Varanasi Airport Transfer: A Traveler’s Honest Review
Landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) can, in some ways, feel like stepping into a totally different time. From there, figuring out how to get to your accommodation in Varanasi, or Kashi as the locals tend to call it, too it’s almost the very first puzzle you’ll face. A pre-booked private airport transfer service might be the way to go, or so I thought. Let’s have a look at the experience of using one in this chaotic, yet incredibly spiritual, city.
First Impressions & Booking
Deciding on a private transfer, is that usually makes sense after a tiring flight, yet is also a pretty nice way to bypass the taxi touts and potential haggling as soon as you arrive. Many services can easily be found online. I picked one boasting what seemed to be good reviews and a transparent pricing structure. The booking thingy was, arguably, easy enough; just a few clicks and I had confirmation in my inbox. I made sure to note down my flight number, which I thought might be fairly essential for smooth pickup, you know?
Arrival & Pickup: A Mixed Bag
Touching down in Varanasi, the airport, too it’s almost quite small and efficiently run. Getting through baggage claim didn’t actually take all that long. As I stepped out into the arrivals hall, the hunt for my driver commenced, still, armed with just my name on a sign. He wasn’t there. Slight panic maybe? Well, after about 15 minutes of scanning the crowds and feeling that rising sense of annoyance that we often get while traveling, a guy holding a sign with my name, still spelled slightly wrong, appeared, seemingly apologetic and blaming the delay on traffic. Traffic in Varanasi is just unbelievable, isn’t it? Getting out of the airport area, well that’s something else! It was so intense, yet somehow kind of added to the atmosphere.
The Ride: Comfort & Conversation
The car itself seemed, basically, reasonably clean and air-conditioned. A big win considering the Varanasi heat, basically! My driver, so too it’s almost quite a character. His English, too it’s almost limited, however, that really didn’t stop him from trying to point out landmarks along the way. The ride to my hotel was, basically, certainly an experience. We dodged cows, scooters carrying whole families, and what seemed to be a million auto-rickshaws. Yet, very the driving wasn’t terrifying, actually; more just eye-opening.
Value for Money?
Cost-wise, I figured a private transfer might be expensive compared to just hopping in a local taxi or pre-paid rickshaw. But, for the peace of mind, or that’s just what you might tell yourself after booking! Especially after a long flight, it could be worth it. Considering what happened to me though, with that initial delay and also the not-so-new car, so it’s just hard to decide. I suppose, that, that depends a whole lot on just what you’re hoping to gain, you know?
Tips for Booking a Varanasi Airport Transfer
- Book in Advance: That, basically secures availability, basically, and sometimes better rates.
- Confirm Details: Reconfirm your booking and also pickup info just a day or so before arrival.
- Read Reviews: Check recent reviews to kind of get an idea of the service quality.
- Have Local Currency: If you’re planning to tip (discretionary, obviously), that’s still good to have some small bills ready.
Other Options for Getting Around
- Prepaid Taxi: Often offered right inside the airport. You pay a fixed rate at the counter.
- Auto-Rickshaw: Arguably, this can be cheaper but then there’s that haggling thing and it might not be ideal with a lot of luggage.
Final Thoughts: Worth It, Maybe?
A private airport transfer in Varanasi is, maybe, a fairly convenient option. This, very much saves you that immediate stress of finding transportation right after your flight. Yet, like your experience might well vary, so it’s almost always going to depend on that service you choose. Do your research, and, arguably, be prepared for things to not go exactly according to plan, yet that’s often the fun of traveling in India, anyway! Even with the initial hiccup, it did give me a glimpse into that madcap energy of Varanasi right from the get-go.