From the Airport or Station to Your Hotel in Varanasi
The airport is about 25 km from the old city and the trains arrive in different stations. The last stretch to the ghats is the part most people do not expect.
From the airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri airport (VNS) is about 25 km from the centre. Allow an hour or more by car, more in traffic. A pre-booked transfer with a driver is the simplest option, and Shiva can arrange it on request.
From the railway stations
Varanasi Junction (Cantt) and Banaras station are the two main stations. Some long-distance trains stop at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, about 17 km away. Tell your driver the station and the arrival time.
The last stretch to the ghats
Cars cannot reach most of the ghat area. Your hotel may be a short walk from the nearest road, with luggage and stairs. Ask the hotel to send someone to meet you at the nearest point, and bring a light bag if you can.
If your train arrives before dawn, ask your hotel to confirm they will open early, and plan the sunrise boat for the next morning.