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, around 26 km northwest. Recently, in fiscal year 2024-2025, the airport handled more than 4 million visitors and ranked among the major Indian Airports. In 2020, Varanasi Airport was praised and awarded by the Airports Council International as the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) became India's first airport to make airport announcements in the Sanskrit language. The airport has been operating since 1924 and currently offers international flights to the UAE and Nepal only, as well as domestic flights to other Indian destinations. Suppose you are curious to learn more about Varanasi Airport. In that case, you must read below to find 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 ground-level gate so one can reach other aircraft on foot or via a shuttle. The airport also features all the essential services and amenities for travellers' convenience, including stalls for snacks, books, merchandise, and apparel, as well as a VIP waiting lounge. 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 a list of low-cost carriers and major airlines that you may 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 to use, 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 has a light rail transit system that operates along two corridors (two Metro lines) and is controlled by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation. Currently, the metro rail is not directly connected to the airport, but there are plans to build a direct link from the airport to the major cities, according to sources. The nearest metro station to Varanasi airport is Varanasi Junction, located nearly 20 km away.

Taxi & Cab Services

There are plenty of taxi and cab services available that you can use to reach the airport or to get to any destination from the airport after arrival. Prepaid taxis or app-based cab services are widely available and easily accessible outside the Integrated Terminal building, and the fares are 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, Kachahri 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) offers numerous baggage-related services to help passengers avoid issues. Inside the integrated terminal building is a lost and found department under the terminal manager, handling all concerns regarding lost items and claims. You can easily reach the baggage drop section near the security hold area. Follow the directions to drop your bag with proper tagging. If arriving at the airport, you can see the baggage claim area in the domestic and international arrival halls. 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; boarding will only be made then.

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

The check-in procedure begins before 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 kiosks at the airport for faster flight check-in.
Once you reach the counter or KIOSKS, 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 screened 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 please cooperate.
After that, once the screening is done, you can keep your belongings and drop your baggage at the luggage drop area.

Varanasi Airport Facilities and Amenities

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) offers a range of facilities and amenities throughout the terminal building to make your journey comfortable. These include airport check-in, dining, ATMs, facilities for persons with reduced mobility (PRM), airline ticketing offices, and other services. 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 located at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) so that every traveller can find them and enjoy a relaxing stay.

Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Many charging stations are available at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), where you can charge your battery-powered devices.
The main terminal building is covered with speedy Wi-Fi that is open to both those who have a local SIM and international roaming, including both international and domestic passengers.
Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes nonstop 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 process; 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 opening and closing times of these stores can vary depending on the first and last flights at the airport.

Dining Options

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) can help you satisfy your cravings, with plenty of food stalls and restaurants offering fast food, meals, and drinks.
There, you can find a variety of cuisines, Authentic Indian 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 caters to its international travellers and offers many special services to enhance their comfort and experience at the airport. The airport's interior design is itself state-of-the-art, offering visitors a sense of 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, making it easy to obtain them for immigration and customs clearance.
There are proper signs posted for international travellers so they can easily navigate and explore the airport hassle-free.
International travellers must keep their passport, visa, return ticket, and a valid government-issued ID handy for quick Visa-on-Arrival assistance.
There might be some standard service charges at the airport.

Currency Exchange

There are also currency exchange facilities at the airport, where foreign exchange services can be availed.
These foreign exchange counters are legitimate and backed by government bodies, so everything would be legal.
Depending on market conditions, conversion rates vary, so you should keep this in mind.

Medical Facilities

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) offers medical support services via its care rooms, located at ground level, equipped with all necessary equipment and staffed by health professionals.
These Medical care rooms are operated by airport administrative staff and Airport health officers, who work directly 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 available 24 hours a 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 expert tips to help you when you arrive at Varanasi airport for services like security checks, baggage drop, boarding, flight check-in (including both Web Check-in and Airport Check-in), and more. Kindly go through these and keep them in mind.

You must be aware of your flight's departure time and arrive at least 2-3 hours early.
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; it is available at the airport.
Must explore the airport if you have enough time before boarding your flight.

Future Expansion Plans for Varanasi Airport

Many measures are included in the plans for the expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) to accommodate 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 comprises over 20 tasks to be completed before 2027, including runway expansion, 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, passenger handling capacity is expected to jump from 39 lakh passengers per annum to 1 crore, while peak-hour handling capacity will increase from 1,050 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 for reaching Varanasi City, and more, through this guide. The Airport Authority of India has been overseeing all current and future operations at the airport, including expansions and development, to attract more traffic and offer higher-quality services. 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 does have a metro, but it's not currently connected to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS). However, there are plans to connect the airport to the city via metro.

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. If you have an international flight departing from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), you should arrive at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure 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 that 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 arriving 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 reach the city from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), including 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 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 near the domestic and international halls in the integrated terminal building at 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 to check the flight status of your departing flight, including asking the airport ground staff and checking the large information screens at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS).