Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Overview of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport) is the primary aviation hub for Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1947 and named after India’s second Prime Minister, the airport has evolved into a modern gateway for religious tourism and business travel. The terminal, inaugurated in 2018, is designed to accommodate up to 3 million passengers annually, with infrastructure for future expansion. The airport connects Varanasi to major Indian cities and select international destinations, supporting the region’s economic and spiritual significance.
Key Facts & Codes (IATA, ICAO, Location, Terminals)
Popular Domestic & International Routes
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport offers direct connections to major Indian cities and select international destinations. The busiest domestic route is Delhi–Varanasi, with frequent daily flights. International services primarily connect to Dubai, Kathmandu, and seasonal destinations like Colombo and Bangkok.
Major Domestic Routes
- Delhi (DEL) – Multiple daily flights (IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet)
- Mumbai (BOM) – Daily flights (Vistara, IndiGo)
- Kolkata (CCU) – Regular connections
- Bengaluru (BLR) – Daily flights
- Hyderabad (HYD) – Frequent services
International Destinations
- Dubai (DXB) – Regular flights
- Kathmandu (KTM) – Direct flights
- Colombo (CMB) – Seasonal/charter services
- Bangkok (BKK) – Occasional charters
International flight frequencies increase during festival seasons and winter months.
Airport Terminals Guide
The airport features a single integrated terminal for both domestic and international flights. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities and clear signage in Hindi and English.
- Ground Floor: Arrivals, baggage claim, customs, ground transport
- First Floor: Departures, check-in counters, security, departure gates
- 14 check-in counters, 8 departure gates
- Segregated post-security areas for domestic and international flights
- Annual capacity: 3 million passengers (expandable to 6 million)
Energy-efficient systems and accessible facilities are provided throughout the terminal.
Check-in & Security Process
- Check-in opens 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international departures
- Self-service kiosks available for web check-in
- Dedicated counters for premium and group travelers
- CISF-operated security with separate lanes for domestic/international
- Advanced screening technology, priority lanes for eligible passengers
- Average processing time: 15–20 minutes (may extend during peak periods)
Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic and 2.5 hours before international flights, especially during festivals.
Facilities & Amenities (Lounges, Wi-Fi, ATMs, Baggage Services, etc.)
- Executive lounge (domestic) and international lounge with dining and Wi-Fi
- Free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- ATMs (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) in arrivals and departures
- Currency exchange counters (international section)
- Medical center with 24/7 emergency support
- Prayer/meditation room, baby care facilities
- Baggage wrapping and left luggage services
- Charging stations with USB and standard outlets
Transportation Options to & from the Airport
The airport is 22 km from Varanasi city center. Multiple transport options are available:
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Prepaid taxi counter in arrivals hall (₹400–600 to city center, 45–75 min)
- Ola and Uber available with designated pickup points
Airport Shuttle Services
- UPSRTC buses to city center and railway station (₹30–50, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM)
- Hotel shuttles (advance booking required)
Public Transport
- City buses to major destinations (₹15–25)
- No direct rail connection; nearest is Varanasi Junction (24 km)
Car Rentals
Parking Information (Short-term, Long-term, Valet, Charges)
- Short-term parking: In front of terminal, ₹40 first hour, ₹30/additional hour, ₹300 max/day
- Long-term parking: 200m from terminal, ₹200/day, ₹1,200/week, shuttle available
- Two-wheeler parking: Near entrance, ₹10/hour, ₹50/day
- 24/7 security, CCTV, digital and cash payments accepted
Lost ticket charge: ₹500 plus applicable fees.
Airport Maps & Navigation Help
- Main entrance: Direct access to departures (first floor via escalator/lift)
- Arrivals: Ground floor, baggage claim belts 1–4
- Domestic/international sections clearly marked
- Prayer room: First floor near Gate 5
- Major route to city: Airport Road → Varanasi-Allahabad Highway → Cantonment → City Center
- GPS: 25.4522° N, 82.8590° E
- Printed maps available at information counter; Google Maps and Maps.me recommended for navigation
Information kiosks and multilingual signage assist with navigation. Free Wi-Fi supports access to digital maps.
Contact Information & Useful Phone Numbers
- Air India: +91-542-2622090 (Airport), 1860-233-1407 (Customer Care)
- IndiGo: +91-9910383838, +91-124-6173838
- SpiceJet: +91-9871803333, 0124-4983410
- Vistara: +91-9289228888, +91-11-71279228
- Baggage Services: +91-542-2622079
- Parking: +91-542-2622081
- Customs: +91-542-2622085
- Immigration: +91-542-2622087