New Jalpaiguri to Kathmandu by Train

[Mili]

I am from Sikkim and this year I had made a decision that I would make my long awaited trip to Nepal. I am certain that there are trains which go from Sikkim to Kathmandu, and I just require some details about it.

I need details from New Jalpaiguri to Kathmandu by train, details such as time to travel, the cost of the ticket and timings of the train are required.

I would also like to know do we need to change trains when at the border, how does it work?

 

[briannagodess]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

There is really no railway system in Nepal but you can reach any of its bordering towns via the Indian Railway System. So from Sikkim, take a taxi or a bus to reach New Jalpaiguri or take the train to reach New Jalpaiguri Station. Then from New Jalpaiguri, take a taxi to Kakarbhitta. Once you have reached Kakarbhitta, there are buses to take you to Kathmandu from there.

From Sikkim to New Jalpaiguri, it can take two and a half hours if you take a taxi. From New Jalpaiguri to Kakarbhitta, it can take about 40 minutes if you take a taxi. And from Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu, it can take you 12 hours if you decide to take a bus.

The taxi from Sikkim to New Jalpaiguri can cost as much as Rs 4,000. The taxi from New Jalpaiguri to Kakarbhitta can cost Rs 1,400 or higher. The bus from Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu costs Rs 866 or higher, depending on the type of bus.

Sadly, I cannot seem to find the exact schedules and timings of the buses from Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu. But it says from their site that it leaves at night.

If you'd like to take the train though, then consider Birgunj. It's the main entry point of Indians coming from Kolkata and Patna. It also has its own station from Raxaul.

Good luck!

 

[Admin]

How to Travel from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Kathmandu by Train (Updated 2025)​

If you're planning to travel from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Kathmandu, here’s everything you need to know about train connectivity and alternative routes.

Is There a Direct Train from NJP to Kathmandu?​

No, there is no direct train from New Jalpaiguri to Kathmandu. However, you can take a train to a Nepal-border town and then continue by bus or taxi to Kathmandu.

Best Train & Bus Route Options​

Option 1: NJP to Raxaul by Train + Train to Nepal​

Take a Train from NJP to Raxaul Junction (RXL)

• Trains: Kolkata-Gorakhpur Express, Raxaul Express, Mithila Express
• Travel Time: 10-12 hours

Take the Raxaul to Kathmandu Train (Jayanagar-Kurtha-Bijalpura-Bardibas Route)

• The new Jayanagar to Bardibas railway line in Nepal is operational up to Bijalpura (2025 update).
• From Bijalpura, take a bus or shared taxi to Kathmandu (~6-7 hours).

Option 2: NJP to Siliguri → Kakarbhitta Border → Kathmandu by Bus​

Take an auto or taxi from NJP to Siliguri (8 km, ~30 min)
Board a bus/shared taxi to Kakarbhitta (Nepal border, ~45 min)
From Kakarbhitta, take a direct night bus to Kathmandu (~12-14 hours)

Option 3: NJP to Gorakhpur by Train → Sunauli Border → Kathmandu​

Take a train from NJP to Gorakhpur (~12-14 hours).
From Gorakhpur, take a bus or taxi to Sunauli border (India-Nepal crossing) (~2-3 hours).
Cross into Nepal and take a direct bus to Kathmandu (~6-8 hours).

Which Route is Best?​

Fastest Option: NJP → Kakarbhitta → Kathmandu (Bus)
Comfortable Train Option: NJP → Raxaul → Kathmandu (via Bijalpura)
Popular Tourist Route: NJP → Gorakhpur → Sunauli → Kathmandu

Tip: Always carry passport or ID proof when crossing the India-Nepal border. Indian nationals don’t need a visa, but an ID check is required.

Hope this helps! Let us know if you need further travel details.