This Varanasi travel cost guide breaks down the typical expenses you can expect when visiting Varanasi, making it easier to plan a fun and affordable trip. Our Varanasi trip cost calculator includes average spending data from thousands of travelers, including hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, entertainment, and transportation. Varanasi is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, so don't miss out because you didn't plan the right budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Varanasi?
A typical traveler spends $31 (₨2,949) per day on a trip to Varanasi. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Varanasi based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $11 (₨1,032) on meals
- $4.38 (₨413) on local transportation
- $29 (₨2,727) on hotels
A one-week trip to Varanasi for two people costs, on average, $438 (₨41,286). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Varanasi expensive to visit?
In Varanasi, budget travelers spend $13 (₨1,202) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $31 (₨2,949) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $77 (₨7,313) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Varanasi.
Varanasi 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.
Varanasi can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Varanasi is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Varanasi.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Varanasi Expensive?
Varanasi, India
How much money do I need for a trip to Varanasi?
The average Varanasi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Varanasi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Varanasi cost?
Varanasi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6
(₨558)
|
$14
(₨1,364)
|
$34
(₨3,161)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(₨156)
|
$4
(₨413)
|
$12
(₨1,147)
|
|
Food2
|
$4
(₨401)
|
$11
(₨1,032)
|
$29
(₨2,716)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(₨322)
|
$9
(₨877)
|
$27
(₨2,571)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-4
(₨128-383)
|
$3-10
(₨328-985)
|
$9-27
(₨859-2,577)
|
Accommodation Budget in Varanasi
Hotel rates in Varanasi vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $32 to $60. Expect prices to range from $14 for budget hotels to $127 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 Varanasi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $29 (₨2,727). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $14 (₨1,364) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Varanasi include:
- Rivatas By Ideal starting at $52
- Hotel Pradeep starting at $26
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Varanasi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $4.38 (₨413) per person, per day, on local transportation in Varanasi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Varanasi is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$4.38
₨413
By plane, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the closest airport, located about 25 kilometers northwest of the city center. From here Air India, JetKonnect, SpiceJet, and IndiGo all operate regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, and Visakhapatnam amongst a few others.
By train, there are three railway stations in the city: Varanasi Junction, Manduadih Railway Station, and Mughal Sarai Junction. Some daily services operate trains to cities like Delhi (13 hours), Agra (13 hours), Lucknow (7 hours), Mumbai, and Kolkata.
The bus station in Varanasi is located just east of the Varanasi Junction train station. Be aware that trains and buses are often dirty and overcrowded.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers for $70 details
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers for $33 details
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel for $12 details
How much does it cost to go to Varanasi? 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 Varanasi 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.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Varanasi, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
-
Tuk Tuk Through Town
₨80
-
Rickshaw Ride
₨50
Food Budget in Varanasi
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Varanasi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Varanasi is $11 (₨1,032) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$11
₨1,032
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Varanasi is around $11 (₨1032) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $29. 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 Varanasi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $8
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
In Vanarasi, and all of India, foods are flavorfully spiced with herbs like asafoetida, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, curry, cinnamon, and many more. Local delicacies like Banarasi Khana are made with these staples and are often accompanied by vegetables. Benares Dum Aloo is another local dish made with potatoes that are stuffed and cooked in a gravy of spices including jaggery, fennel, and chili paste. Street food is also popular with something like aloo chaat (fried potatoes cooked in spices) being the most common.
Paan is another delicacy known all over India. With the ingredients wrapped up with betel leaves and areca nuts, the little packages are chewed whole and then spit out or swallowed. They can be made with tobacco or other flavors that are sweet, consumed mostly for their stimulant and psychoactive properties.
When it comes to confections, Rabri Malai Balai is a popular dessert made with milk, sugar, almonds, and pistachio nuts. And as far as drinks go, Lassi is the most common and versatile made with yogurt, water, spices, and sometimes fruit. With Hinduism as the dominant religion in India, cows are considered sacred - thus beef is rarely served.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Varanasi, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Cooking Class with Sona for $39 details
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti for $62 details
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony for $42 details
Typical prices for food in Varanasi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Varanasi. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Varanasi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Varanasi typically cost an average of $9.30 (₨877) 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.
$9.30
₨877
When it comes to sight-seeing, the main spectacle in Vanarasi is centered on the river. Every day people come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges, and every day cremations are performed at the water's edge. It is a celebration of life and death, a place where the cycles of the world come full circle. The shores of the Ganges River are lined with stairs that lead right into the water (known as ghats). With over 80 sets total, the entire length of the river that runs past Varanasi is lined with ghats for easy access to the waters. Some of the more popular ghats include Panchganga Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Rana Ghat, and Kedar Ghat.
There are also a handful of temples like the Alamagir Mosque where you can get a great view of the area from above as well as the Gauri Matha Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Shri Kashi Vishwanth Temple, and Sankat Mochan Temple which is home to thousands of monkeys.
Other notable sights include Ramnagar Fort, Chunar Fort, Kriti Gallery, and the Man Mandir Observatory.
The most common activity when visiting Vanarasi is to watch the pilgrims who come to wash in the waters of the Ganges, usually occurring at sunrise. Over 60,000 come to the ghats every day to take the steps down to the holy river. Also very popular, especially at sunrise and sunset, are boat rides along the river. From the river you can experience the ceremonies of bathing and cremation at a distance.
In the evenings, several of the ghats are host to large free ceremonies that involve dancing, ritual acts, and other interesting sights. In a somewhat organized manner, young men will perform a sacred ceremony while several hundred spectators watch from both the ghats and boats on the river. For more information about this, read evening aarti at the Varanasi ghats. Bring your camera!
Other than that, the best thing to do in Vanarasi is to explore the winding streets and alleyways, soaking up sounds, sights, and smells of India's spiritual capital.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Varanasi. 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:
- 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided for $121 details
- Private Varanasi Tour: Sunrise Boat Ride, Ganga Aarti & Temple for $22 details
- Experience Varanasi Tour: 1 day Private Guided Tour for $81 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Varanasi, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in Varanasi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.96 (₨656) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Varanasi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.96
₨656
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Travel cost data last updated: May 2, 2026
Traveling in Varanasi
Varanasi, India
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
Neighborhoods & Around
The highlight of activity in Varanasi convenes at the edge of the Ganges River. Its entire shoreline running north-south on the eastern border of the city is lined with ghats, or series of stairs-most built by Hindu kings who wanted to die along the Ganges. They even built lofty palaces along the river to spend their final days, most of which are now hotels. You can walk along the river's edge to see all of the ghats, or even take a tour by boat to see them from the river. Banaras Hindu University is another hub, existing as the largest residential university in Asia. It is home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archaeology, as well as the Vishwanath Temple. Throughout Vanarasi, there are plenty of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Take some time to wander amongst historic streets and get lost in the allure of the eastern culture.
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Varanasi, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
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 $13 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.
Thankfully, Varanasi offers plenty of hostels such as goSTOPS Lite Varanasi, Moustache Hostel Varanasi, and Wander Station Varanasi. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
Are You Considered 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 Varanasi 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 $31 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $77. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Varanasi Private Guided Tour | Ranked 1 Tour Operator on Viator - offered by Viator.
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.
