Travel Budget for Varanasi Visit Varanasi on a Budget or Travel in Style

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Asia / India / Uttar Pradesh /
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Varanasi 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 Varanasi?

You should plan to spend around $35 (₨2,949) per day on your vacation in Varanasi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $12 (₨1,032) on meals
  • $4.84 (₨413) on local transportation
  • $32 (₨2,727) on hotels

A one week trip to Varanasi for two people costs, on average, $483 (₨41,286). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $35
    ₨2,949
  • One Week Per person
    $242
    ₨20,643
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $483
    ₨41,286
  • One Month Per person
    $1,035
    ₨88,470
  • One Week For a couple
    $483
    ₨41,286
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $966
    ₨82,572
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,071
    ₨176,940
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Varanasi cost?

A one week trip to Varanasi usually costs around $242 (₨20,643) for one person and $483 (₨41,286) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Varanasi on average costs around $483 (₨41,286) for one person and $966 (₨82,572) 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 Varanasi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Varanasi on average costs around $1,035 (₨88,470) for one person and $2,071 (₨176,940) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Varanasi expensive to visit?

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.

On average, budget travelers spend $14 (₨1,202) per day, mid-range travelers spend $34 (₨2,949) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $84 (₨7,313) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Varanasi.

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 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 		$7
(₨558) 		$16
(₨1,364) 		$37
(₨3,161)
Local Transportation1 $2
(₨156) 		$5
(₨413) 		$13
(₨1,147)
Food2 $5
(₨401) 		$12
(₨1,032) 		$32
(₨2,716)
Entertainment1 $4
(₨322) 		$10
(₨877) 		$30
(₨2,571)
Alcohol2 $1-4
(₨128-383) 		$4-12
(₨328-985) 		$10-30
(₨859-2,577)

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 $14 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 Moustache Hostel Varanasi, Wander Station Varanasi, and HosteLaVie - 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 $34 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 $84. 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 Experience Varanasi Tour: 2 Days Private Guided Tour - offered by Viator.

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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Varanasi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $32 (₨2,727). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $16 (₨1,364) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $16
    ₨1,364
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $32
    ₨2,727

Hotels in Varanasi

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Varanasi

The average hotel room price in Varanasi based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $32 in the low season and $60 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Varanasi include:

  • Rivatas By Ideal starting at $52
  • Hotel Pradeep starting at $26
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Varanasi

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Varanasi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $4.84 (₨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.
    $4.84
    ₨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:

  • Varanasi Airport to hotel private transfer for $18 details
  • Private Transfer Varanasi Airport (VNS) To Varanasi Hotels Drop for $12 details
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer for $14 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Varanasi
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.

Rental Cars in Varanasi
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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Varanasi?

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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Varanasi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Varanasi is $12 (₨1,032) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $12
    ₨1,032

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Varanasi is around $12 (₨1032) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $31. 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 $4
  • Lunch: $2 to $5
  • Dinner: $4 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.

Food & Dining Tips

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:

  • Varanasi Food Tour with Monu for $30 details
  • Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha for $32 details
  • Cooking Class with Sona for $43 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Varanasi?

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.


  • Dinner In Town
    ₨345


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Varanasi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Varanasi typically cost an average of $10 (₨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.
    $10
    ₨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 $107 details
  • City tour of varanasi with official tour guide for $35 details
  • The Heritage City Tour in Varanasi for $42 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Varanasi?

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.


  • Boat Ride
    ₨70


Nightlife Budget in Varanasi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.68 (₨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
    $7.68
    ₨656
Nightlife Tips

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: Mar 2, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Varanasi

  • Peak season in often means inflated prices and a busy destination. You can save some money and skip the crowds by opting for the shoulder or low seasons for your visit.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Varanasi, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a private driver or tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • If you were planning on staying in a hostel in Varanasi, you might want to reconsider. There aren't many options available, so finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment might be a better choice.
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Traveling in Varanasi
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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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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