Flying from Madurai (IXM) to Varanasi (VNS): what you need to know
- Varanasi's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Madurai.
- Give yourself enough time to catch your IXM to VNS flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
- Be prepared for longer queues during popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
- If you want to add a stop to your trip, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Madurai to Varanasi. These are the top stopovers between IXM and VNS:
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
How to find the cheapest flights from Madurai (IXM) to Varanasi (VNS)
- Right now, ₹ 7,826 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Madurai to Varanasi flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is ₹ 13,817. Keep in mind that fares could change due to availability at the time of booking.
- To pick up cheap tickets from IXM to VNS, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer lower fares when flights are first released.
- If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in each month when looking for a flight from Madurai to Varanasi.
- You won't have to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll send you an update as soon as there's a new deal on cheap flights from IXM to VNS.
- Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals on flights from Madurai to Varanasi.
Handy information about Madurai (IXM)
- Of the departures from Madurai, 75% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
- To get to Madurai from central Madurai, it takes about 25 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 11 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
- Expect a journey time of around 45 minutes on public transport.
- Booked an early flight from Madurai to Varanasi? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these hotels close to IXM:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Madurai Airport (IXM) to Varanasi Airport (VNS)?
Most airlines operating flights from IXM to VNS include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect with the main airlines on this route:
- IndiGo
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Madurai Airport (IXM), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Varanasi Airport (VNS), Terminal 1
- Check-in counters: Opens 2 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and ATMs at Madurai Airport (IXM). The airport also provides baggage storage services, parking facilities, and transport connections to help with your departure. Prayer rooms and basic medical services are available for passengers requiring these amenities at Madurai Airport (IXM).
Arriving at Varanasi (VNS)
- Book a hotel near VNS if you're taking a late Madurai to Varanasi flight. Choose one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Getting from Varanasi (VNS) to central Varanasi
- From Varanasi, Varanasi is approximately 26 kilometres away. It takes around 35 minutes to drive to the centre.
- It'll take around 1 hour 10 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
When to fly to Varanasi (VNS)
- It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Madurai to Varanasi. February is the busiest month to visit Varanasi. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in January.
- Book your flight from Madurai to Varanasi for May if you'd like to explore Varanasi during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures of between 26ºC and 44ºC.
- If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from IXM to VNS in January. Average temperatures are between 10ºC and 25ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Varanasi features hot summers, refreshing monsoon rains, and pleasant winter months with distinct seasonal variations. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
- December – February: Winter brings cool, dry days and chilly evenings to Varanasi, making these the best times to explore Varanasi. Pack layers for daytime wandering and a warm jacket for early mornings and nights.
- March – May: Summer arrives with warm, dry weather that steadily intensifies through the season. Temperatures climb noticeably, making early morning visits to the ghats and temples your most comfortable option for sightseeing.
- June – September: Varanasi's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with regular rainfall that refreshes the ancient city. Light, breathable fabrics and waterproof layers work well for exploring temples and riverside areas during this lush, green period.
- October – November: Post-monsoon weather brings clear skies and gentle warmth, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through the ancient streets. You'll find perfect conditions for sightseeing and riverside walks during this rewarding season.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Varanasi sits along the Ganges River and ranks among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The ancient streets wind between ghats where pilgrims bathe in sacred waters and cremation ceremonies take place around the clock. Temples fill every corner while boat rides offer close-up experiences of riverside rituals. Many travellers booking flights to Varanasi come for the spiritual atmosphere and centuries-old traditions.
- Things to do in Varanasi: Take an early morning boat ride along the Ganges to watch the sunrise over the ghats, starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat about 2 kilometres southeast of the city centre. Wander through the narrow lanes of the old city markets, roughly 1 kilometre south, where you can browse silk textiles and brass items. Head to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres northeast, to explore the ancient ruins and peaceful deer park where you can walk among stupas and monasteries.
- Cultural experiences: Watch evening aarti ceremonies at Dashashwamedh Ghat, just 2 kilometres east of central Varanasi along the Ganges riverbank. Learn classical music at the Sankat Mochan Foundation, about 6 kilometres south in the cultural quarter, or sample traditional sweets like malaiyo and lassi in the narrow lanes of Godowlia, roughly 1 kilometre northeast of the main ghats. Each area connects you to centuries-old traditions through music, spirituality, and culinary heritage.
- Seasonal highlights: Experience the spiritual Dev Deepavali festival in November when thousands of diyas illuminate the ghats along the Ganges. The cooler months from October to March offer the best time to visit Varanasi for comfortable temple visits and peaceful boat rides at sunrise. Join the colourful Holi celebrations in March where locals gather to throw gulal and celebrate spring's arrival throughout the ancient streets.
Explore more of India
- You've visited Varanasi, now it's time to discover more of India. Travel about 290 kilometres north-west to Kanpur to check off its popular sights. From ISKCON Kanpur, Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple to SHREE JAGANNATH TEMPLE and Jaggannath Ji Temple, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
- If you're eager to discover another major destination in India, consider Lucknow, about 257 kilometres north-west of Varanasi. ImamBada, Victoria Memorial and Jama Masjid are among its highlights.
