Patna, the capital city of Bihar, lies on the southern banks of the Ganges River. Gorakhpur, located in eastern Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border, is a major railway hub and cultural center. This route is commonly traveled for business, education, and pilgrimage purposes.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Patna to Gorakhpur using different transport modes. You will find practical details on trains, buses, driving, and flights, along with useful travel tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Patna to Gorakhpur – Main Options

Train

Train travel is the most popular and convenient option between Patna and Gorakhpur. Several direct trains connect these cities daily, offering affordable and comfortable journeys.

• Patna Junction (PNBE) and Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) are the main stations, connected by multiple express and superfast trains covering about 260 km in 6 to 8 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 150 for sleeper class to INR 700 for AC 3-tier, making it budget-friendly for most travelers.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during festivals and holidays to avoid waitlists.

• Travel comfort varies by class; AC coaches are well-maintained, while sleeper coaches can get crowded during peak seasons.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train status before departure.

• Food vendors and pantry cars are available on some trains, but carrying light snacks and water is advisable for longer journeys.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and economical way to travel from Patna to Gorakhpur. Both government and private operators run services connecting the two cities.

• Buses depart mainly from Patna's Gandhi Maidan Bus Stand and arrive at Gorakhpur's main bus terminals like Gorakhpur Bus Station or nearby stops.

• The road distance is approximately 280 km, with travel times ranging from 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus fares vary between INR 300 and INR 600, depending on the type of bus—ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC coaches.

• State transport buses like Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) provide reliable services with fixed schedules.

• Private operators offer more frequent services but may have variable comfort levels; booking tickets online or at the stand is recommended.

• During monsoon, road conditions can worsen, causing delays; night buses are common but check safety and comfort before choosing overnight travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Patna to Gorakhpur is a good option if you prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route is well-connected by national highways.

• The journey covers around 280 km via NH27 and NH727, taking approximately 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major towns on the route include Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, and Deoria, where you can find rest stops and food options.

• Toll plazas are present on NH27; expect toll charges totaling around INR 200 to INR 300 for the entire route.

• Driving yourself or hiring a taxi offers door-to-door convenience but can be tiring; plan breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid fatigue.

• Road conditions are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause waterlogging and potholes, so check weather forecasts before starting.

• Fuel stations are available regularly along the highway; carrying a physical map or GPS device is helpful as mobile signals can be weak in some stretches.

Flight

Flying is less common for this short distance but possible for travelers seeking speed. Both Patna and Gorakhpur have airports with limited connectivity.

• Patna Airport (PAT) offers flights to Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) operated by regional airlines, though direct flights may be infrequent and seasonal.

• Flight duration is about 1 hour, but including check-in and transfers, total travel time can be 3 to 4 hours.

• Airfares typically range from INR 2000 to INR 4000, making it the costliest option compared to train or bus.

• Booking flights well in advance is essential due to limited seats and occasional cancellations.

• Both airports have basic facilities; from Gorakhpur Airport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for local travel.

• Flight schedules may be affected by fog in winter or monsoon weather, so monitor updates closely before booking.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Patna to Gorakhpur. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Check train and bus schedules online using IRCTC and state transport websites to find the best departure time and avoid last-minute rush.

• Book your tickets in advance, especially for trains and buses during festivals like Chhath Puja or Diwali, when demand spikes significantly.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, a power bank, and a small first-aid kit to stay comfortable during the journey.

• Reach the departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes early to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• If traveling by car, plan your route using GPS and check for toll plazas and fuel stations; start early to avoid city traffic in Patna.

• Upon arrival in Gorakhpur, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent local transport.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted vendors to avoid stomach issues common during Indian travel.

• Use official websites like IRCTC for train bookings and MSRTC or UPSRTC portals for bus tickets to ensure authenticity and avoid scams.

• For local travel in Gorakhpur, prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs rather than hailing autos on the street to prevent overcharging.

• Carry your luggage in sturdy bags with locks; avoid overpacking to make transfers and boarding easier in busy terminals.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and cause roadblocks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Gorakhpur is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant, and road and rail conditions are generally good.

Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons like Durga Puja and Chhath Puja when trains and buses are overcrowded and tickets sell out quickly.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays due to waterlogging and poor road conditions, so plan extra time if traveling then.

• Winter mornings may have dense fog affecting train and flight schedules, so consider afternoon departures for smoother travel.

• Early morning or late evening departures help avoid city traffic in Patna and Gorakhpur, making the journey faster and less stressful.

Arrival at Gorakhpur & What to Expect

Gorakhpur Junction is a large and busy railway station with multiple exits. Prepaid taxi counters are available near the main exit, providing safe and fixed-rate rides to your accommodation.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, which are widely used for commuting within the city. Popular areas to stay include near the station, Civil Lines, and the Cantonment area for easy access.

Conclusion

Traveling from Patna to Gorakhpur is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train travel stands out as the most efficient and economical way, offering frequent services and comfortable classes.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing the right transport mode will ensure a smooth journey. With practical tips and clear steps, you can confidently plan your trip between these two important cities in eastern India.