Bodh Gaya is not just a travel destination—it’s a spiritual landmark where history, culture, and peace come together. This is the very place where Prince Siddhartha meditated under the Bodhi Tree and became Lord Buddha, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists around the world. Even today, the town radiates calmness with its monasteries, meditation centers, and the world-famous Mahabodhi Temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now, if you’re starting from Patna, the capital of Bihar, you already have an advantage. Patna is one of the closest and most connected gateways to Bodh Gaya. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune or struggle with complicated routes. The train journey from Patna to Gaya Junction (the nearest railway station to Bodh Gaya) is simple, budget-friendly, and comfortable, making it the most preferred choice for pilgrims and tourists alike.
This guide will take you through everything step by step—
- 🚆 Which trains run from Patna to Gaya
- 🕒 How much time the journey takes
- 🎫 Tips for booking tickets easily
- 🚖 How to travel the final 12 km from Gaya Junction to Bodh Gaya
By the end, you’ll have a clear, no-stress travel plan to reach Bodh Gaya smoothly. Whether you’re traveling for spirituality, history, or just curiosity, your journey from Patna to Bodh Gaya by train will be the perfect beginning to your experience.
Why Choose Train Travel from Patna to Bodh Gaya?
- Budget-friendly – Much cheaper compared to cabs or flights.
- Comfortable & Scenic – Enjoy the countryside views of Bihar.
- Frequent Options – Several trains run daily between Patna and Gaya.
- Convenient for Pilgrims & Tourists – Direct access to Gaya, from where Bodh Gaya is just a short ride away.
Step 1: Understanding the Route
Before planning your train journey, it’s important to know the route clearly. Bodh Gaya does not have its own railway station. The town is small and mainly a pilgrimage center, so the nearest major railhead is Gaya Junction (GAYA). This is a busy railway station on the Howrah–Delhi Grand Chord line, well-connected with Patna and many other big cities like Kolkata, Varanasi, and Delhi.
From Patna, you cannot reach Bodh Gaya directly by train—you first need to travel to Gaya Junction, and from there continue the short journey to Bodh Gaya by road.
Here’s how the journey breaks down:
🚆 Train Route:
- Start from Patna Junction (PNBE)
- Travel about 100–110 km by train to Gaya Junction (GAYA)
- Train travel time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the train you choose
🚖 Last-Mile Connection:
- From Gaya Junction, Bodh Gaya is just 12 km away
- You can reach Bodh Gaya in about 30–40 minutes by auto-rickshaw, shared vehicle, or taxi
👉 Think of it as a two-step journey:
- Patna to Gaya Junction (by train)
- Gaya Junction to Bodh Gaya (by road)
This simple breakdown makes it easier to plan your trip. Once you understand this route, booking the right train and arranging local transport will be hassle-free.
Step 2: Train Options from Patna to Gaya
The distance between Patna and Gaya is around 100–110 km, and trains usually take 2 to 3 hours. Here are some good options:
🚆 Popular Trains
- Patna–Gaya Passenger Trains
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours
- Perfect for budget travelers
- Frequency: Daily
- Patna–Gaya Intercity Express (13241/13242)
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Comfortable option with reserved seating
- Frequency: Daily
- Magadh Express (20801/20802)
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Runs between Patna and New Delhi, halts at Gaya
- Frequency: Daily
- Mahabodhi Express (12397/12398)
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Named after Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple, popular among pilgrims
- Frequency: Daily
👉 Pro Tip: Choose an early morning train so you can reach Gaya before noon and enjoy sightseeing in Bodh Gaya the same day.
Step 3: Booking Your Tickets
- Use IRCTC official website or apps like MakeMyTrip, Paytm, or RailYatri.
- Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons (October–March).
- If traveling light and on budget, unreserved passenger trains are fine. For comfort, go for reserved classes.
Step 4: From Gaya Junction to Bodh Gaya
Once you reach Gaya Junction, you have multiple options to cover the last 12 km:
- Auto-rickshaw – Easily available outside the station, ₹150–₹250 approx.
- Shared autos/tum-tums – Budget-friendly, ₹30–₹50 per person.
- Taxi/OLA – More comfortable, ₹300–₹500 approx.
- Private hotel pick-up – Many hotels in Bodh Gaya offer station transfers if booked in advance.
Travel time: Around 30–40 minutes.
Famous Places to Visit in Bodh Gaya
Once you reach Bodh Gaya, the journey doesn’t just end—it truly begins here. The town is filled with sacred sites, beautiful monasteries, and peaceful corners that attract pilgrims, monks, and travelers from across the globe. Here are some of the must-visit places in Bodh Gaya:
1. Mahabodhi Temple
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Bodh Gaya.
- This is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
- The temple’s stunning architecture, calm ambiance, and spiritual energy make it the top attraction.
- Don’t miss the Bodhi Tree, located just behind the main temple.
2. The Great Buddha Statue
- A 80-feet tall statue of Lord Buddha in meditation pose, one of the most iconic landmarks of Bodh Gaya.
- Surrounded by smaller statues of Buddha’s disciples.
- A popular photo spot and a peaceful place for meditation.
3. Bodhi Tree
- The sacred fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
- Pilgrims from all over the world come here to meditate, chant, or simply sit in silence.
- It’s considered one of the holiest spots in Buddhism.
4. Thai Monastery
- Built in classic Thai architectural style with golden roofs and intricate designs.
- Known for its peaceful gardens and large Buddha statue.
- A great place to experience Thai culture and Buddhist teachings.
5. Japanese Temple & 80-ft Buddha Statue Park
- A Japanese-style temple with serene surroundings.
- The park is home to the massive Buddha statue, which is a must-see for every visitor.
6. Vietnamese Monastery
- Beautifully decorated with Vietnamese-style architecture and a calm prayer hall.
- Offers free meditation sessions for visitors.
7. Archaeological Museum, Bodh Gaya
- A small but fascinating museum displaying ancient relics, sculptures, and artifacts.
- Great for history lovers who want to explore the Buddhist heritage of the region.
8. Dungeshwari Cave Temples (Mahakala Caves)
- Located around 12 km from Bodh Gaya.
- Believed to be the place where Buddha meditated for years before attaining enlightenment.
- The caves offer a raw, spiritual experience away from the crowd.
Pro Tip for Travelers: Most monasteries in Bodh Gaya are built by Buddhist communities from countries like Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Visiting them feels like taking a mini world tour of Buddhist cultures in one small town.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Carry light snacks and water, as train stalls may be limited.
- Keep small cash handy for autos and local rides.
- If you’re visiting in winter (Dec–Jan), mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack accordingly.
- Don’t miss the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Great Buddha Statue, and various monasteries once you reach.
Final Words
Reaching Bodh Gaya from Patna by train is simple, affordable, and convenient. With multiple trains running daily to Gaya and easy last-mile connectivity, your spiritual or cultural journey will begin hassle-free. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking peace or a traveler exploring Bihar’s heritage, this train route makes the trip memorable.
So, book your train ticket, hop on from Patna, and let the journey to the land of enlightenment begin!
