How long should I plan for a layover in Varanasi?

The best layover in Varanasi is 4–15 hours. This gives you enough time to reach the city, see the highlights, and return to the airport with buffer time.

Do I need a visa for a layover in Varanasi?

US passport holders can get a visa on arrival for a layover in Varanasi.

Is Varanasi a good layover city?

Varanasi scores 63/100 on the LayoverScore™. It is a solid layover option, especially if you have 4+ hours.

Varanasi layover (VNS). 15h. LayoverScore™ 63.

VaranasiVNS6h on the groundScore 63

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Varanasi

35 minutes to city center. 4–15 hours of layover time.

Visa on arrivalTransit hubData may vary

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🌡 30°C · clearAir: good (AQI 18)

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Dashashwamedh Ghat evening Ganga Aarti ceremony

Layover plan

How long at Varanasi?

YOUR 15H LAYOVER

What 15 hours in Varanasi gets you.

Dashashwamedh Ghat evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the old city lanes. Sarnath Buddhist archaeological site and Dhamek Stupa.

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Planning guides

How to plan a long layover How to save money with layovers Best layover cities ranked

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Varanasi

How long at Varanasi?

What 15 hours in Varanasi gets you.

Watch ancient fire rituals on the Ganges at the world's oldest living city.

Getting around

Plan your 6h

Get scored routes through VNS.