Book Cheap Flights to Varanasi from UK

Cheap Flights to Varanasi from the UK

Varanasi flights from London take 11-15 hours depending on your routing. The city is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located around 26km northwest of the city centre at Babatpur.

No direct flights from UK. Routes connect via Delhi, Mumbai, or Middle East hubs. The most popular connections route via Delhi (Air India, IndiGo), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways).

Return fares range from £450-550 in low season to £700-950 during peak periods. November-February / Dev Diwali / Mahashivratri typically sees the highest demand. March-May / August-September offers the best deals.

Varanasi operates on GMT+5:30 (5.5 hours ahead of London in winter, 4.5 hours ahead in summer). Budget time from the airport, as traffic can add to your journey.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) – Facilities & Travel Guide

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the main gateway to Varanasi, India. Located around 26km northwest of the city centre at Babatpur, it handles both domestic and international flights. The airport connects Varanasi to various global destinations and serves as a hub for regional carriers. Facilities are adequate for most travellers with restaurants, shops, and lounges available.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport provides facilities to meet traveller needs:

Terminals: Single terminal building.
Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes with local and international options.
Currency Exchange: Available throughout the airport.
Wi-Fi and Charging: Free Wi-Fi and charging stations available.
Lounges: Business and VIP lounges for added comfort.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is connected to the city by various transport options:

Taxis: INR 800-1,200 to central areas. Travel time: 45-75 minutes to ghats.
Ride-hailing: Apps available in most destinations.
Public Transport: No metro. Prepaid taxis available. Traffic can be heavy.
Private Transfers: Bookable for direct and comfortable journey.

For a smooth journey through Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport:

Arrive Early: Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight.
Cash: Carry Indian Rupee (INR) for minor purchases.
Security: Expect standard security checks.
Flight Information: Keep an eye on display boards for updates.

Flight Times to Varanasi

There are no direct flights from the UK to Varanasi. All routes require at least one connection, typically via Delhi (Air India.

With a layover, typical flight durations are:

Via Dubai (Emirates): Around 14-18 hours total.
Via Doha (Qatar Airways): Around 14-17 hours total.
Other routes via Singapore, Istanbul or European hubs may vary.

For the best layover experience:

Minimum layover time of 2-3 hours is recommended.
Overnight layovers can sometimes be cheaper.
Major hubs like Dubai and Singapore offer airport hotels for comfortable rest.

Varanasi operates on GMT+5:30 (which is 5.5 hours ahead of London in winter and 4.5 hours ahead in summer).

Airlines Flying to Varanasi

Air India

Emirates Airways

Qatar Airways

Etihad Airways

Gulf Air

Air France

Varanasi Flight Prices

Category	Period	Average Return Fares
Economy - Low Season	March-May / August-September	£450-550
Economy - Mid Season	June-July / October	£550-700
Economy - High Season	November-February / Dev Diwali / Mahashivratri	£700-950
Business - Low Season	March-May / August-September	£1,800-2,600
Business - High Season	November-February / Dev Diwali / Mahashivratri	£2,800-4,200

Booking Tips:

Book 6-10 weeks before travel to save up to 15-25%.
Avoid peak periods: Prices surge by 30-50% during high season.
Fly midweek (Tue-Thu): Fares are often cheaper.
Consider one-stop flights: They can offer better value than direct options.

Best Time to Book Varanasi Flights

Price Patterns

Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings

Last-minute deals are rare for popular routes

Peak seasons push prices up 30-50%

Sweet Spot

6-10 weeks before travel for best combination of availability and price.

Avoid Booking

Less than 2 weeks out (premium pricing)

During November-February / Dev Diwali / Mahashivratri without advance planning

School holiday periods if travelling with families

Things to Do in Varanasi

Ganga Aarti

Evening ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Priests perform fire ritual at sunset. Arrive early for good views.

Morning Boat Ride

Dawn trip on the Ganges to see pilgrims bathing and funeral pyres at Manikarnika Ghat.

Sarnath

Buddhist site 10km away where Buddha gave his first sermon. Museum, Dhamek Stupa, and deer park.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Non-Hindus access the outer areas only.

Old City Walks

Narrow galis (lanes) with silk weavers, sweet shops, and lassi at Blue Lassi Shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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