Nepal, a beautiful Himalayan country, shares a long border with Bihar, a state in eastern India. Many travelers from Bihar visit Nepal for tourism, pilgrimage, or business. This route is popular due to the close cultural ties and easy land connectivity between the two regions.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Bihar to Nepal, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will also find practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Getting from Bihar to Nepal – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for many travelers going from Bihar to Nepal. Several railway stations in Bihar connect to border towns near Nepal, making it convenient for onward travel.

• Major stations like Patna Junction, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga offer trains to border stations such as Jaynagar and Sitamarhi, which are close to Nepal’s border towns like Janakpur and Birgunj.

• The train journey from Patna to Jaynagar takes around 4 to 5 hours, covering approximately 160 km, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the class of travel.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance via IRCTC, especially during festivals or holidays when demand is high.

• From Jaynagar or Sitamarhi, you can take local buses or taxis to cross the border at the nearest immigration checkpoints, which are usually open from early morning till evening.

• During the monsoon season, train services may face delays due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so plan accordingly and check live train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a common and direct way to reach Nepal from Bihar, especially for travelers heading to cities like Birgunj or Kathmandu. Several private and government buses operate on this route.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga to Nepal border towns such as Raxaul and Sunauli, which are key entry points into Nepal.

• The bus journey from Patna to Raxaul covers about 110 km and takes around 3 to 4 hours, with fares typically between ₹150 and ₹400 depending on the bus type.

• From Raxaul or Sunauli, frequent local buses and shared taxis are available to cross the border and reach major Nepalese cities like Birgunj or Kathmandu.

• Buses are usually crowded during festivals like Dashain and Tihar, so booking tickets early is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Road conditions on NH 28 and NH 227 can be affected during the monsoon, causing slower travel times and occasional diversions.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bihar to Nepal offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore border towns and nearby tourist spots at your own pace. The road network is well connected but requires some preparation.

• The main highway routes from Patna to Nepal border points like Raxaul or Sunauli are NH 28 and NH 227, covering distances of 100 to 160 km depending on your starting point.

• The drive typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing times, with toll plazas on the highways where you pay small fees.

• Ensure your vehicle has valid documents for international travel, including a permit for Nepal if required, and carry your passport and visa for smooth border crossing.

• Fuel stations and dhabas are available along the route, but it is advisable to fill up before the border as options may be limited on the Nepal side.

• During peak travel seasons, border checkpoints can have long queues, so plan your departure early in the day to avoid delays.

Flight

Flights are less common for direct travel from Bihar to Nepal due to the short distance and good land connectivity. However, air travel is possible for those preferring speed and comfort.

• The nearest airport in Bihar with regular flights to Nepal is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna, offering flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

• Flight duration is approximately 1 hour, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Flights operate several times a week but may be limited during off-peak seasons or due to weather conditions such as fog in winter.

• Travelers must complete immigration and customs formalities at Kathmandu airport, so carry all necessary documents including visa and passport.

• From Kathmandu airport, you can use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle to reach your final destination within the city.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Bihar to Nepal. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance through IRCTC or official bus operator websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush, especially during festivals.

• Carry a valid passport and obtain a Nepal visa before travel, either online or at the border, as Nepal requires Indian travelers to have proper documentation despite open borders.

• Reach the departure station or bus depot at least 30 minutes early to find your platform or bus easily and avoid confusion in busy terminals.

• On arrival at border towns like Raxaul or Sunauli, complete immigration and customs formalities carefully; keep your documents handy and follow local instructions.

• Use local transport such as shared taxis or buses from the border to your final destination in Nepal; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available.

• Keep some Indian and Nepalese currency ready for tolls, food, and local transport, as not all places accept digital payments or cards.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night on isolated roads near the border; use well-lit and busy routes and prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Nepal for local travel.

• Food and Water: Stick to bottled water and freshly cooked food from reputable eateries; avoid street food near border areas to prevent stomach issues.

• Booking Strategy: Use official websites like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses; avoid touts and book early during peak seasons to secure seats.

• Local Transport: In Nepal, use local buses, shared taxis, or apps like Pathao for easy and affordable travel; always confirm fares before boarding.

• Luggage: Travel light and keep your belongings secure; carry a small bag with essential documents and valuables during border crossing.

• Seasonal Warnings: During monsoon, expect road delays and possible flooding near border areas; in winter, fog can disrupt early morning travel, so plan accordingly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bihar to Nepal is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid the heavy monsoon season from June to September due to frequent rains and roadblocks.

Festival times like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal and Chhath Puja in Bihar see heavy traffic and crowded transport, so plan your journey well in advance or avoid peak days.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals to prevent overcrowding and inflated fares on trains, buses, and local transport.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides and waterlogging on NH 28 and border roads, leading to delays and detours.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid traffic jams and long queues at border checkpoints.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility on roads and cause flight delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

Arrival at Nepal & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Nepal border towns like Birgunj or Kathmandu, you will find a range of local transport options including shared jeeps, buses, and app-based cabs. The border areas are busy with travelers and traders, so expect some crowd and activity.

In Kathmandu, popular areas to stay include Thamel, Lazimpat, and Patan, which are well connected by local transport. Prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps like Pathao offer convenient and safe options for city travel. Always use official taxi stands or app-based services to avoid overcharging.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Bihar to Nepal depends on your priorities. Train and bus options offer budget-friendly and frequent services to border towns, while self-drive provides flexibility. Flights are faster but less common for this short route.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, carrying all necessary documents, and choosing travel times to avoid peak crowds and weather issues. With proper preparation, you can confidently enjoy the rich cultural and natural experiences that Nepal offers just across the border from Bihar.