Why go
- Metropolis and state capital of Bihar, India.
- Known for the ancient Indian city of Pataliputra.
- Served by Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT).
History
Patna, historically known as Pāṭaliputra, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Bihar. According to the United Nations, as of 2026, Patna had a population of 3.33 million, making it the 19th largest city in India. Covering 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) and over 2.5 million people, its urban agglomeration is the 18th largest in India. Patna also serves as the seat of Patna High Court. The Buddhist, Hindu and Jain pilgrimage centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya and Pawapuri are nearby and Patna City is a sacred city for Sikhs as the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh was born here. The modern city of Patna is mainly on the southern bank of the river Ganges. The city also straddles the rivers Son, Gandak and Punpun. The city is approximately 35 kilometres (22 mi) in length and 16 to 18 kilometres wide.
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 5 airlines, 4 direct destinations
- IndiGo Airlines 6E (A320) · 4 routes: Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ranchi
- Go Air G8 (A320) · 3 routes: Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi
- Air Sahara S2 (737-800, ATR 72) · 2 routes: Delhi*, Kolkata*
- Jet Airways 9W (737-800, ATR 72) · 2 routes: Delhi, Kolkata*
- Air India Limited AI (A319) · 1 route: Delhi
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: PAT has direct flights to 4 destinations on 5 airlines (incl. Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, Lucknow).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Patna, India. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Trains & rail
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.