Lucknow is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Lucknow?
You should plan to spend around $57 (₨4,866) per day on your vacation in Lucknow. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $29 (₨2,453) on meals
- $13 (₨1,071) on local transportation
- $37 (₨3,150) on hotels
A one week trip to Lucknow for two people costs, on average, $797 (₨68,124). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$399
₨34,062
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$797
₨68,124
-
One Month
Per person
$1,708
₨145,980
-
One Week
For a couple
$797
₨68,124
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,595
₨136,248
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,417
₨291,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lucknow cost?
A one week trip to Lucknow usually costs around $399 (₨34,062) for one person and $797 (₨68,124) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lucknow on average costs around $797 (₨68,124) for one person and $1,595 (₨136,248) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lucknow will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lucknow on average costs around $1,708 (₨145,980) for one person and $3,417 (₨291,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lucknow expensive to visit?
Lucknow is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Lucknow can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $25 (₨2,129) per day, mid-range travelers spend $57 (₨4,866) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $109 (₨9,297) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lucknow.
Within Asia, Lucknow is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lucknow Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lucknow?
The average Lucknow trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lucknow travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lucknow cost?
Lucknow on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$8
(₨689)
|
$18
(₨1,575)
|
$35
(₨3,010)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(₨469)
|
$13
(₨1,071)
|
$24
(₨2,047)
|
|
Food2
|
$13
(₨1,073)
|
$29
(₨2,453)
|
$55
(₨4,687)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6
(₨528)
|
$14
(₨1,207)
|
$27
(₨2,307)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(₨129-386)
|
$3-10
(₨294-883)
|
$7-20
(₨562-1,687)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Lucknow on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $25 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Lucknow offers plenty of hostels, including Backpackers Den, Hashtag Traveler's, and The Nomad Cave. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Lucknow will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $57 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $109. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Lucknow tour in one day - Private & guided tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lucknow
Hotel rates in Lucknow vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $37 to $69. Expect prices to range from $19 for budget hotels to $147 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lucknow for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $37 (₨3,150). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $18 (₨1,575) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lucknow? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Lucknow
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (₨1,071) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lucknow. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lucknow is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
₨1,071
By plane, Lucknow International Airport has direct flights to Dubai, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Muscat. From Amausi Airport, Lucknow is also directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai, Banglore, Indore, and Varanasi. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Kolkata Indore, and Patna are in operation daily.
By train, India has one of the longest rail networks in the world. Operations are run by Indian Railways with stations located at just about every major destination. Lucknow is on the Delhi-Gorakhpur railway route, and connections can be made from Agra and Allahabad. Lucknow Charbagh and Lucknow Junction are the two main railway stations in the city.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer from Lucknow to Kanpur for $27 details
- Private Transfer from Chaudhary Charan Singh (LKO) Airport to Lucknow for $45 details
- Private Transfer from Lucknow to Chaudhary Charan Singh (LKO) Airport for $45 details
How much does it cost to go to Lucknow? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lucknow will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lucknow
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lucknow can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lucknow is $29 (₨2,453) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$29
₨2,453
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lucknow is around $29 (₨2453) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $55. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lucknow are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $9 to $20
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Cuisine of Lucknow is of the variety common throughout the state of Uttar Pradesh, largely influenced by Mughal and Awadhi cooking. The state is known for its use of mutton (sheep meat), paneer (a kind of fresh cheese), and rich spices including cardamom and saffron. Some of the more popular dishes found in the region include kebabs (marinated and grilled meats), dum biryani (made with a mix of spices, rice, and meat), as well as a number of mutton dishes. Snacks like chaat (savory fried snacks), samosa (fried or bake snack with a savory filling), and pakora (anything deep fried) also originate from Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is especially popular with food lovers due to the variety available. It is a good place to find refined Muslim Indian food, and is also famous for its tikkas and kebabs.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Lucknow, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dinner With A Maharaja In Lucknow for $238 details
- Heritage Walk With Curated Dinner In Lucknow for $300 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lucknow
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lucknow typically cost an average of $14 (₨1,207) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
₨1,207
The most impressive sight of Lucknow is the Baba Imambara tomb complex - a labyrinth of old Mughal architecture built in the late-eighteenth century. The complex consists of a large mosque, a step well with running water, and a complex labyrinth which attracts visitors daring to get lost in its maze. There is even a blocked passageway, which legend says leads through a mile-long underground passage to a location near the Gomti River. Other passages (now sealed) are rumored to lead to Faizabad (the former seat of power of the Nawabs), Allahabad, and even to Delhi. The Rumi Darwaza, an elaborately embellished portal that stands at 18 meters high, marks Imambara's west-facing entrance. The ticket for Bara Imambara is also good for admission to Chhota Imambara, an imposing mausoleum built by the third Nawab of Avadh in 1837. Admission will also be granted at the Husainabad Clock Tower, a British landmark set in a park with a lake great for watching sunsets.
The ruins of the Lucknow British Residency are also interesting, especially for those interested in the city's history. This place was the site of the 1857 First Battle for Independence, referred to by the British as "The Indian Mutiny", where you can still see canon ball marks in the ruined buildings.
Most people who visit Lucknow come to experience the rich culture and heritage of Northern India as well as important landmarks like monuments, architecture, and ancient complexes. Exotic markets and bazaars are fun get lost in where you might wander the day away amidst the lively bargaining culture - perhaps walking away with a souvenir of your own. There are plenty of interesting neighborhoods in the city to explore, plenty of flavors to sample, and plenty of tours and museums for those interested in a more guided experience. There is even a 71.6-acre zoo located in the heart of the city, home to around 1000 animals of more than 100 species - mammals, birds, and reptiles included.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lucknow is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Same day Ayodhya tour from Lucknow for $134 details
- Lucknow City Tour (Lunch, Pickup & drop at Hotel) for $100 details
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Lucknow (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) for $13 details
Nightlife Budget in Lucknow
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.89 (₨589) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lucknow per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.89
₨589
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Lucknow. A few favorites from other travelers include:
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 4, 2025
Traveling in Lucknow
Lucknow, India
Lucknow, located in the central region of Awadh, is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. With a very rich cultural and historical past, Lucknow has been at the heart of North Indian culture for many centuries. It thrives in areas of art, cuisine, dance, culture, music, and more.
Neighborhoods & Around
The main hubs throughout the city are by far the markets - thriving with opportunities for bargain shopping, dining, and cultural exposure. Aminabad Market is one of the older markets, a good place for finding hand-embroidered clothing (locally called chikan), leather products, and chaat or sweet snacks. Some parts of the market are organized by what they sell, for example, there is an entire street dedicated to books while another section markets bangles and fashion jewelry. Chowk, in the old city, just south of the Imambara complex and the clock tower, is another lively market. It is a good place to find bargains, mingle with the locals, and is especially popular in the evenings. Hazratganj Market, on the other hand, is very upscale and trendy, mostly featuring recognizable Western brands. The Food Court at Sahara Ganj, near Hazratganj, is a hotspot for dining with plenty of fast food as well as other local delicacies available in the general area.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Delhi or Goa? Heading to Kathmandu or want a party in Tel Aviv?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.