructions, provide the flight ticket details, and then choose your seat in the cabin.
Ask the agent if you need any add-ons, or select the option you want to include in your itinerary while proceeding with KIOSKs.
Lastly, your flight's boarding pass will be generated.

Security Procedure at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)

Similarly, you can follow the signage to reach the post check-in screenings, where you will be examined for security and safety.
You will be given trays to put all your belongings and luggage into the baggage scanning system.
You will also be physically examined by the security staff, so show your cooperation.
Later than that, once the screening is done, you can keep all your things back and drop your baggage at the luggage drop area.

Varanasi Airport Facilities and Amenities

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) offers many facilities and amenities across every corner of the terminal building, which can make your journey comfortable. These include airport check-in, dining, ATMs, facilities for persons with reduced mobility (PRM), ticketing offices for airlines, and others. Some of the top services are given below.

Lounges

A number of lounges are at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) that offer essential services for travellers, such as snacks, comfortable seating with privacy, an ambient environment, power outlets, and more.
VIP lounges are for business and first-class travellers, but can also be accessed using cash or credit cards.
Lounges are strategically placed at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) so that every traveller heading to the airport can find them and enjoy relaxing there.

Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Many charging stations can be found at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), where you can charge your battery-operated devices.
The main terminal building is covered with speed Wi-Fi that is open to both those who have local SIM or international roaming, including both international and domestic passengers.
The Wi-Fi is available for non-stop 30 minutes once verified. After that, you can reconnect it by following the same procedure.
Connecting to the Wi-Fi at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is a three-step, easy process, and if you want to connect, then follow the steps below.
- Open your mobile Wi-Fi settings and browse the airport's free Wi-Fi name.
- Tap on it to connect, and a login page will appear.
- Enter your mobile number, receive the OTP and submit it.
- Your device is now connected to the Wi-Fi.

Shopping and Duty-Free Stores

Numerous Duty-free stores are available at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), offering various items to purchase without any import duties. This duty-free store accepts all payment methods.
The timings of these stores can vary according to the first and last flight at the airport.

Dining Options

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) can help you fulfil your craving because it offers plenty of food stalls and restaurants where you can eat fast food, meals, and drinks.
There, you can find multinational cuisines, Authentic Indian cuisine dishes, Desserts, and more.
These dining courts are spread throughout the terminal building, so finding them would not be difficult.
Some of the popular options are Snacks Bar In Outside NITB, Banaraswala Snacks Bar In Outside NITB, Food & Beverage cum Beer Bar In SHA G.F. and more.

Special Services for International Travellers

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) also care for its international travellers and offers them many special services for enhancing their comfort and experience at the Varanasi Airport. The interior designs of the airport is itself a state-of-the-art that offers them to feel the Indian cultural aura. Here are some of the most common but popular services for international travellers.

Visa on Arrival

Special visa facilities are available at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) for international passengers, and they can get them easily for their immigration and customs clearance.
There are proper signages planted for international travellers so that they can easily roam and explore things at the airport hassle-free.
International travellers must keep their passport, visa, return ticket, and Valid ID issued by the government handy for quick Visa-on-Arrival assistance.
There might be some standard service charges at the airport.

Currency Exchange

There are also facilities for currency exchanges at the airport where forex exchange services can be availed.
These forex exchange counters are legitimate and backed by government bodies, so everything would be legal.
Depending on the market scenarios, the rate of conversions varies, which you should keep in mind.

Medical Facilities

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) offers medical support services via its care rooms, which are available at the ground level, with all the equipment and health professionals.
These Medical care rooms are operated by the airport administrative members and Airport health officers who directly work under the state's director general of health services.
Medical facilities are ensured to meet safety and cleanliness standards and all health-related guidelines.
Medical facilities are readily available for 24 hours every day at the airport.

Tips for a Smooth Experience at Varanasi Airport

It does not matter at all whether it is your first time at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), you must need some tricks to get an edge while exploring and undergoing the airport processes and have a smooth experience. Here are some of the tricks from the experts that can help you whenever you reach Varanasi airport for services like security checking, baggage drop, boarding, flight check-in (including both Web Check-in vs Airport Check-in) and more. Kindly go through these and keep them in mind.

You must be aware of your flight take-off time and must arrive at least 2-3 hours earlier than that.
Cooperate with the security or ground staff for a hassle-free, quick and smoother process.
Keep all your essential things handy. Ensure that you don't leave behind your important or expensive items.
Listen to the airport announcements with all ears and presence of mind and act accordingly.
If you have any questions, don't waste time here at the helpdesk, that is available at the airport.
Must explore the airport if you have enough time before the boarding begins for your flight.

Future Expansion Plans for Varanasi Airport

Many things are included in the plans for the expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) due to the increasing passenger traffic and aircraft movements. When Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Varanasi, he laid the foundation of numerous development plans for the airport. The Varanasi airport expansion project consists of over 20 tasks that are to be developed before 2027, and these include the expansion of the runway, a new terminal building with dedicated services, and more. The budget for the runway expansion is estimated to be 2,870 crore. The divisional Commissioner Kausal Raj Sharma said, "The PM will gift Rs 3,884 crore worth of projects, including the inauguration of 19 completed projects worth Rs 1,629.13 crore and laying the foundation for 25 new projects worth Rs 2,255.05 crore, to the people during his public meeting at Mehdiganj" From July 2025, the second phase of the expansion would likely to begin where NHAI and the area would handle the tunnel portion will expand to 774 acres, including 639 acres inside and 135 acres outside the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS). With these expansions, it is expected to see a jump in the passenger handling capacity from 39 lakh passengers per annum to one crore passengers per annum, where the peak hour handling capacity will increase from 1,050 passengers to 6,050.

Conclusion

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is one of the major international airports that attracts tourists to Varanasi. Hopefully, you have gained a lot of essential information about the airport, including its facilities, services, check-in procedures, transportation options available for reaching out to/from Varanasi City, and more through this guide. The Airport Authority of India has been controlling all the current and future operations at the airport, including expansions and development, so that more traffic can be attracted and more luxurious quality services can be offered. Remember that it is important to stay updated with the airport and respective airline travel advisories and guidelines for safer travel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Varanasi Airport

Q1: Which terminal does IndiGo use at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. IndiGo uses the main terminal at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS).

Q2: Is there a metro connection to Varanasi Airport?

Ans. Varanasi city does have a metro, but currently, it's not connected to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS). However, there are plans to connect the airport to the city via metro in the future.

Q3: Can I sleep at Varanasi Airport overnight?

Ans. Yes, you can find lounges or waiting rooms where you can normally sleep inside the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), but make sure you have a valid flight ticket.

Q4: Are there food options for vegetarians at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. You can find numerous vegetarian food options at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) with authentic flavours and tastes.

Q5: How early should I arrive at Varanasi Airport for an international flight?

Ans. In case you have an international flight departing at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), then you should consider arriving there at least 3 hours before the scheduled time.

Q6: What are the different terminals at Varanasi Airport, and how do I know where to go?

Ans. The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) has a single integrated terminal building through which it handles all flight operations. It is very easy to know where to go by following the signage and looking at the boarding pass.

Q7: Which airlines operate from Terminal 1 at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. Right now, only Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Buddha Air, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are operating from the main terminal at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS).

Q8: How can I travel between terminals at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) has a single terminal, so travelling across gates becomes easy. For faster escalation, there are lifts, escalators, stairs, and aerobridges, which help ensure smoother travel.

Q9: Is there free Wi-Fi available at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) for domestic and international travellers.

Q10: Where can I find lounges at Varanasi Airport, and how can I access them?

Ans. Most of the lounges are located near the Security Hold Area at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), where you can find them for domestic and international arrivals and departures. You can easily access them and enjoy their services by using cash and credit cards.

Q11: Are there hotels near Varanasi Airport for layovers or overnight stays?

Ans. Yes, you can find numerous affordable hotel options and highly rated services near the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) for layovers and overnight stays.

Q12: How early should I reach Varanasi Airport for a domestic flight?

Ans. You should consider reaching at the at least 2 hours early at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) if you have a domestic flight to depart.

Q13: What are the transportation options from Varanasi Airport to the city?

Ans. Plenty of transportation options are available to go to the city from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), and these include AC Electric Airport buses, app-based cabs, prepaid taxis, shuttles and more.

Q14: Can I book a prepaid taxi at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. Yes, you can conveniently book a prepaid taxi at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS).

Q15: Does Varanasi Airport offer facilities for disabled or elderly passengers?

Ans. Yes, there are many special services for disabled or elderly passengers are offered at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS).

Q16: Where is the lost and found counter at Varanasi Airport?

Ans. You can find the lost and found counter near the security hold area of Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) or ask the airport staff.

Q17: Is Varanasi Airport open 24 hours for travellers?

Ans. Yes, the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is open for 24 hours every day for travellers.

Q18: Are there duty-free shops at Varanasi Airport for international travellers?

Ans. Yes, there are plenty of stores and outlets located near the domestic and international halls inside the integrated terminal building of Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), where people can buy duty-free items.

Q19: How do I check flight status for departures from Varanasi Airport?

Ans. There are many ways that can help you check the flight status for your departure planes, and these include asking the airport ground staff and checking the large information screens placed at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS).