Lucknow To Varanasi Flight: Is it Cost Effective?

Connecting two cultural gems of Uttar Pradesh by Air.

Introduction

Traveling between Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, and Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, has never been easier thanks to convenient flight connections.

This spiritual and cultural journey spanning approximately 280 kilometers can now be completed in just under an hour by air, compared to 6-8 hours by road or train.

Whether you are a pilgrim heading to the ghats of Varanasi or a business traveler with meetings in both cities, flying offers the most time-efficient option to connect these two historical treasures of Uttar Pradesh.

In your blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the Lucknow to Varanasi flight route – from airlines operating on this sector and flight schedules to booking tips that save money, airport information, and practical travel advice to make your journey seamless.

Flight Details: Lucknow to Varanasi

Airlines Operating on This Route

Several domestic carriers currently operate flights between Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) and Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS):

1. IndiGo Airlines: Offers the highest frequency of direct flights.
2. Air India: Operates regular services connecting both cities.
3. SpiceJet: Provides budget-friendly options on select days.
4. Alliance Air: Regional carrier with scheduled services.

Flight Duration and Distance

• Flight Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes.
• Aerial Distance: About 280 kilometers (174 miles).
• Time Saved vs Road Travel: Approximately 5-7 hours.

Typical Flight Schedule

Lucknow to Varanasi Flight schedules may vary by season and airline policies, but generally you can expect:

• Morning Departures: Between 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM.
• Afternoon Departures: Between 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
• Evening Departures: Between 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

IndiGo typically offers the most frequent service with 2-3 daily flights, while other carriers may operate 3-5 flights weekly. It’s always recommended to check current schedules directly with airlines or travel booking platforms.

Booking Your Flight: Tips to Save Money

Best Time to Book Lucknow to Varanasi Flight

• Advance Booking: Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best rates.
• Midweek Travel: Flights on Tuesday and Wednesday typically cost 15-20% less.
• Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid peak pilgrim seasons (April-June, October-November) for better rates.
• Early Morning/Late Evening Flights: Often priced lower than mid-day departures.

Price Range

Flight prices between Lucknow and Varanasi typically range between:

• Budget Season: ₹2,200 – ₹3,500.
• Regular Season: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000.
• Peak Season: ₹5,000 – ₹7,500+

Money-Saving Booking Strategies

1. Set Fare Alerts: Use apps like Tourotindia, Skyscanner, MakeMyTrip, or Kayak to monitor price drops.
2. Airline Rewards Programs: Join frequent flyer programs if you travel this route regularly.
3. Bundle Bookings: Sometimes booking hotel+flight packages offers better value.
4. Check Direct Airline Websites: Occasionally they offer exclusive discounts not available on aggregator sites.
5. Use Credit Card Travel Rewards: Many Indian banks offer travel-specific credit cards with airline benefits.
6. Book Round-Trips: Often cheaper than two one-way tickets.

Airport Information

Lucknow Airport (LKO)

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport

• Location: About 15 km from city center.
• Terminal for Domestic Flights: Terminal 1
• Check-in Time: Recommended 2 hours before departure.
• Airport Amenities:
  • Multiple dining options
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Currency exchange
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Prayer room
  • Medical facilities
• Transport to Airport:
  • Taxi/Cab: ₹400-600 from city center
  • App-based rides (Uber/Ola): ₹350-500
  • Airport bus service: ₹150-200
  • Auto-rickshaw: Not recommended for airport travel with luggage

Varanasi Airport (VNS)

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

• Location: About 26 km from Varanasi city center/ghats area
• Terminal for Domestic Arrivals: Main terminal
• Airport Amenities:
  • Cafés and food stalls
  • Souvenir shops
  • ATMs
  • Free Wi-Fi (time-limited)
  • Basic medical aid
• Transport from Airport:
  • Prepaid taxi counter: ₹700-900 to ghats area
  • App-based rides: ₹600-800
  • Airport taxi: ₹800-1000
  • Shared taxi services: ₹250-300 per person
  • Public transport: Limited options, not recommended for tourists

What to Expect During Your Lucknow To Varanasi Flight

Baggage Allowance

Most airlines operating on this route offer:

• Check-in Baggage: 15-20 kg (varies by airline and fare type).
• Cabin Baggage: 7-8 kg with dimension restrictions.
• Excess Baggage Fees: Approximately ₹500-600 per additional kg.

In-Flight Services

For this short-haul flight:

• Refreshments: Typically limited to water or small snack (varies by airline).
• Entertainment: Not available on most carriers for this short route.
• Seating: 3-3 configuration on most aircraft.

Flying Experience

The flight path often offers scenic views of:

• The meandering Gomti River near Lucknow.
• Vast agricultural plains of central Uttar Pradesh.
• The holy Ganges River approaching Varanasi.
• Consider requesting a window seat for these views.

Planning Your Trip: Lucknow to Varanasi

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant weather with temperatures between 15-30°C.
• Avoid June to September: Monsoon season with flight disruptions possible.
• Festival Considerations: Check for major festivals in Varanasi that may affect accommodation availability and flight prices.

Cultural Journey: From Nawabi to Spiritual Heritage

These two cities offer contrasting yet complementary cultural experiences:

• Lucknow: Known for Nawabi culture, refined etiquette, exquisite cuisine, and architectural marvels like Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.
• Varanasi: Ancient spiritual center with ghats along the Ganges, evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies, temple architecture, and vibrant cultural practices.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Accommodation Planning:
   • Book Varanasi hotels near ghats for spiritual experience.
   • Consider heritage hotels in Lucknow for cultural immersion.
   • Expect to pay ₹2,500-4,000 for decent mid-range options in both cities.
2. Local Transportation:
   • Varanasi: Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and boat rides along ghats.
   • Lucknow: Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and app-based taxi services.
3. Banking & Money:
   • Both cities have ample ATMs and banking facilities.
   • Major establishments accept cards, but keep cash for smaller vendors.
   • Typical daily budget (excluding accommodation):
     • Budget traveler: ₹1,000-1,500
     • Mid-range traveler: ₹2,000-3,500
     • Luxury traveler: ₹5,000+

Financial Considerations for Your Lucknow to Varanasi Journey

Complete Cost Breakdown

For better financial planning, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of potential expenses:

1. Flight Cost: ₹3,000-7,000 (depending on season and booking time).
2. Airport Transfers:
   • Lucknow city to airport: ₹400-600
   • Varanasi airport to ghats area: ₹700-900
3. Accommodation (per night):
   • Budget: ₹800-1,500
   • Mid-range: ₹2,000-4,000
   • Luxury: ₹5,000-15,000+
4. Local Transportation (daily):
   • Budget: ₹200-300
   • Comfortable: ₹500-800
5. Meals (daily):
   • Budget: ₹500-700
   • Standard: ₹1,000-1,500
   • Premium dining: ₹2,000+
6. Sightseeing & Activities:
   • Guided tours: ₹1,500-3,000
   • Boat rides in Varanasi: ₹200-1,000 (shared vs private)
   • Entry fees to monuments: ₹200-500 total

Money-Saving Tips

1. Book a round-trip flight rather than two one-ways (savings: approximately 10-15%).
2. Travel during weekdays for lower accommodation rates (savings: 15-20%).
3. Combine sightseeing with shared guided tours rather than private options (savings: up to 50%).
4. Consider heritage guesthouses over commercial hotels for authentic experience and better rates.
5. Utilize early bird discounts for both flights and accommodations (savings: 10-30%).
6. Local SIM card for navigation instead of international roaming (savings: significant).

Investment in Experience

While budget considerations are important, remember that this journey connects two of India’s most culturally significant cities:

• Value Beyond Price: The spiritual experience of Varanasi and cultural heritage of Lucknow offer intangible returns on investment.
• Time Efficiency: The flight saves you nearly a full day of travel compared to other transport modes, giving you more time to explore.
• Comfort Factor: Starting your Varanasi experience fresh rather than tired from a long road journey.

Must-Visit Attractions

In Lucknow

• Bara Imambara
• Chota Imambara
• Rumi Darwaza
• Hazratganj Market
• British Residency
• Ambedkar Memorial Park

In Varanasi

• Dashashwamedh Ghat (evening Ganga Aarti)
• Assi Ghat
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Sarnath (Buddha’s first sermon site)
• Banaras Hindu University
• Early morning boat ride on the Ganges

Connectivity and Work Considerations

For business travelers or digital nomads:

• Airport Wi-Fi: Available at both airports (free with time limitations).
• Working Spaces: Limited in Varanasi, more options in Lucknow.
• Mobile Connectivity: 4G widely available in both cities.
• Power Adapters: Standard Indian plugs (230V, 50Hz).

Conclusion

The Lucknow to Varanasi flight route bridges two remarkable expressions of Indian heritage – the refined Nawabi culture of Lucknow and the ancient spiritual traditions of Varanasi. While surface transport options exist, flying optimizes your precious travel time, allowing you to immerse fully in both destinations rather than spending hours on the road.

With multiple daily flights, reasonable fares for advance bookings, and a flight time under an hour, this aerial connection makes it entirely possible to experience the best of both cities even within a condensed travel itinerary. Whether you are drawn by spiritual calling, cultural exploration, or business requirements, the Lucknow-Varanasi air corridor offers convenience without compromising the authentic essence of either destination.

FAQs About Lucknow to Varanasi Flights

Source – UP Tourism