Planning a trip from Delhi to Nepal and wondering what’s the fastest and most convenient way to reach? Whether you prefer a quick flight, a scenic road trip, or a budget-friendly train journey, this guide covers all travel options, routes, costs, and tips for a smooth journey in 2025.
Best For: Short trips, business travelers, and those who want a hassle-free journey.
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours (direct flight)
Approx. Cost: ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 (one way)
✔ Flight Duration: ~1.5 hours.
✔ Best Time to Book: 2-3 months in advance for lower fares.
Visa & Immigration Tips for Indian Travelers:
✔ No visa required for Indian citizens to enter Nepal.
✔ Carry a valid passport, Aadhaar card, or voter ID (PAN card is NOT accepted).
✔ SIM Cards & Currency Exchange are available at Kathmandu Airport.
Travel Time: ~12-14 hours (train) + ~2-4 hours (road)
Approx. Cost: ₹600 – ₹2,000
There is NO direct train from Delhi to Kathmandu, but you can take a train to a border town and continue by road.
Delhi → Raxaul (Bihar) by Train
Delhi → Gorakhpur by Train → Bus to Kathmandu
Best Train Option: The Vaishali Express (12554) is preferred for its comfort and reliability.
Pro Tip: Trains can get fully booked during peak seasons, so reserve your ticket early.
Travel Time: ~18-24 hours (depending on route & stopovers)
Approx. Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 (including fuel & tolls)
✔ Documents Required: Indian citizens DON’T need a visa, but carry your Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID.
✔ Vehicle Permit: If driving your own car/bike, get a Nepal Vehicle Permit at the border (₹1,500 for a 15-day permit).
✔ Bus Services: Daily Delhi to Kathmandu buses operate from Anand Vihar ISBT (₹2,500 per ticket, ~30 hours travel time).
Pro Tip: If you prefer a comfortable road trip, book a private cab from Gorakhpur/Sunauli instead of taking a long-haul bus.
✔ Looking for a budget-friendly journey? → Take a train to Gorakhpur/Raxaul + bus.
✔ Love long drives & road trips? → Drive via Sunauli border for an adventurous experience!
No matter which route you choose, a trip to Nepal is always a rewarding experience, whether you're visiting Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini!
Have you traveled from Delhi to Nepal? Which route did you take? Share your experience below!
1. Delhi to Nepal by Air – The Fastest & Easiest Option
Best For: Short trips, business travelers, and those who want a hassle-free journey. Travel Time: ~1.5 hours (direct flight)Approx. Cost: ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 (one way)
Direct Flights from Delhi to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport - KTM)
✔ IndiGo, Air India, Nepal Airlines & Vistara operate daily direct flights from Delhi (DEL) to Kathmandu (KTM).✔ Flight Duration: ~1.5 hours.
✔ Best Time to Book: 2-3 months in advance for lower fares.
Visa & Immigration Tips for Indian Travelers:
✔ No visa required for Indian citizens to enter Nepal.
✔ Carry a valid passport, Aadhaar card, or voter ID (PAN card is NOT accepted).
✔ SIM Cards & Currency Exchange are available at Kathmandu Airport.
2. Delhi to Nepal by Train – Budget-Friendly Option
Best For: Budget travelers and those who enjoy scenic train journeys. Travel Time: ~12-14 hours (train) + ~2-4 hours (road)Approx. Cost: ₹600 – ₹2,000
There is NO direct train from Delhi to Kathmandu, but you can take a train to a border town and continue by road.
Best Train + Road Routes:
Delhi → Raxaul (Bihar) by Train- Take the Satyagrah Express (15273) or Vaishali Express (12554) from Delhi to Raxaul Junction (RXL).
- From Raxaul, cross the border into Birgunj, Nepal, and take a bus/taxi to Kathmandu (6-7 hours).
Delhi → Gorakhpur by Train → Bus to Kathmandu- Take the New Delhi-Gorakhpur Express (12556) to Gorakhpur (UP).
- From Gorakhpur, take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border (~3 hours).
- Cross the border to Bhairahawa, Nepal, and take a bus/taxi to Kathmandu (6-7 hours).
Best Train Option: The Vaishali Express (12554) is preferred for its comfort and reliability.Pro Tip: Trains can get fully booked during peak seasons, so reserve your ticket early.
3. Delhi to Nepal by Road – Perfect for a Road Trip!
Best For: Road trip lovers, bikers, and budget travelers. Travel Time: ~18-24 hours (depending on route & stopovers)Approx. Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 (including fuel & tolls)
Best Driving Route from Delhi to Kathmandu:
Delhi → Lucknow → Gorakhpur → Sunauli Border → Kathmandu- Distance: ~1,150 km
- Total Driving Time: ~20-24 hours
- Road Conditions: Mostly good, except some rough patches near the border.
Important Road Travel Tips:
✔ Border Crossing: Sunauli is the most popular land border crossing for Indian travelers.✔ Documents Required: Indian citizens DON’T need a visa, but carry your Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID.
✔ Vehicle Permit: If driving your own car/bike, get a Nepal Vehicle Permit at the border (₹1,500 for a 15-day permit).
✔ Bus Services: Daily Delhi to Kathmandu buses operate from Anand Vihar ISBT (₹2,500 per ticket, ~30 hours travel time).
Pro Tip: If you prefer a comfortable road trip, book a private cab from Gorakhpur/Sunauli instead of taking a long-haul bus.
Final Comparison: Best Way to Travel from Delhi to Nepal
| Mode of Transport | Time Taken | Cost (₹) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1.5 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 | Fast, hassle-free travel |
| Train + Road | 14-18 hours | ₹600 – ₹2,000 | Budget-friendly option |
| Bus | ~30 hours | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | Cheap but long journey |
| Self-Drive | 18-24 hours | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 | Adventure & road trip lovers |
Final Thoughts – What’s the Best Way to Reach Nepal from Delhi?
✔ Want the fastest & easiest route? → Take a direct flight (Best for short trips).✔ Looking for a budget-friendly journey? → Take a train to Gorakhpur/Raxaul + bus.
✔ Love long drives & road trips? → Drive via Sunauli border for an adventurous experience!
No matter which route you choose, a trip to Nepal is always a rewarding experience, whether you're visiting Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini!
Have you traveled from Delhi to Nepal? Which route did you take? Share your experience below!
