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How to Get to Patna

How to Get to Patna

Patna Bihar, India Travel Guide

Major Airports Serving Patna

Jay Prakash Narayan Airport PNR

Patna's main airport. It lies approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) southwest of the city center. PNR is a domestic airport.

Airport Details

  • Location: Approximately 5 km (3 miles) to the southwest of city center.
  • Type: Domestic airport, flights within India.
  • No direct international flights from major global hubs.

Airlines and Typical Routes

PNR is mainly served by primary Indian domestic airlines. Flights connect Patna to India's largest city areas.

Connections

  • Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Alliance Air.
  • Common Routes: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Kolkata (CCU), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD).
  • These cities serve as major hubs for onward domestic connections to Patna.

International Travelers

Fly into major international airports like Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM), then take a connecting domestic flight to PNR. Plan sufficient layover time.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices climb during peak tourist season (Oct-Mar) and major festivals. Book well in advance for these periods.

Monsoon Season Deals

You might find lower fares during monsoon season (Jul-Sep) when tourist numbers are lower. Weather-related delays can occur.

Airport Facilities and Services

Basic Amenities at PNR

  • Baggage Services: Standard baggage claim carousels.
  • Food Stalls: A few small food and snack stalls.
  • Currency Exchange: A counter for currency exchange is present.
  • Pre-paid Taxi Counter: Service for taxis with fixed fares into the city.

Onward Travel Desks

  • Vehicle Rental Desks: Generally have cars with drivers rather than self-drive options.
  • Compact Airport: Recent upgrades improved capacity, but anticipate a more compact airport experience.
  • Plan sufficient layover time for people arriving internationally and domestic connections.
  • Booking: Booking flights several weeks or months in advance often secures better prices.

Transfer Options from PNR

Pre-paid Taxis

Available at a devoted counter inside the airport terminal. This option has a fixed, transparent fare to your destination.

Ride-sharing Apps Ola/Uber

Ola and Uber operate in Patna. You can book a car via their apps from the airport. A local SIM card or active international roaming is needed.

Auto-rickshaws

You will find auto-rickshaws outside the airport. Haggle the price before starting your journey, as they don't use meters.

Navigating by Land: Trains & Buses

Train Connections and Services

Patna Junction (PNBE) is the main railway station and a significant rail hub. It connects Patna to almost every major city across India.

Travel by Rail

  • Connectivity: Direct services to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Varanasi, Gaya.
  • Classes: AC (First, Two-tier, Three-tier) recommended for comfort, also non-AC Sleeper Class.
  • Booking: Tickets book up rapidly, book 2-3 months prior via IRCTC or authorized agents.

Long-Distance Bus Options and Companies

Patna is well-connected by state-run (BSRTC) and private bus services. Buses operate to cities within Bihar and nearby states.

Travel by Bus

  • Network: State-run (BSRTC) and private bus services.
  • Routes: Cities within Bihar and to Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Nepal border.
  • Booking: Purchased at bus stations or through online travel portals.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving is generally not recommended for foreign tourists. Indian traffic can be chaotic.

Driving in India

  • Traffic: Chaotic conditions and varied road quality.
  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) plus a driver's license from your own country. Vehicles drive on the left.
  • Alternative: Hiring a car with a driver offers a safer and more relaxed travel option.

Road Conditions and Safety

Major highways have seen improvements, but quality remains inconsistent. City streets feature congestion and shared spaces.

Road Travel Tips

  • City Roads: Congestion, potholes, shared space with pedestrians, animals.
  • Night Driving: Carries higher risks due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles. Avoid it if possible.
  • Border Crossing (Nepal): Approximately 200 km north. Separate visa and entry procedures apply for Nepal.

Critical Safety Reminders

  • Indian traffic conditions can be chaotic.
  • Local driving rules often differ from Western norms.
  • Road conditions within Patna and on rural roads can be inconsistent.
  • Night driving safety risks are higher.
  • Ensure required documents for both countries when crossing to Nepal.

River Travel: The Ganges Experience

Local Ferries & Water Transport

Patna's location on the Ganges River makes river transportation part of local life. Local ferry services operate on the Ganga River.

River Transit Overview

  • Mainly for crossing the river, for example, to Sonepur Mela grounds.
  • Used for short pilgrimages and leisure rides.
  • Patna is not a major cruise port for international or long-distance river cruises.

Ganges River Experience

River transportation mostly caters to local transport, sacred rituals, and short scenic boat rides.

Unique Perspectives

  • A boat ride on the Ganges brings an unique perspective of the city.
  • Witness events like the Ganga Aarti (river worship ceremony) from the water.
  • Ghats like Gandhi Ghat access local auto-rickshaws and city buses.

Religious Ceremonies

Ganga Ghats serve as focal points for religious ceremonies and daily ablutions.

Leisure Boat Rides

Short scenic boat rides are available on the Ganges for a relaxing experience.

Sonepur Mela Access

Ferry services can transport tourists to the Sonepur Mela grounds on the opposite bank during the annual fair.

Departing from Patna

Air Travel Departure PNR

For domestic flights from Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PNR), arrive well in advance. Security verifications are thorough.

Departure Guidelines

  • Timing: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.
  • Documents: Have your e-ticket and a valid ID (passport) ready for airport entry and check-in.
  • Security: Be prepared for thorough security screenings.

Train Travel Departure Patna Junction

When departing by train from Patna Junction, arrive with enough time to locate your platform. Platform numbers can change.

Departure Guidelines

  • Timing: Arrive at Patna Junction at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • Platform: Check display boards for your platform number, as this can change.
  • Facilities: The station provides waiting rooms, food stalls, restrooms, and a cloakroom for luggage storage.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

PNR Airport Amenities

PNR Airport has basic waiting areas, a few food stalls, check-in counters, and security screening.

Patna Junction Amenities

Patna Junction provides waiting rooms, food stalls, restrooms, and a luggage storage facility (cloakroom) for a fee.

Bus Travel Departure

Arrive at the designated bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure. Confirm your bus number and destination with staff.

Exit Fees and Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on air or land departures from India for tourists. Any taxes are typically a portion of your flight or train ticket price.