Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the nearest airport to Varanasi, located about 18 to 21 km from the city center. Also known as Varanasi Airport or Babatpur Airport, it serves as the main gateway for air travelers heading to this historic and spiritual city. In addition to this airport, other nearby airports like Allahabad Airport, Gorakhpur Airport, and Patna Airport offer alternative air travel options but are situated considerably farther away.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport: Nearest Airport to Varanasi
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (IATA: VNS) is situated in Babatpur and is the closest airport to Varanasi, approximately 18.9 km northwest from the city’s heart. Named after India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, this airport is well equipped to handle both domestic and some international flights. It offers direct connection flights to many major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, making it convenient for travelers coming from across the country.
The airport features modern facilities such as escalators, a high-tech baggage handling system, separate domestic and international terminals, and a dedicated cargo terminal. The terminal buildings are structured to offer a comfortable experience, with shopping outlets offering local handicrafts, ethnic jewelry, and reading materials, alongside eateries providing hygienic food options.
Transportation options from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport to Varanasi city center include taxis, cabs, autos, and buses, with a travel time of around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The airport is protected with adequate security, ensuring passenger safety during their stay and transit.
Other Nearby Airports
Though Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the primary and nearest airport, travelers sometimes consider a few other airports depending on their travel itinerary and flight availability:
- Allahabad Airport (Prayagraj Airport): Located about 130-135 km from Varanasi, this airport is an option when flights to Varanasi are unavailable or fully booked. It’s approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Varanasi city. The connectivity from Allahabad to Varanasi is also well supported by road and rail.
- Gorakhpur Airport: Around 160 km away, this airport serves as another alternate but is much farther and less convenient than Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport. It mainly connects to northern cities and offers some regional flights.
- Patna Airport (Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport): About 245 km from Varanasi, Patna Airport is well connected by both flights and ground transportation. Though farther, sometimes flights into Patna can be found at competitive prices, and you can reach Varanasi by train or road from there.
- Other distant airports include Satna, Gaya, and Nepal’s Gautam Buddha Airport (Bhairawa Airport), but these are generally not practical for direct travel to Varanasi due to distance and connectivity.
Accessibility and Convenience
Given the cultural and touristic significance of Varanasi—often called the spiritual capital of India—efficient accessibility is important. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport’s proximity helps tourists and pilgrims reach Varanasi quickly and comfortably. It ensures connectivity with India’s major hubs, offering direct flights mostly throughout the day, reducing travel time and enhancing convenience. Travelers can easily book taxis or opt for airport shuttles to reach prominent spots in Varanasi like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the famous Ganga Ghats, which lie roughly 20-25 km from the airport.
Considering the alternatives are much farther away, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport remains the most practical and preferred airport for visiting Varanasi.
Conclusion
For those planning a trip to the historic and sacred city of Varanasi, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is undoubtedly the nearest and most convenient airport. Located just under 20 km from the city center, it is well-equipped with modern facilities and offers seamless connections to many major Indian cities. While other airports like Allahabad and Patna provide options, their greater distance and travel time make Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport the best choice for fastest access to Varanasi.
Travelers can expect a well-managed airport experience, good transport connectivity to the city, and easy access to local attractions. Whether for pilgrimage, tourism, or business, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport stands as the main aerial gateway to Varanasi, making it the prime choice for air travelers.
