Fastest way from Howrah to Patna: Flight, about 1h 5min – 11h 20min (from €44). Cheapest: Train (Indian Railways), from €5 (about 6h 50min – 8h 15min).
There are 3 ways to get from Howrah to Patna
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
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Practical tips
Indian Railways tickets, especially for AC classes, sell out fast. Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, or even more for popular routes and peak seasons, to secure your spot and avoid waitlists.
If trains are fully booked or unavailable, choose AC Volvo or similar coaches for long-distance and hill-station travel. They are far more comfortable than non-AC buses, especially for overnight journeys.
Many large Indian cities have multiple railway stations. Always double-check which specific station your train or bus departs from and arrives at to avoid confusion and wasted time.
Long train and bus journeys can be unpredictable. Always have enough water and some snacks with you, especially if you have dietary restrictions or prefer your own food.
For online bookings, stick to well-known platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn for trains, buses, and flights. They offer reliability and instant confirmation, reducing travel stress.
The journey experience
Navigating India's vast network of trains, buses, and flights can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance comfort, cost, and speed. For the journey from Howrah (Kolkata) to Patna, you're looking at a classic example where both train and bus offer viable, distinct experiences. Understanding which option aligns best with your travel style and booking habits is key to a smooth trip.
The train journey from Howrah to Patna, operated by Indian Railways, is a popular choice, typically taking around 7h–8h and costing from €5 (typical up to €8). It often involves overnight travel, allowing you to save on accommodation while covering significant distance. Buses, on the other hand, offer an alternative at approximately 12h–13h for from €10 (typical up to €17). These are generally long-distance coaches, some of which may be AC sleepers, providing a different level of comfort for an overnight journey.
To avoid sold-out trains or a gruelling non-AC bus, our advice is to book your train tickets several days, even weeks, in advance, especially for popular routes or during peak season. If trains are fully booked, consider an AC Volvo bus for comfort on a long haul. For this specific route, the train offers a classic Indian travel experience and good value for money, while a bus can be a time-saver. Weigh up the comfort of a sleeper train versus the bus journey.
Frequently asked questions — Howrah → Patna
For this route, the train offers a classic Indian travel experience, often overnight, and excellent value. Buses are a slower option, usually taking 12h–13h. If you prefer comfort and don't mind a slightly longer journey, the train (especially an AC sleeper class) is recommended. If speed is your priority and you're comfortable with road travel, an AC coach is a good choice.
Train tickets for this route start from approximately €4, depending on the class you choose (sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.). Bus tickets are generally priced higher, around €14, especially for comfortable AC coaches. Prices can vary based on booking time and availability, so booking in advance is always best to secure the cheapest fares.
The train journey from Howrah to Patna typically takes around 7h–8h, often running overnight. Bus journeys are generally longer, with an estimated travel time of about 12h–13h. Keep in mind that road conditions and traffic can affect bus durations, while train schedules are usually more consistent.
For trains, especially popular routes and AC classes, it's highly recommended to book 1 to 2 weeks in advance, or even earlier during peak travel seasons or festivals, to avoid waitlists. Bus tickets can often be booked a few days in advance, but for overnight AC coaches, booking a week ahead is a safe bet.
Yes, both trains and buses offer overnight options for the Howrah to Patna route. Many Indian Railways trains include sleeper classes, allowing you to sleep during the journey. AC sleeper coaches are also available among bus operators, providing a comfortable alternative if you prefer to travel at night and save on accommodation.
Why visit Patna?
- ✓ Visit the historic Golghar, a massive granary offering panoramic city views.
- ✓ Explore the Patna Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts including a Buddha relic.
- ✓ Discover Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five primary Gurdwaras of Sikhism.
- ✓ Stroll through the Gandhi Maidan, a large historic urban park.
- ✓ Experience the vibrant local culture at the Sonepur Mela (during specific times of year), one of Asia's largest cattle fairs.
When to visit Patna?
TROPICAL SUBHUMIDE
October to March — pleasant, dry weather ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, avoiding summer heat and monsoon rains.
What to do in Patna?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Patna?
For an independent traveler, plan 2-3 full days to properly explore Patna. This allows time for key historical sites like Golghar, Patna Museum, and the ancient ruins of Pataliputra (Kumhrar). If you're using Patna as a base for nearby Buddhist sites like Vaishali or Bodh Gaya, extend your stay to 4-5 days.
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