Getting around · Birgunj
How to Get to Birgunj
Drive the highway from Kathmandu, fly to nearby Simara, or cross from India at Birgunj–Raxaul — explained.
Birgunj sits on the flat Terai right at the Indian border and at the foot of the highways north, so most travellers arrive by road — driving or busing in from Kathmandu, flying to nearby Simara and continuing by car, or crossing from India at the Birgunj–Raxaul frontier. Here is how each option works.
The short answer
From Kathmandu, the fastest air option is to fly to Simara (a short drive north of Birgunj) and continue by road; otherwise it is a six to eight hour drive by highway. From India, the Birgunj–Raxaul border crossing puts the city within easy reach of the Indian rail network at Raxaul in Bihar.
By road from Kathmandu
There are two main routes. The Tribhuvan Highway is the shortest in distance, climbing directly over the hills, but it is winding and slow. The longer loop via the East–West Highway through Hetauda or Narayanghat is generally smoother and more comfortable. Frequent buses connect Kathmandu with Birgunj on both routes, and the journey typically takes six to eight hours depending on conditions.
By air via Simara
Birgunj has no commercial airport of its own, but Simara Airport lies a short drive to the north and handles quick flights from Kathmandu. Flying to Simara and transferring by road is the fastest way to reach Birgunj from the capital, saving a long day on the hill roads.
From India
Birgunj lies directly on the Birgunj–Raxaul border crossing, Nepal's busiest land border with India. On the Indian side, Raxaul in Bihar has a railway station connecting to Patna and the wider Indian network, which makes Birgunj a leading overland entry point. Always check current crossing rules and our Nepal visa overview before arriving.
Getting around and onward
Within the flat city, cycle and auto-rickshaws cover everything cheaply; agree fares first. Birgunj is also a major junction for onward travel — see our guide to the city as the gateway to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur. For the bigger picture, see getting around Nepal.
Good to know
- Mind the route: The direct Tribhuvan Highway is short but slow; the East–West loop is longer but smoother.
- Fly to save time: A flight to Simara beats a long day on the hill roads from Kathmandu.
- Plan your stay: Sort a room with where to stay in Birgunj and pick your dates with the best time to visit Birgunj.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Birgunj from Kathmandu?+
Most people travel by road. The shortest route follows the Tribhuvan Highway over the hills, while the smoother option loops via the East–West Highway through Hetauda or Narayanghat. Buses run frequently and the trip typically takes six to eight hours depending on the route and traffic.
Does Birgunj have an airport?+
Birgunj itself does not have a commercial airport, but Simara Airport lies a short drive to the north and handles frequent short flights from Kathmandu. Flying to Simara and continuing by road is the quickest way to reach Birgunj from the capital.
Can you reach Birgunj from India?+
Yes. Birgunj sits directly on the Birgunj–Raxaul border, Nepal's busiest land crossing with India. Raxaul in Bihar has a railway station linking to Patna and the wider Indian network, making Birgunj a common overland entry point into Nepal.
How long does it take to drive from Birgunj to Kathmandu?+
By road it is roughly six to eight hours, depending on the route. The direct Tribhuvan Highway is shorter in distance but slow and winding over the hills, while the longer East–West route via Hetauda or Narayanghat is generally smoother.
