How to Get to Ranchi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Birsa Munda Airport IXR

Airlines & Routes

Several Indian airlines operate flights to and from Birsa Munda Airport.

Domestic Carriers

IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Alliance Air.
Flights mainly connect Ranchi to major Indian cities.
Frequent services to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Patna.

International Connections

Birsa Munda Airport (IXR) does not offer direct international flights.

Connecting from Major Hubs

International travelers fly into India's major international airports.
Then, take a domestic connecting flight to Ranchi.
Common entry points: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Kolkata (CCU), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA).

Seasonal Flight Prices

Flight prices increase during peak season (Oct-Mar), especially around festivals. Cheaper fares often appear during monsoon (Jul-Sep). Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Facilities

Birsa Munda Airport is a domestic airport with a single terminal. It features ATMs, limited currency exchange, car rental counters, food stalls, and small souvenir shops. The airport is compact and easy to navigate.

Airport Transfers

Upon arrival, options include prepaid taxis, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), auto-rickshaws (negotiate fare), and hotel shuttles. The airport is roughly 7 km from Ranchi city center.

Getting to Your Accommodation

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Prepaid Taxi: Counters inside terminal for fixed, transparent fares.
App-based Cabs: Ola and Uber operate. Book via app, drivers pick up from designated points.
Auto-rickshaws: Available outside, negotiate fare before starting.
Hotel Transport: Many hotels Offer airport pickup (additional charge).

Distance & Time

Birsa Munda Airport is approximately 7 kilometers from Ranchi city center.
Transfers are relatively quick, usually 20-30 minutes, traffic dependent.
Book private transport in advance for late-night arrivals.
Compare app fares with prepaid options for best value.

Planning Your Flight

Booking Ahead

Book flights well in advance for peak season and festival periods to secure better rates and availability. Use flight comparison sites.

Checking Baggage Policies

Verify luggage allowances for domestic flights, as they can differ from international carriers. Budget airlines may have stricter limits.

Connecting Flights

Allow ample layover time for transfers, especially when arriving internationally and transferring to a domestic flight. Indian airports can be busy.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Ranchi Junction (RNC) acts as a major railway station.

Indian Railways Services

Range of train services: express to passenger trains.
For long journeys, reserve berths in AC (1A, 2A, 3A) or Sleeper class.
Book booking tickets early via IRCTC website or station counters.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Ranchi's Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) is the main hub for long-distance bus services.

Bus Services & Routes

Jharkhand State Road Transport Corporation (JSRTC) and private operators.
Regular services to cities within Jharkhand (Jamshedpur) and neighboring states (Kolkata, Patna).
Various bus types: non-AC, AC, Sleeper, and Volvo (luxury) buses.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving in India has unique challenges.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) and a driver's license from your own country.
Road Conditions: Vary. National Highways are generally maintained; others can be poor, narrow, crowded.
Traffic: Chaotic and unpredictable. Defensive driving is essential. Overtaking occurs from both sides.

Road Safety Concerns

Be aware of specific road hazards in Ranchi and nearby regions.

Hazards & Recommendations

Monsoon Season: Heavy rains degrade road conditions, potholes, waterlogging.
Heavy Vehicle Traffic: Highways often experience heavy truck and bus traffic.
Driving Styles: Lack of clear lane discipline and aggressive driving. Consider hiring a car with a driver.

Important Driving Laws

Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Speed limits vary and are often posted.
Seat belts are mandatory for all car occupants.

Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists and pillion riders.
Driving at night on rural roads is not recommended.
Expect unexpected pedestrian and animal crossings.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Ranchi is a city not on the coast within India.

Not Applicable for Ranchi

Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable.
The city is far from any coastline.
No major navigable rivers for such transport.

River Transportation

While the Subarnarekha River flows through the region, it's not a tourist transport route.

Leisure vs. Transport

No significant river transportation options for tourism to or from Ranchi.
Boating is available on local lakes for recreational purposes only.
It's not a mode of transport between points.

Inland City Status

Ranchi's location deep withwithin India means sea and river transport are not relevant for arrival.

No Seaport Immigration

Immigration procedures at seaports do not apply to travelers destined for Ranchi. All entry points are land or air.

Land Connections Paramount

Land and air routes are the sole techniques for reaching Ranchi, with extensive rail and road infrastructures.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically levied for departing travelers from Indian airports.

Departure Guidelines

Airfare typically includes all applicable taxes.
Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5 to TWO hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Check-in: Online check-in is recommended. Use baggage drop counters for luggage.

Security & Station Facilities

Be prepared for security screening and locate facilities at the airport/station.

Airport & Rail Security

Security: Metal detectors and X-ray scanning of all bags. Remove electronics and liquids.
Birsa Munda Airport: Waiting areas, restrooms, basic food counters.
Ranchi Junction: Waiting rooms, food stalls, restrooms, inquiry counters.

Departure Timing

Domestic Flights

Provide 1.5 to 2 hours for check-in, luggage drop-off, and security.

Train Departures

Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure to locate platform and coach.

Bus Departures

Arrive 30 minutes before departure to find your bus and secure luggage.

How to Get to Ranchi