How far is Kashi Vishwanath Temple from Varanasi airport?
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) at Babatpur is about 25 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. By taxi or app cab the drive to Godowlia or Maidagin usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic. From there you walk the last stretch to the temple.
Quick facts
- Airport
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), Babatpur
- Distance
- About 25 km
- Time
- 45–90 minutes by road
- Options
- Prepaid or app taxi, hotel pickup
On this page
The airport
Varanasi's airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (IATA code VNS), is at Babatpur, north-west of the city. It is run by the Airports Authority of India and has domestic flights from major Indian cities and a small number of international connections. Check the airport's official page for current facilities.
Options into the city
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| App-based cabs | Usually available; confirm the pickup point at the terminal |
| Prepaid or airport taxis | Pay at the counter; keep the receipt |
| Hotel pickup | Convenient, especially late at night; agree the price in advance |
| Autos | Sometimes available outside the airport area; slower |
Where to ask to be dropped
- Godowlia crossing — for the temple and the southern ghats
- Maidagin — for the northern side of the old city
- Your hotel — if it's on a road; many guesthouses near the ghats are reachable only on foot
If your hotel is inside the lanes, ask it to send someone to meet you at the drop-off point — the lanes are confusing on arrival.
Tips
- Allow extra time in December–January, when fog delays flights and slows the roads.
- If you land late, go to your hotel first; the temple is best visited fresh, early the next morning.
- Keep small change for porters if you have heavy luggage in the lanes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Varanasi airport code?
VNS — Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur.
Can I go straight from the airport to the temple?
Yes, but you'll need to leave luggage somewhere — bags aren't allowed inside. Going to your hotel first is usually easier.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Airports Authority of India — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- How to ReachHow to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple from Varanasi airport, railway stations and bus stand, where vehicles stop, and the final walk through the lanes or the Dham.
- Where to StayWhere to stay near Kashi Vishwanath Temple: the best areas compared — ghats, Godowlia, Assi, Cantt — who each suits, and practical booking tips for pilgrims and families.
- Local TransportHow to get around Varanasi: walking the lanes, e-rickshaws, autos, app cabs and boats — with fare tips, restricted zones near the temple and advice for elders.
- First-Time GuideA first-time visitor's guide to Varanasi: what the city is like, how to plan your days around dawn and dusk, temple basics, etiquette at the ghats and common mistakes.
- TravelKashi Vishwanath Temple travel guide: how to reach from the airport, railway stations and by road, local transport, where to stay, food, shopping, safety and packing.
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