Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is located in eastern India along the banks of the Ganges River. Delhi, the national capital, lies in northern India and is a major hub for politics, culture, and business. Traveling from Delhi to Patna is a common route for tourists, students, and professionals visiting Bihar or passing through the region.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options available between Delhi and Patna. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Patna – Main Options

Train

Train travel is one of the most popular and economical ways to reach Patna from Delhi. Many trains connect the two cities daily, offering various classes and timings.

• Patna Junction (PNBE) is the main railway station in Patna, well connected to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) in Delhi, with trains running daily covering about 1,000 km in 12 to 16 hours.

• Popular trains like Rajdhani Express and Sampark Kranti offer faster and more comfortable journeys with air-conditioned coaches, reducing travel time to around 12 hours.

• Train fares range from ₹500 for sleeper class to ₹2,000 or more for AC classes, with tickets available on IRCTC and at railway counters; booking in advance is recommended, especially during festivals.

• Trains are generally reliable, but monsoon season can cause delays due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so check running status before departure.

• Food options onboard vary; some trains provide pantry services, but carrying snacks and water is advisable for long journeys.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option for travelers who prefer road travel. Several private and government buses operate between Delhi and Patna.

• Major bus depots in Delhi like Kashmiri Gate ISBT and Anand Vihar ISBT have buses heading to Patna’s main bus stands such as Patna Bus Terminal or Gandhi Maidan.

• Bus journey covers approximately 1,000 km and takes around 18 to 22 hours depending on traffic and route, with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹1,200 for AC and non-AC buses.

• Volvo and deluxe buses provide more comfort and fewer stops, while ordinary buses are cheaper but crowded and slower.

• Road conditions on NH 19 and NH 22 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause traffic jams and delays, especially near toll plazas and city outskirts.

• Night buses are common, allowing you to save daytime and accommodation costs, but safety and comfort levels vary widely among operators.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Patna is an option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route is well connected by national highways.

• The distance is about 1,000 km via NH 19, taking roughly 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and stops; plan for tolls and fuel costs along the way.

• Key cities on the route include Kanpur, Allahabad (Prayagraj), and Varanasi, where you can stop for rest, food, and sightseeing.

• Road quality is good on most stretches, but watch for congestion near major cities and occasional potholes in rural areas, especially during monsoon.

• Driving at night is possible but not recommended due to limited street lighting and occasional stray animals on highways.

• Using GPS apps like Google Maps or Indian navigation apps helps avoid traffic and find fuel stations, rest stops, and eateries.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Patna from Delhi, suitable for travelers with limited time or those seeking convenience.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi offers multiple daily flights to Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT) in Patna, with flight duration around 1.5 hours.

• Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate direct flights, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on booking time and season.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog during winter mornings, causing delays or cancellations; check weather updates before booking.

• From Patna airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for city center transfers, about 5 to 10 km away.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or travel portals often secures better prices and seat availability, especially during festivals or holidays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Patna, helping you organize your trip efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort; trains and flights are fastest, buses and cars offer budget flexibility.

• Book tickets in advance using IRCTC for trains, official bus websites or counters for buses, airline portals for flights, or rental services for cars to ensure availability and better prices.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, chargers, and a small first-aid kit; Indian trains and buses may have limited food options.

• Reach the departure point early, such as New Delhi Railway Station or Indira Gandhi Airport, to avoid last-minute rush and confirm your platform or gate.

• During the journey, keep your ID and tickets handy, stay alert to announcements, and use official prepaid taxis or app cabs upon arrival in Patna for safe local travel.

• Plan your arrival time to avoid late-night travel in Patna, as public transport options reduce after dark and some areas may be less safe for newcomers.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and ticket, as Indian transport authorities often check documents during travel and boarding.

• Drink only bottled water and eat from trusted vendors to avoid stomach issues common during long journeys in India.

• Book train and flight tickets well in advance, especially during festivals like Diwali or Chhath Puja, when demand spikes sharply.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel in Patna to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded stations and buses can be targets for pickpockets.

• During monsoon (July to September), expect possible delays on roads and railways; carry rain gear and check weather updates regularly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Patna is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant, and travel conditions are generally smooth.

Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons and monsoon months to reduce delays and overcrowding on trains and roads.

• Festival periods like Diwali, Holi, and Chhath Puja see heavy passenger traffic, causing ticket shortages and crowded transport.

• Monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional flooding, especially near river crossings, leading to roadblocks and train delays.

• Winter fog in December and January can disrupt early morning flights and trains, so plan departures later in the day if possible.

• Early morning or late evening departures often face less traffic congestion on highways and smoother boarding at stations and airports.

Arrival at Patna & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Patna, you will find several transport options to reach your accommodation or explore the city. Patna Junction railway station and Jay Prakash Narayan Airport are well connected to the city center.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from both the station and airport, offering safe and fixed-fare rides. Auto-rickshaws are also available but negotiate fares beforehand. Popular areas to stay include Gandhi Maidan, Patna City, and Bailey Road, which are close to major attractions and transport hubs.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Patna offers multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains provide a balance of cost and comfort, flights save time, while buses and cars offer flexibility for road travel enthusiasts.

Planning your journey with advance bookings, checking weather and traffic conditions, and choosing reliable local transport on arrival will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey from Delhi to Patna and experience the rich culture and history of Bihar’s capital city.