Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major gateway for travelers heading to Nepal. Nepal lies to the north of India and shares a long open border with several Indian states. Many people travel from Delhi to Nepal for tourism, pilgrimage, business, or visiting family.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Nepal from Delhi. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Nepal – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a budget-friendly and scenic option for reaching Nepal from Delhi. Although there is no direct train to Nepal, you can take trains to border towns and then continue by road.

• You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Gorakhpur Junction, which is about 815 km away and takes around 12-15 hours. Trains like the Gorakhdham Express run daily with fares ranging from INR 300 to 1500 depending on class.

• From Gorakhpur, you can take a bus or taxi to Sunauli, the main border crossing to Nepal. The road distance is about 110 km and takes 3-4 hours. Frequent buses connect Gorakhpur to Sunauli with fares around INR 100-200.

• Train travel is comfortable in sleeper or AC classes, but trains can be crowded during festivals like Diwali or Dashain, so book tickets early via IRCTC.

• Monsoon season (July-September) may cause delays due to track waterlogging near the border areas, so plan extra time during this period.

• Food options are available at major stations like New Delhi and Gorakhpur, but carry snacks for the journey as some trains have limited pantry services.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and economical way to travel from Delhi to Nepal, especially to border towns like Sunauli or Raxaul. This option suits travelers on a budget who prefer road travel.

• Government and private buses run from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Gorakhpur or directly to border points like Sunauli or Raxaul. The journey takes 16-20 hours covering roughly 900 km, with fares between INR 600 and 1200.

• Luxury Volvo buses are available on some routes offering better comfort and onboard amenities, but they are less frequent than regular buses.

• Bus services are frequent during the day but can be crowded during Indian and Nepalese festivals, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH27 and NH24 are generally good, with toll plazas on the way; expect stops at highway dhabas for meals and rest.

• Border crossing formalities at Sunauli or Raxaul can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and time of day, so plan accordingly.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Nepal offers flexibility and the chance to explore smaller towns en route. This is popular among families and groups who want control over their schedule.

• The distance from Delhi to the Nepal border at Sunauli is about 900 km via NH27 and NH24, taking approximately 16-18 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Driving yourself or hiring a taxi allows you to stop at cities like Lucknow or Gorakhpur for food and rest. Fuel costs vary but expect around INR 4000-6000 for a one-way trip.

• Indian vehicles require a permit to enter Nepal; ensure you have valid documents and check with Nepalese customs for temporary vehicle permits before crossing.

• Roads are mostly in good condition, but monsoon rains can cause slippery patches and occasional landslides near the border, so drive carefully during July-September.

• Toll plazas are present on NH27 and NH24; keep cash handy for smooth passage. Plan overnight stops if you prefer not to drive continuously.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Nepal from Delhi. It suits travelers with limited time or those who prefer comfort over budget.

• Direct flights operate daily from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, with flight times around 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Airlines like Air India, Nepal Airlines, IndiGo, and Vistara offer multiple flights daily, with fares ranging from INR 4000 to 9000 depending on booking time and season.

• Flights are reliable year-round, but fog in Delhi during winter mornings can cause delays; early morning flights may be rescheduled.

• Tribhuvan Airport is about 6 km from Kathmandu city center. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Pathao and Tootle are available for onward travel.

• Booking flights well in advance during peak tourist seasons (October-November and March-April) is advised to secure seats and better prices.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Nepal. It will help you prepare and avoid common issues.

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

• Step 2: Book your tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, MSRTC or private websites for buses, airline websites or apps for flights, and confirm car rental or taxi permits if driving.

• Step 3: Prepare your travel documents. Carry a valid passport and visa for Nepal, or check if you qualify for visa on arrival. Indian citizens need a valid ID and sometimes a permit for vehicle entry.

• Step 4: Pack essentials including snacks, water, and a power bank. If traveling by road, carry cash for tolls and small purchases. Carry warm clothes in winter and rain gear during monsoon.

• Step 5: Reach your departure point early. For trains and buses, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. For flights, reach the airport 2-3 hours early to clear security and immigration.

• Step 6: On arrival at Nepal border or airport, complete customs and immigration formalities patiently. Use prepaid taxis or app cabs for onward travel to your destination in Nepal.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your passport and visa documents handy when crossing the India-Nepal border to avoid delays or fines during checks.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water in Nepal and carry your own water bottle to refill at safe places to avoid stomach infections.

• Book train and bus tickets online through IRCTC and MSRTC portals to avoid last-minute hassles and scams at stations.

• Use Ola or Uber cabs in Delhi to reach railway stations or airports safely and on time, especially during early morning or late night hours.

• Pack light but include a small first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as some border areas and Nepal can have mosquitoes and sun exposure.

• During monsoon season, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling by road as landslides and flooding can cause delays or detours.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Nepal is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant and roads are clear, making travel comfortable.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season from July to September when heavy rains can cause roadblocks and flight delays. Winter fog in Delhi can also affect early morning flights.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal or Diwali in India, as transport is crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and landslides near the Nepal border, so plan extra travel time and check local news.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reduce chances of flight delays due to fog.

• Winter months can be cold, especially in Nepal’s hilly areas, so carry warm clothes and plan for shorter travel days if driving.

Arrival at Nepal & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nepal, whether at the airport in Kathmandu or at a border crossing like Sunauli, you will find several transport options to reach your final destination. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are common and reliable in Kathmandu.

Popular areas to stay in Kathmandu include Thamel, Lazimpat, and Patan, all well connected by local buses and taxis. At border towns, shared jeeps and buses connect to major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Expect some waiting time at customs during peak hours.

Conclusion

Flying from Delhi to Kathmandu is the most efficient and comfortable option, especially if you want to save time. For budget travelers, trains to Gorakhpur followed by road travel to Nepal offer a scenic and economical route. Buses and self-drive options provide flexibility but require more planning.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing travel documents carefully. With the right preparation, you can travel confidently from Delhi to Nepal and enjoy a smooth, memorable journey.