Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat: Distance, Time, Taxi Fare (2025)
The distance from Varanasi Airport (VNS) to Manikarnika Ghat is 25тАУ26 km via Ring Road and MaidaginтАУGodowlia, and the drive typically takes 45тАУ60 minutes in normal traffic.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 25тАУ26 km |
| Time | 45тАУ60 minutes |
| Best route | Ring Road тЖТ Lahartara тЖТ Maidagin тЖТ Manikarnika lane |
| Typical fare | Sedan тВ╣850тАУ950 ┬╖ SUV тВ╣1,200тАУ1,400 |
Book your Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat transfer
- Call dispatch: 9450301573
- WhatsApp confirmation: wa.me/919450301573
Flash Offer: тВ╣690 sedan drop when you call within 2 hours of pickup (weekday, non-festival, 15-minute standby at Maidagin barricade).
Best Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat route
Follow Ring Road toward Lahartara, then continue through Godowlia to Maidagin. From Maidagin crossing, the taxi accesses the Manikarnika lane up to the police barricade. When Godowlia is sealed for processions, drivers detour via Luxa and Chaukhamba Road to enter from the northern bank. Expect a short walk (150тАУ200 metres) through the narrow lane to reach the cremation platforms.
Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat taxi fare
- Economy sedan: тВ╣850тАУ950 standard; Flash тВ╣690 when you confirm within 2 hours (weekday, sedan-only, 15-minute standby).
- Mid SUV: тВ╣1,200тАУ1,400 covering luggage and escort coordination.
- Tempo Traveller: тВ╣2,150 including driver allowance; ideal for family rites.
- Night buffer: тВ╣150 after 9 PM; pre-arranged bookings waive it.
*Flash fare not valid during Shraddh peak, Dev Deepawali, or major yatras and applies to direct Maidagin/Manikarnika access only.
Check combined packages and return add-ons in the airport taxi fares 2025 schedule.
Pickup at VNS and drop at Manikarnika Ghat
Your driver waits inside arrivals at Gate 3 with a placard and offers a quick brief on cremation etiquette. City-side, vehicles halt at the Manikarnika barricade near Kashi Karvat lane; local assistants accompany you through the narrow steps if requested. Inform dispatch about heavy ritual items so porters are arranged ahead of time.
Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat map and landmarks
Look out for Godowlia Chowk, Maidagin crossing, and the Manikarnika police outpost. During festival peaks, the route may shift through Chaukhamba Road and Rajmandir lane, adding roughly eight minutes but keeping you close to the ghat entrance.
Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat FAQs
How far is Manikarnika Ghat from VNS airport?
It is 25тАУ26 km away and usually takes 45тАУ60 minutes; late-night rituals can extend the last lane by a few minutes.
How long does the taxi take at night?
Expect closer to 55тАУ60 minutes after 9 PM when funeral processions queue near Maidagin; inform dispatch so the driver stages patiently.
Can Ola or Uber drop near the cremation ghat?
Most app drivers stop at Maidagin to avoid the steep lane. Reserved taxis coordinate with volunteers and stay until you exit the ghat safely.
What is the cheapest transfer option?
Shared autos require two interchanges and still force a walk with luggage. A тВ╣850 fixed-fare sedan is the most dependable door-to-lane service with receipts.
Is it safe to visit at night after landing?
Yes, provided you travel with a guide, respect photography bans, and keep valuables hidden. Read our Manikarnika cremation guide for etiquette details.
Varanasi Airport to Manikarnika Ghat safety and reliability
Drivers are vetted, share live GPS, and coordinate with local ghat volunteers for late-night entries. Confirm fare, vehicle number, and porter requirements via WhatsApp; share the itinerary with family. The team maintains a 24/7 helpline to support rituals that run past midnight.