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How to Get to Bhagalpur

How to Get to Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur Bihar, India Travel Guide

Nearest Airports & Flights

Major Airports Serving Bhagalpur

The nearest major airports are:

Airports & Connectivity

  • Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), Patna, Bihar: Approximately 230 km (143 miles) west. Closest major airport with domestic connectivity.
  • Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), Siliguri, West Bengal: Approximately 250 km (155 miles) east. Domestic flights and limited international connections.
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata, West Bengal: Approximately 450 km (280 miles) southeast. Major international hub.

Airlines & Routes

Learn about airline services and connections:

Flight Services & International Links

  • To Patna (PAT): Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air from major Indian cities.
  • To Bagdogra (IXB): IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air, Air India from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata.
  • Direct International Flights: None to Patna or Bagdogra. Connect via key Indian international airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata). Kolkata (CCU) has direct international flights.

Seasonal Prices

Airfare is higher in high season (Oct-Mar), lower in low season (Jul-Sep), and are a better deal in shoulder season (Apr-Jun, Sep).

Airport Facilities

Patna (PAT) and Bagdogra (IXB) offer basic facilities. Kolkata (CCU) is a modern international airport with extensive services. Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight discounts or Skyscanner for options.

Airport Transfers

From Patna (PAT) or Bagdogra (IXB), connect to Bhagalpur by train, bus, or private taxi. Travel times vary by mode and distance.

Airport Transfer Considerations

From Patna PAT to Bhagalpur

  • Train: Frequent services from Patna Junction, 4-6 hours. Common and affordable.
  • Bus: State-run and private buses, 6-8 hours.
  • Taxi: Private taxis, 5-6 hours, ₹4,000-₹6,000.
  • Patna is the closest major airport.

From Bagdogra IXB to Bhagalpur

  • Train: Taxi to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station (15-20km), then train to Bhagalpur Junction, 5-7 hours.
  • Bus: Buses from Siliguri (near Bagdogra) to Bhagalpur, less direct.
  • Taxi: Private taxis, 6-7 hours, ₹4,500-₹7,000.
  • Consider connecting through Kolkata (CCU) for international flights.

Flight Booking & Transfers

Flight Search

Utilize Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts and Skyscanner for comparing flight options.

Airport Transfers

Pre-book taxis or use official pre-paid counters at air terminals for a seamless transfer to Bhagalpur.

Consider Layover Cities

Major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai often serve as good layover points for onward domestic travel.

Land Routes to Bhagalpur

Train Connections & Services

Land transport forms the main means of reaching Bhagalpur from other parts of India.

Bhagalpur Junction BGP

  • Connectivity: Major railway station, connecting to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati.
  • Train Types: Express and Superfast trains.
  • Booking: Advance booking recommended for AC classes via IRCTC website or authorized agents.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services offer connectivity to various cities.

Bus Connectivity & Types

  • Connectivity: State-run (BSRTC) and private buses link Bhagalpur to towns in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
  • Bus Stands: Bhagalpur has a main bus stand.
  • Types & Booking: Ordinary (non-AC), Deluxe (AC), Sleeper buses. Purchase tickets at bus stop or online.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving is generally not recommended for foreign tourists.

Requirements & Challenges

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) and valid domestic license.
  • Road Conditions: Vary significantly; national highways better, but state/rural roads poor, especially in monsoon.
  • Safety Concerns: Chaotic traffic, aggressive driving, lack of lane discipline. Night driving not recommended.

Road Conditions & Safety

Be aware of certain conditions for road travel.

Road Network & Hazards

  • National Highways (NH): NH 80 and NH 31 connect Bhagalpur. Generally fair to good, but construction can cause delays.
  • State/Local Roads: Can be narrow, poorly maintained, prone to potholes, particularly beyond the city centers.
  • Safety: Traffic rules often not strictly followed. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, animals.

Important Road Travel Notes

  • Self-driving is not recommended for foreign visitors due to complex road conditions.
  • Avoid night driving due to poor visibility and unpredictable traffic.
  • Finding parking can be challenging in crowded city centers.
  • Consider hiring a car with a local driver for comfortable and safe travel.
  • Stay vigilant for sudden halts and vehicles without proper lighting on roads.
  • Always put safety first over speed on Indian roads.

River & Waterway Travel

River Transportation Options

Bhagalpur sits on the banks of the Ganga River.

Local Boats on Ganga

  • Local Boats: Available for short distances or religious purposes (e.g., visiting specific ghats).
  • Recreational Rides: Enjoy short recreational rides on the river.
  • No Formal System: These do not form a formal transportation system for tourist arrivals or departures.

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

International sea arrivals are not applicable for Bhagalpur.

No International Sea Access

  • No Ferry Services: No established commercial ferry services connect Bhagalpur for tourist travel.
  • No Cruise Ports: Bhagalpur does not have cruise ports or facilities for international sea arrivals.
  • Land Connections: Not relevant in this context for sea/river arrivals to Bhagalpur.

Religious Rides

Local boats often ferry devotees to various ghats for religious rituals and ceremonies along the sacred Ganga.

Scenic Views

A boat ride provides an unique perspective of the city's riverfront and its daily life unfolding on the banks.

Local Experience

Embrace the traditional feel of a river journey, connecting with the age-old customs tied to the Ganga.

Departing from Bhagalpur

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees are charged upon departure from India at airports; these are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Guidelines

  • Airport: Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights, 3-4 hours before international flights.
  • Train Station (BGP): Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. Check platform number.
  • Bus Station: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure. Confirm bus number.

Facilities for Departing Travelers

Airport and station facilities cater to departing passengers.

Airport & Station Amenities

  • Airports (PAT/IXB/CCU): Waiting areas, food and beverage outlets, restrooms. Kolkata (CCU) offers more extensive facilities like lounges and duty-free.
  • Bhagalpur Junction Railway Station: Waiting rooms, food stalls, restrooms, booking counters. Facilities are basic but functional.
  • Keep passport, visa, and boarding pass accessible for check-in and security.

Final Travel Guidance

Security Screening

Baggage screening processes are rigorous at airports. Follow all instructions carefully.

Train Boarding

Verify your train's platform, class, and coach number before boarding, especially in crowded stations.

Bus Confirmation

Confirm your bus number and destination with staff at the bus stand to avoid confusion.

Departure Reminder

Allocate ample time for departure from any transport hub to account for queues and security checks.