Flying from Salem (SXV) to Varanasi (VNS): what you need to know
Salem and Varanasi are in the same timezone, UTC+5:30.
To ensure you catch your SXV to VNS flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak time like October? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at airport checkpoints. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
If you'd like to include a stop along the way, just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Salem to Varanasi. Here are the most popular stopovers between SXV and VNS:
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Chennai
How to find the cheapest flights from Salem (SXV) to Varanasi (VNS)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way Salem to Varanasi flight is ₹ 8,478. A round-trip plane ticket is currently ₹ 20,488. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from SXV to VNS if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird discounts.
Getting cheap flights from Salem to Varanasi is easy if you can be flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across every month and snap up a great deal.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from SXV to VNS by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals on flights from Salem to Varanasi.
Handy information about Salem (SXV)
Salem maintains a solid on-time record, so flight disruptions are less likely. Departures from SXV land on schedule 86% of the time.
To reach Salem from central Salem, it'll take about 30 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic though. It's approximately 18 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
You can expect a journey time of around 50 minutes on public transport.
Get your flight from Salem to Varanasi off to an easy start. Just a short drive from SXV, stay at 6 Face By AMR and you'll be well-rested for the journey ahead.
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Salem Airport (SXV) to Varanasi Airport (VNS)?
Most airlines operating flights from SXV to VNS include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances can vary depending on the airline and your specific ticket type. Here's what you can expect from airlines on this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Salem Airport (SXV), 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, dining options, and parking services at Salem Airport (SXV). The airport also provides basic passenger amenities such as waiting areas and ground transportation connections to help you during your journey. ATM facilities are available on-site for your convenience at Salem Airport (SXV).
Arriving at Varanasi (VNS)
If you're getting in on a late Salem to Varanasi flight, few things top the convenience of being close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these options near VNS:
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.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
When to fly to Varanasi (VNS)
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Salem to Varanasi. February is the most popular month to visit Varanasi. If you like a more laid-back vibe, go in January.
Before locking in your flight from Salem to Varanasi, think about the kind of weather you like. May is the warmest month in Varanasi, with the temperature ranging from 26ºC to 44ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SXV to VNS in January. Temperatures average between 10ºC and 25ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Varanasi features hot summers, monsoon rains, and pleasant winters with distinct seasonal changes throughout the year. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings cooler days and fresh mornings, making this one of the best times to explore Varanasi with lighter crowds and clear skies perfect for sightseeing.
March – May: Summer brings hot, dry weather that intensifies as the season progresses. Start your sightseeing early in the morning to make the most of cooler temperatures.
June – September: Varanasi's monsoon season delivers warm, humid days with regular rainfall that refreshes the ancient city. Cotton clothing works best in these conditions, and covered walking areas become ideal for exploring temples and cultural sites while staying comfortable during downpours.
October – November: Post-monsoon season brings crisp mornings and warm days perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through the ancient streets. You'll find ideal conditions for sightseeing and soaking up the spiritual atmosphere.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and remains the spiritual centre of Hinduism. The ancient city draws pilgrims and travellers to its sacred ghats along the Ganges River, where daily rituals and ceremonies take place at sunrise and sunset. Consider flights to Varanasi for an immersive cultural experience.
Things to do in Varanasi: Take an early morning boat ride along the Ganges to watch the sunrise over the ancient ghats, starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat just 2 kilometres east of the city centre. Stroll through the narrow lanes of the old quarter, about 1 kilometre northeast, where you can browse local markets selling silk scarves, brass items and street food. Head to Ramnagar Fort, roughly 14 kilometres southeast across the river, for panoramic views of the Ganges and the city's stepped riverbanks.
Cultural experiences: Watch evening aarti ceremonies at Dashashwamedh Ghat, about 2 kilometres southeast of the city centre along the Ganges. Learn classical Indian music at the Banaras Hindu University, roughly 5 kilometres south in the university district, or browse handwoven Banarasi silk sarees in the traditional weaver quarters of Madanpura, around 3 kilometres northwest. Each area connects you with centuries-old traditions through music, craft, and spiritual practice.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the grand celebrations of Diwali in October or November when thousands of diyas illuminate the ghats along the Ganges. The post-monsoon months from October to March offer the best time to visit Varanasi with pleasant weather for exploring the ancient temples and taking boat rides at sunrise. Join the colourful Holi festivities in March when the city transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours and joyful celebrations.
Explore more of India
Varanasi has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of India just waiting to be discovered. Around 290 kilometres north-west of Varanasi, a visit to Kanpur will keep you on the move. Start with leading sights like ISKCON Kanpur, Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple, SHREE JAGANNATH TEMPLE and Jaggannath Ji Temple.
If you want to check out another major destination in India, consider Lucknow, roughly 257 kilometres north-west of Varanasi. ImamBada, Victoria Memorial and Jama Masjid are among its highlights.
