NJP, or New Jalpaiguri, is a major railway junction located in West Bengal, India. It serves as a gateway to the northeastern states and neighboring countries like Nepal. Nepal lies to the north of NJP, sharing a border with India, making this route popular for tourists and traders alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from NJP to Nepal. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, cars, or flights, this article covers all you need to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from NJP to Nepal – Main Options

Train

Train travel from NJP towards Nepal is suitable for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey. While there is no direct train to Nepal, you can take trains to border towns like Jogbani or Panitanki and then cross over by road.

• From NJP, you can board trains to Jogbani (Bihar) or Panitanki (West Bengal), which are the nearest railway stations to the Nepal border. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours covering approximately 200 to 250 km.

• Train fares range from INR 150 to 600 depending on the class, with options like sleeper, second seating, and 3AC. Trains run frequently, especially in the morning and evening, but can be crowded during festivals.

• Jogbani and Panitanki stations have basic facilities; from here, you can hire shared jeeps or local buses to cross into Nepal via Biratnagar or Kakarbhitta border points, usually within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• During monsoon season, train schedules may face delays due to track maintenance or flooding in the region. Booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure your seat.

• Food options on trains and at stations include local vendors selling snacks and tea, but carrying packed food is advisable for long journeys.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Nepal from NJP. Several private and government buses connect NJP with Nepalese border towns and cities.

• From NJP bus stand, you can find buses heading towards Siliguri, which is a hub for Nepal-bound buses. From Siliguri, frequent buses and shared taxis operate to Nepal border points like Kakarbhitta and Panitanki.

• The bus journey from NJP to Nepal border takes around 5 to 7 hours covering about 220 km, with fares ranging from INR 200 to 500 depending on the bus type and operator.

• Buses run throughout the day but are busiest during early mornings and late afternoons. Booking tickets a day in advance is advisable during peak travel seasons.

• Road conditions on National Highway 31 and connecting routes are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads.

• Rest stops along the way offer basic refreshments and toilets. It is wise to carry bottled water and snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from NJP to Nepal is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore border towns and travel at your own pace.

• The distance from NJP to the Nepal border via Panitanki or Kakarbhitta is approximately 220 km, taking around 5 to 6 hours by car using National Highway 31 and connecting state highways.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from NJP or Siliguri. Taxi fares typically range from INR 3000 to 5000 depending on vehicle type and negotiation.

• Crossing the border requires valid travel documents and vehicle permits if you plan to drive inside Nepal. Indian nationals do not need a visa but must carry a valid ID.

• Roads are mostly in good condition, but toll plazas and occasional traffic jams near Siliguri and border checkpoints can add to travel time.

• During monsoon, landslides or waterlogging may affect certain stretches, so check weather and road conditions before departure.

Flight

There are no direct flights from NJP to Nepal. However, you can fly from Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri to Kathmandu or other Nepalese cities.

• Bagdogra Airport is about 16 km from NJP and can be reached by taxi or shared auto in 30 to 45 minutes, costing INR 300 to 600.

• Flights from Bagdogra to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu take about 1 hour and are operated by airlines like Nepal Airlines and private carriers.

• Flight fares range from INR 3000 to 7000 depending on the season and booking time. Booking in advance is essential during festivals and holidays.

• From Kathmandu airport, local transport options include taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps like Pathao and Tootle for onward travel.

• Flight schedules can be affected by fog in winter or monsoon rains, so keep flexible travel plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from NJP to Nepal. It covers key steps to ensure a smooth journey.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus ticket from NJP to Jogbani, Panitanki, or Siliguri in advance using IRCTC or local bus counters to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 2: Reach NJP station or bus stand early, at least 30 minutes before departure, to find your platform or bus easily and manage luggage comfortably.

• Step 3: Upon arrival at the border town, confirm the local transport options to cross into Nepal, such as shared jeeps or buses, and agree on fares beforehand to avoid confusion.

• Step 4: Carry valid ID proofs like Aadhaar card or passport, as Indian citizens must show these at the border for smooth immigration checks.

• Step 5: After crossing into Nepal, use local taxis or buses to reach your final destination. Download local ride apps or ask locals for reliable transport options.

• Step 6: Keep some Nepalese currency (NPR) handy for small expenses, as not all places accept Indian rupees, especially away from the border.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your travel documents, including ID and tickets, handy as Indian and Nepalese border officials check them frequently during crossing.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and avoid street food near border areas to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book your tickets online or through authorized agents to avoid scams, especially for buses and taxis heading to Nepal.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Siliguri and NJP for safer and transparent fares rather than hailing random vehicles.

• Pack light but include essentials like raincoats or umbrellas during monsoon, and warm clothes in winter, as weather can change quickly on this route.

• Be cautious of touts and unofficial guides near border crossings who may offer overpriced services or unnecessary help.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

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

Winter mornings can be foggy, causing delays in train and flight schedules, so plan departures accordingly. Festivals like Dashain and Tihar in Nepal see increased traffic and crowded transport.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dashain (September-October) and Tihar (October-November) as transport services are crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause roadblocks and train delays due to waterlogging and landslides in the region.

• Early morning departures between 6 AM and 9 AM are ideal to avoid city traffic and reach border points before afternoon rush.

• Winter fog from December to February can delay flights and trains, so allow extra time if traveling during these months.

Arrival at Nepal & What to Expect

When you arrive in Nepal via border towns like Kakarbhitta or Biratnagar, you will find basic immigration and customs facilities. The process is usually quick for Indian nationals with valid ID.

Local transport options include shared jeeps, buses, and taxis. Prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in bigger cities like Biratnagar and Kathmandu. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses near the border to hotels in city centers.

It is advisable to exchange some currency at official counters for better rates. The local people are friendly and helpful, but always negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.

Conclusion

Traveling from NJP to Nepal is straightforward with multiple options like trains, buses, cars, and flights via Bagdogra. The train and bus routes to border towns are economical and popular among travelers, while self-drive offers flexibility. Flights from Bagdogra to Kathmandu provide a faster alternative but require additional transfers.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, carrying valid documents, and checking weather conditions. With proper preparation and awareness of local travel nuances, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from NJP to Nepal. This guide aims to help you travel confidently and make the most of your cross-border adventure.