Kamakhya Temple is a famous Hindu shrine located in Guwahati, Assam, known for its spiritual significance and unique architecture. Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a major city in eastern India, making this route popular among pilgrims and tourists traveling from Bihar to Assam.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Patna to Kamakhya Temple, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find a detailed travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to visit for a comfortable journey.

Getting from Patna to Kamakhya Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many travelers from Patna to Kamakhya Temple. The rail network connects Patna Junction to Guwahati Railway Station, which is the nearest major station to Kamakhya Temple.

• Patna Junction (PNBE) is well connected to Guwahati (GHY) by several direct trains, covering approximately 900 km in 18 to 24 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Popular trains include the North East Express and Kamakhya Express, offering sleeper and AC coaches with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500, suitable for budget and comfort preferences.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during festivals like Durga Puja and Chhath Puja, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Guwahati Railway Station is about 12 km from Kamakhya Temple; local buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber provide easy last-mile connectivity.

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

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel from Patna to Guwahati, though the journey is long and can be tiring. This option suits travelers who prefer road travel and want to experience local stops.

• State-run buses like Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operate on this route, with departures from Patna Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) to Guwahati ISBT.

• The distance is around 950 km, and the journey typically takes 24 to 30 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares between ₹800 and ₹1200.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses provide more comfort and amenities but are less frequent; booking tickets online or at bus stands is advisable.

• Highways used include NH27 and NH31, which have toll plazas and several rest stops offering food and refreshments, but expect some rough patches during monsoon.

• Night buses are common, but travelers should be cautious about safety and carry essentials like water and snacks due to limited stops in remote areas.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Patna to Kamakhya Temple gives you flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. This option suits travelers comfortable with long-distance driving and Indian road conditions.

• The route covers about 950 km via NH27, passing through cities like Siliguri and Tezpur, with an estimated driving time of 18 to 20 hours without long breaks.

• Road conditions vary; major highways are mostly well-maintained but expect some potholes and toll plazas, so carry cash for tolls and fuel stops.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Siliguri or Tezpur to avoid fatigue; these towns have good hotels and eateries for rest and meals.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Patna, but ensure the vehicle is suitable for long trips and check for GPS or offline maps for navigation.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides in hilly areas near Assam; avoid night driving in such conditions.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Kamakhya Temple from Patna, especially for travelers with limited time. Guwahati Airport is the nearest airport to the temple.

• Patna Airport (PAT) offers direct flights to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, with flight durations around 1.5 hours.

• Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate daily flights; fares range from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on booking time and season.

• From Guwahati Airport, Kamakhya Temple is about 20 km away; prepaid taxis, Ola, and Uber cabs are available at the airport for quick transfers.

• Booking flights in advance through airline websites or travel portals helps secure better prices and preferred timings, especially during festival seasons.

• Flight delays can occur during heavy fog in winter months (December-January), so plan accordingly and check real-time flight status before travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Patna to Kamakhya Temple, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially train or flight tickets, using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute unavailability and higher prices.

• If traveling by train, arrive at Patna Junction at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform easily and avoid rush, as stations can be crowded.

• For bus travelers, confirm the bus timing and boarding point at Patna ISBT a day before departure; carry water and light snacks for the long journey.

• If driving, plan your route with GPS and schedule rest stops every 3-4 hours to avoid fatigue; keep emergency contacts handy and check vehicle condition before starting.

• Upon arrival in Guwahati, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach Kamakhya Temple safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Carry a small bag with essentials like water, sunscreen, and a light shawl for temple visits; dress modestly as it is a religious site and follow local customs.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items during travel, especially in crowded places like stations and bus stands, to prevent theft.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless you are familiar with the vendor to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Book tickets through official portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites for flights to ensure authenticity and easy cancellations or rescheduling if needed.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Guwahati for safe and affordable rides; avoid unmetered taxis or auto-rickshaws near stations.

• Pack light but include essentials such as a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon and warm clothes for winter mornings, as Assam can be cooler than Patna.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling and avoid traveling at night on highways during heavy rains or fog to reduce risks of accidents or delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Kamakhya Temple depends on weather and festival seasons, which affect road and rail conditions as well as crowd levels.

Winter months from October to March offer pleasant weather and clear skies, making travel comfortable. Avoid monsoon months from June to September due to heavy rains causing roadblocks and train delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Bihu when trains and flights are fully booked and prices surge.

• Fog in December and January can cause flight delays at Patna and Guwahati airports, so plan extra time for connections.

• Early morning departures are recommended for road travel to avoid city traffic and reach your destination before evening.

• Summer months can be hot and humid, so carry light cotton clothes and stay hydrated during the journey.

Arrival at Kamakhya Temple & What to Expect

On arriving in Guwahati, you will find several transport options to reach Kamakhya Temple, which is situated on Nilachal Hill about 12 km from the city center. The temple is well signposted and popular among locals and tourists.

Prepaid taxi counters at Guwahati Railway Station and Airport help you avoid bargaining and ensure safe rides. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber are widely available and convenient. Auto-rickshaws are cheaper but may not be comfortable for long distances.

Popular areas to stay include Pan Bazaar and Paltan Bazaar, which are close to the temple and offer a range of hotels and guesthouses. These localities also have good food options and easy access to public transport.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying from Patna to Guwahati is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Kamakhya Temple, especially if you have limited time. However, trains offer a budget-friendly and scenic alternative, while road travel gives you flexibility and a chance to explore the region.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing transport based on your comfort and schedule. With proper preparation and local knowledge, you can enjoy a smooth journey to this sacred temple and have a memorable visit.