Nepal is a beautiful country located to the north of India, nestled in the Himalayas. It shares an open border with several Indian states, making it a popular destination for Indian travelers seeking culture, nature, and adventure. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Nepal from India using different transport modes.

You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights connecting major Indian cities to Nepal. The guide also includes practical travel tips, step-by-step planning advice, and what to expect upon arrival in Nepal.

Getting from India to Nepal – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you want a comfortable and affordable journey to Nepal’s border towns. Indian Railways connects several cities to stations near Nepal’s entry points.

• The nearest major railway station to Nepal is Jogbani in Bihar, about 1 km from the Nepal border at Biratnagar, with trains from Kolkata, Patna, and Delhi taking 12 to 24 hours depending on the route.

• Another important station is Raxaul in Bihar, close to Birgunj in Nepal, connected by trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and Gorakhpur, with travel times ranging from 10 to 20 hours.

• Train fares vary between ₹200 and ₹800 for sleeper and general classes, offering budget-friendly options, but trains can be crowded during festivals and holidays like Diwali and Dashain.

• From these border stations, you can take shared jeeps or taxis to cross into Nepal, but be prepared for some waiting time due to customs and immigration checks.

• Train services may face delays during the monsoon season due to waterlogging and track maintenance, so plan accordingly and check IRCTC for real-time updates.

Bus

Buses are a popular choice for direct travel from Indian cities to Nepal’s main towns. They offer frequent services and are convenient for budget travelers.

• Regular bus services operate from cities like Delhi, Gorakhpur, and Kathmandu to Nepal border points such as Sunauli (near Lumbini) and Raxaul (near Birgunj), with journey times ranging from 12 to 24 hours.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and private operators run deluxe and semi-deluxe buses costing ₹500 to ₹1500 depending on distance and comfort level.

• Buses usually depart early morning to avoid city traffic and reach Nepal border by afternoon or evening, but delays can occur during peak travel seasons like Dashain and Tihar festivals.

• On the Indian side, bus terminals like Gorakhpur Bus Stand and Delhi ISBT are well connected by local transport, making boarding easy for travelers.

• Be prepared for border formalities at customs and immigration checkpoints, which can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on crowd and time of day.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Nepal offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore border towns and beyond at your own pace. Indian nationals can drive up to certain points with valid documents.

• The main highway routes to Nepal include NH27 from Gorakhpur to Sunauli and NH28 from Muzaffarpur to Raxaul, covering distances of 150 to 300 km depending on your starting city.

• Travel time by car ranges from 5 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing delays, with toll plazas on Indian highways charging nominal fees.

• Indian drivers need a valid passport and visa for Nepal, and vehicle permits are required for driving inside Nepal; check with Nepalese authorities before travel.

• Fuel stations and rest stops are available along NH27 and NH28, with dhabas offering local food and refreshments, but monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides.

• Parking and traffic rules differ in Nepal; it is advisable to hire a local driver or guide if unfamiliar with local driving conditions and road signage.

Flight

Flights are the fastest way to reach Nepal from major Indian cities, especially if you want to reach Kathmandu or Pokhara quickly.

• Direct flights operate daily from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Varanasi to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, with flight durations of 1 to 2 hours.

• Airfares range from ₹3000 to ₹8000 one-way, depending on the airline and booking time, with budget carriers like IndiGo and Nepal Airlines offering competitive prices.

• Flights can be affected by fog and poor visibility during winter months, causing delays or cancellations, so check weather updates before booking.

• From Kathmandu airport, you can use prepaid taxis, Ola, or Uber to reach city centers, with fares around NPR 500 to 1000 (₹300 to ₹600).

• Pokhara also has a domestic airport with flights from Kathmandu; connecting flights from India may require a transfer in Kathmandu.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from India to Nepal, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Decide your mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Flights are fastest, buses and trains are economical, and self-drive offers flexibility.

• Step 2: Book tickets in advance using IRCTC for trains, official bus websites or counters, and airline portals for flights, especially during festival seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 3: Prepare your travel documents including a valid Indian passport and Nepal visa, which can be obtained on arrival or online; carry multiple photocopies for border checks.

• Step 4: Reach your departure point early to avoid crowds; for trains and buses, arrive at least 1 hour before departure, and for flights, 2 to 3 hours prior to check-in.

• Step 5: At the border, complete customs and immigration formalities patiently; keep your documents ready and be polite with officials to ensure smooth crossing.

• Step 6: Upon arrival in Nepal, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao for local travel; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, as food options on trains and buses can be limited or unhygienic; avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues.

• Use official ticket counters or trusted online portals to book transport to avoid scams; avoid touts at stations and bus stands.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use lockable bags and keep valuables close during travel.

• During monsoon season, roads and rail tracks may be affected by landslides and flooding; check weather forecasts and travel advisories before departure.

• Use local SIM cards or roaming packs for mobile connectivity in Nepal; apps like Ola and Pathao require internet for booking cabs.

• Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites near the border and inside Nepal.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from India to Nepal depends on weather and festivals. Avoid heavy monsoon months and major festivals to have a comfortable journey.

Winter mornings can be foggy, especially in northern plains, causing flight delays and slow road travel. Early morning departures are recommended to avoid fog-related issues.

• Avoid travel during Dashain and Tihar festivals (September to November) when transport is crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains causing roadblocks and train delays; plan extra time if traveling then.

• Best months to travel are October to December and February to April for clear weather and pleasant temperatures.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and reduce chances of delays caused by fog or road congestion.

Arrival at Nepal & What to Expect

Upon entering Nepal, you will find friendly customs officials and well-marked immigration counters. The border towns have basic facilities like ATMs, currency exchange, and eateries.

Local transport options include shared jeeps, taxis, and buses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao are available in major towns like Kathmandu and Biratnagar. Popular areas to stay include Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses.

Conclusion

Traveling from India to Nepal is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. Flights offer speed and convenience, while trains and buses provide economical and scenic routes to the border.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, preparing documents, and knowing local travel conditions will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Nepal and explore its rich culture and natural beauty.