Varanasi Airport serves mostly domestic flights as well as offering two international connections to Bangkok and Kathmandu. Frequent services connect the city with Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Jaipur and Lucknow. Also known as Babatpur Airport, the single terminal facility is located 18kms from the city and is linked by a shuttle bus services and pre-paid taxis. Airlines operating at the airport include Indian Airlines and Air India, as well as low-budget airlines SpiceJet, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines.

Facilities at the airport are limited to a few shopping outlets selling silk, handicrafts, books and magazines; car rental services; a tourist information counter; telephone booths; a snack bar and an airport restaurant. Trolleys and wheelchairs are provided free of charge. Parking facilities include spaces for 150 cars and 10 buses.

Varanasi is connected to other major Indian cities by rail, including Lucknow and Dehli. Distances can be long and visitors are advised to travel second or first class to ensure some level of comfort. Rail bookings should be made in advance, especially for sleeper trains. Varanasi Station is just 3 kilometres from the old city and auto and cycle rickshaws are available for the short trip. Trains from Kolkata and Guwahati arrive at Mughal Sarai Station, 16kms from Varanasi. Both buses and taxis are available at the station for the ride into Varanasi.

Driving in India is not recommended, but hiring a car with a driver is an option. Buses are the cheapest and sometimes the only way to get around in India, but are notoriously cramped and uncomfortable. If you are travelling to or from a city that is not convenient to access by rail, taking the bus may be the best option with services linking Varanasi to Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Lucknow, Delhi and Kathmandu in Nepal.

Once in Varanasi, the best way to get around is on foot and by cycle and auto rickshaw. You will need to agree on a fare before you get in a rickshaw, with prices increasing according to how many passengers and pieces of luggage. Rickshaws cannot travel within the old city lanes, which is worth bearing in mind when choosing a place to stay, particularly if you have a lot of luggage. They can however take you to the central Dashashwamedha Ghat, from where many restaurants and hotels are within walking distance.

Boats are available for hire all along the Ganges and make for a relaxing way to sightsee. Dashashwamedha ghat is a popular place to negotiate an early morning ride on one of these row boats.