Taxis from the airport to the ghats take about 30 minutes and cost approximately INR 300–500.
Things to do at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
Lal Bahadur Shastri AirportVNS
At the airport
Things to do in Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and Hinduism's holiest site, set along the sacred Ganges River. The evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat — a nightly ritual of fire, incense, and chanting — is one of India's most hypnotic experiences. Dawn boat rides on the Ganges past the burning ghats and bathing pilgrims offer a profound glimpse into Hindu spiritual life unlike anywhere else on earth.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- The Ganga Aarti runs at sunset daily — a must even on a short layover if timing allows.
- The ghats area is best navigated on foot — the narrow lanes leading down to the Ganges are part of the experience.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at VNS
Discover Sanctifly partner lounges at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS). Book access with your points.Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.