Airport to Sarnath Taxi ₹690 | Dhamek Stupa | 50-min Route
The distance from Varanasi Airport (VNS) to Sarnath is 32 km via Ring Road and Sarnath Road, and the drive typically takes 50–60 minutes in normal traffic.
→ BOOK SARNATH TAXI NOW | Flash: ₹690 | Call: 9450301573
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 32 km |
| Time | 50–60 minutes |
| Best route | Ring Road → Lahurabir → Sarnath Road |
| Typical fare | Flash ₹690 · Sedan ₹850–950 · SUV ₹1,200–1,400 |
Book your Varanasi Airport to Sarnath transfer
- Call dispatch: 9450301573
- WhatsApp confirmation: wa.me/919450301573
Varanasi Airport to Sarnath taxi fare
- FLASH RATE: ₹690 (Book within 2 hours of pickup)
- Standard Rate: ₹850–950 (Regular booking)
- Mid SUV: ₹1,200–1,400 (Monastery offerings/luggage)
- Tempo Traveller (12-seater): ₹2,200 including driver allowance and parking receipts.
- Night buffer post 9 PM: ₹150; waived for prepaid vouchers.
*Flash fare not available on Buddhist festival dates (Buddha Purnima, Asadha), and applies only to direct ASI museum/Sarnath hotel drops.
Best Varanasi Airport to Sarnath route
Head east on Ring Road, pass the Harhua flyover, then swing toward Lahurabir crossing to join Sarnath Road. This arterial leads straight to the ASI ticket counter and Dhamek Stupa complex. If Lahurabir clogs during school hours, detour via Cantt station and Manduadih to merge back near Varanasi City station. Expect a brief slowdown near Chowka Ghat where pilgrims board buses.
Dhamek Stupa & Sarnath museum timings
| Site | Hours | Last entry | Ticket | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhamek Stupa / Archaeological complex | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM | ₹40 (Indian), ₹600 (foreign) | Cameras ₹25 extra. Request tickets in advance if landing late. |
| Sarnath Museum (ASI) | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM | ₹50 (Indian), ₹500 (foreign) | Closed on Fridays; plan alternate monastery visits that day. |
| Mulagandha Kuti Vihar (Buddhist temple) | 4:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM | — | Free | Ideal for chanting sessions post-flight. |
- Land before 2:30 PM to comfortably clear baggage, ride 60 minutes, and enter both the museum and Dhamek Stupa precinct.
- If your flight lands later, tell dispatch so we flip the order: monastery visits first, museum next morning.
Monastery stops to add after your drop
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Watch the evening chanting or explore the frescoes painted by Kosetsu Nosu.
- Thai Temple & monastery: Golden pagoda, landscaped gardens—great for photography.
- Tibetan Temple: Prayer wheels + calm courtyard suited for meditation after the flight.
- Japanese Temple (Nichiren): Minimalist interior ideal for short chanting sessions.
Drivers can wait at the ASI parking loop while you rotate through these monasteries; just mention your preferences on WhatsApp.
Pickup at VNS and drop at Sarnath
Drivers greet you at Gate 3 inside arrivals with a placard and assist with currency exchange if required. In Sarnath, taxis typically drop at the ASI museum parking or directly at the Dhamek Stupa gate if you already hold tickets. Inform dispatch if you need an onward ride to nearby monasteries such as Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Varanasi Airport to Sarnath map and landmarks
You will pass Cantt railway station, Lahurabir crossing, and Chowka Ghat bridge before Sarnath Road fans out toward the archaeological zone. Watch for the large Ashoka Chakra roundabout signalling that the heritage precinct is 800 metres ahead.
Buddhist circuit combos (Sarnath + Bodhgaya + Kushinagar)
| Package | Duration | Route | Fare (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarnath same-day return | 6 hours | Airport ➜ Sarnath ➜ hotel | ₹2,200 |
| Mini circuit: Sarnath + Bodhgaya | 2 days / 1 night | Airport ➜ Sarnath ➜ Bodhgaya ➜ Varanasi | ₹11,800 |
| Full Buddhist circuit | 4 days / 3 nights | Airport ➜ Sarnath ➜ Bodhgaya ➜ Rajgir ➜ Kushinagar ➜ Varanasi | From ₹24,500 |
Mention “Buddhist circuit package” in your WhatsApp message so we allocate drivers familiar with monastery etiquette, chanting schedules, and veg-only dining stops.
Varanasi Airport to Sarnath FAQs
How far is Sarnath from Varanasi Airport?
It is a 32 km ride that averages 50–60 minutes, slightly longer during winter fog when visibility slows the Ring Road stretch.
How long does the taxi take during peak hours?
Allow up to 65 minutes between 8–10 AM and 4–6 PM as school buses and evening shoppers crowd Lahurabir.
Are Ola or Uber dependable for Sarnath?
They operate but often push premium categories or cancel near Lahurabir. A pre-arranged cab stays on schedule and includes museum parking receipts.
What is the cheapest airport transfer to Sarnath?
City buses require a change at Cantt station and take over 90 minutes. A ₹850 sedan offers the quickest point-to-point transfer with luggage space and AC comfort.
When should I land to visit Dhamek Stupa the same day?
Since last entry is 4:30 PM, aim to land before 2:30 PM. That leaves time for luggage, a 60-minute ride, and ticket purchase without rushing. Explore more stops in our Sarnath complete guide.
Varanasi Airport to Sarnath safety and reliability
All cabs carry verified IDs, GPS trackers, and multilingual drivers accustomed to pilgrim and heritage groups. Confirm fare and vehicle number via WhatsApp, then forward it to your coordinator. Request bottled water and sanitizer beforehand if you plan to meditate at the monasteries post-landing.
