Patna at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Bihar |
| Famous For | Ganges, Pataliputra |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi, Bhojpuri, English |
| Nearest Airport | Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), 8km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Patna Junction (PNBE) |
| From Arrah | 55 km · 1h 45m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹10+ (varies) |
| Best For | all travellers |
Patna: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a city steeped in history, once known as Pataliputra, the seat of ancient empires. Situated on the banks of the Ganges, it's a bustling urban center with a blend of ancient ruins and modern development.
Plan for at least two to three days to explore the main attractions. Getting around is best done by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to comfortable hotels.
Patna: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISKCON Temple Patna | 04:30-13:00, 16:30-21:00 daily | Free | Morning or Evening - for praye | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Patna: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Patna: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrah | 55 km | 1h 45m | NH-139, NH-22, NH-22;NH31 |
| Muzaffarpur | 75 km | 2h 30m | NH-139, NH-22, NH-22;NH31 |
| Nalanda | 95 km | 2h 30m | NH-139, NH-22, NH-22;NH31 |
| Gaya | 100 km | 3h 00m | NH-139, NH-22, NH-22;NH31 |
| Darbhanga | 140 km | 3h 30m | National Highway |
train Train to Patna: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Patna Junction (PNBE) — Main railway station with connections to major cities. Located in the heart of Patna.
- From Delhi: 12-15 hours (₹800-2500)
- From Mumbai: 28-32 hours (₹1200-4000)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Patna: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), 8km from city
- Delhi: 1.5 hours (₹3000-5000)
- Mumbai: 2.5 hours (₹4000-7000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹300-400
- Uber/Ola: ₹250-350
directions_bus Bus to Patna: Services & Timings
- From Gaya: 3 hours (₹200-300)
Trains more comfortable
Best Time to Visit Patna: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 20-30 degrees C | This is the best time to explore Patna's historical sites and enjoy outdoor acti | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: July to September | 30-35 degrees C | The landscape is lush and green, and the city is less crowded. However, the heav | Be prepared for potential delays an |
| Avoid: April to June | 35-45 degrees C | Avoid visiting during this time due to the intense heat. Sightseeing can be unco | If you must visit, stay indoors dur |
Peak season note: Expect moderate crowds at popular attractions, especially during festivals. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended.
2-Day Patna Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Top Highlights
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Golghar
The Golghar is a large granary built by the British in 1786. It was designed to store grain for the army during a famine.…
💡 Tip: Visit during sunset for the best views of the city and the Ganges.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🎨 Patna Museum
The Patna Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts related to the history of Bihar. It includes Mauryan and Gupta period sculp…
💡 Tip: Check out the rare collection of ancient Indian coins and sculptures.
📍 Kumhrar
Kumhrar is the site of ancient Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire. Excavations have revealed remnants of the ancient c…
💡 Tip: Hire a local guide to learn more about the history of the site.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Mahatma Gandhi Setu
The Mahatma Gandhi Setu is one of the longest river bridges in India, spanning the Ganges River. It connects Patna to Hajipur.…
💡 Avoid traveling during peak hours to avoid traffic congestion.
🙏 ISKCON Temple Patna
The ISKCON Temple in Patna is a beautiful and serene place of worship dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is part of the International S…
💡 Visit during festivals like Janmashtami for special celebrations.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Srikrishna Science Centre
The Srikrishna Science Centre is an interactive science museum. It's designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages.…
💡 Check out the dinosaur exhibit and the 3D show.
📍 Agam Kuan
Agam Kuan is an ancient well believed to date back to the Mauryan period. It is considered to be one of the oldest archaeological …
💡 Learn about the local legends associated with the well from the caretaker.
Top Places to Visit in Patna: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 📍 Golghar | ₹10 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners) | 1 hour | 09:00-18:00 daily |
| 2 | 🎨 Patna Museum | ₹15 (Indians), ₹250 (foreigners) | 2-3 hours | 10:30-17:00 daily |
| 3 | 📍 Kumhrar | ₹5 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners) | 1-2 hours | 09:00-17:00 daily |
| 4 | 📍 Mahatma Gandhi Setu | Free | 30 minutes (drive) | Open 24 hours |
| 5 | 🙏 ISKCON Temple Patna | Free | 1-2 hours | 04:30-13:00, 16:30-21:00 daily |
| 6 | 📍 Srikrishna Science Centre | ₹60 | 2-3 hours | 09:30-18:00 daily |
| 7 | 📍 Agam Kuan | Free | 30 minutes | Open 24 hours |
📍 1. Golghar
The Golghar is a large granary built by the British in 1786. It was designed to store grain for the army during a famine.
Honest take: Worth visiting for the views and historical significance.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw: From Patna Junction, 15 minutes
🎨 2. Patna Museum
The Patna Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts related to the history of Bihar. It includes Mauryan and Gupta period sculptures, coins, and paintings.
Honest take: A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw: From Gandhi Maidan, 10 minutes
📍 3. Kumhrar
Kumhrar is the site of ancient Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire. Excavations have revealed remnants of the ancient city.
Honest take: Worth visiting for history buffs.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw: From Patna Junction, 30 minutes
Food & Restaurants in Patna: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha, Khaja, Dal Pitthi, Malpua
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Litti Chokha | ₹₹ (₹500-800 for two) | Frazer Road |
| Biryani | ₹₹ (₹400-700 for two) | Near Patna Junction |
| Continental and Indian | ₹₹₹ (₹700-1100 for two) | Frazer Road |
🛺 Street Food: Maurya Lok Complex — Litti Chokha, Samosas, Chaat (₹50-150 per person)
Patna Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹2000-3000/night | ₹4000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Day Trips from Patna: Best Nearby Destinations
Hotels in Patna: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Maurya Patna
₹800-1200/night
Near Patna Junction
Hotel City Centre
₹700-1000/night
Gandhi Maidan
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel Patliputra Exotica
₹2000-3000/night
Bailey Road
Hotel Chanakya
₹1800-2500/night
Near Patna Airport
⭐ Luxury
The Maurya
₹4000+/night
Frazer Road
Lemon Tree Premier Patna
₹3500+/night
Opposite Patna Museum
Patna Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers: Always negotiate the fare beforehand.
- ✓ Fake guides at historical sites: Verify their credentials before hiring.
- ✓ Wear light, breathable clothing, especially during summer. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- ✓ Widely available
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. Requires passport and visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Patna
How many days are enough for Patna?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Patna. Day 1 covers Golghar and Patna Museum, while Day 2 explores Mahatma Gandhi Setu and ISKCON Temple Patna.
What is Patna famous for?
Patna is famous for Ganges, Pataliputra.
What is the best time to visit Patna?
The best time to visit Patna is October to March. The weather is pleasant and dry during this time, making it ideal for sightseeing. Days are sunny, and nights are cool.
How do I reach Patna from Arrah?
Patna is 55 km from Arrah by road, approximately 1h 45m drive via NH-139, NH-22, NH-22;NH31. The nearest railway station is Patna Junction (PNBE). The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), 8km from city.
Is Patna worth visiting?
Yes, Patna is worth visiting for Ganges, Pataliputra. It is especially recommended for all travellers and can be combined with a visit to Bodh Gaya.
What is the budget for a trip to Patna?
A 2-day trip to Patna costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of ISKCON Temple Patna?
ISKCON Temple Patna is open 04:30-13:00, 16:30-21:00 daily. Best time to visit: Morning or Evening - for prayers and aarti.
What is the entry fee for ISKCON Temple Patna?
Entry fee at ISKCON Temple Patna: Free.
What is the dress code for ISKCON Temple Patna?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting ISKCON Temple Patna.
Is photography allowed at ISKCON Temple Patna?
Photography is allowed (fee may apply) at ISKCON Temple Patna.