How to Reach Nepal from India by Train: Nearest Stations and Border Routes
Travelling to Nepal by train from India is possible, but choosing the right railway station makes a big difference. While Nepal has limited passenger railway connectivity, several Indian stations provide convenient access to its border towns, tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites. The easiest way to reach Nepal by train is usually to travel to an Indian railway station near the border and complete the remaining journey by road. However, passengers visiting Janakpur can use the cross-border railway service from Jaynagar in Bihar. Whether you want to visit Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini or Janakpur, this guide explains which railway station to choose, where passenger trains operate and how to arrange your onward journey.
Can You Travel from India to Nepal by Train?
Yes, but the available options depend on your destination. The Jaynagar–Janakpur–Bijalpura railway connects Bihar with Nepal's Madhesh Province. It is an important passenger rail connection for visitors travelling towards Janakpur. For other destinations, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, travellers generally use Indian Railways to reach a suitable border station before continuing by road. There is currently no regular direct passenger train from India to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Although additional India–Nepal railway projects are being developed, they should not be confused with operational passenger services. For information about land-entry points, see our India to Nepal Border Guide.
Nearest Indian Railway Stations for Travelling to Nepal
India has several railway stations that are useful for Nepal-bound travellers. The most suitable station depends on where your train begins and which part of Nepal you want to visit.
| Indian Railway Station | Nepal Entry Point | Suitable Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) | Sunauli–Belahiya | Pokhara, Lumbini, Kathmandu |
| Nautanwa (NTV) | Sunauli–Belahiya | Lumbini, Bhairahawa, Pokhara |
| Raxaul Junction (RXL) | Raxaul–Birgunj | Birgunj, Kathmandu |
| Jaynagar (JYG) | Jaynagar rail crossing | Janakpur, Bijalpura |
| Jogbani (JBN) | Jogbani–Biratnagar | Biratnagar, eastern Nepal |
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | Panitanki–Kakarbhitta | Jhapa, eastern Nepal |
| Barhni (BNY) | Barhni–Krishnanagar | Kapilvastu region |
| Nepalganj Road (NPR) | Rupaidiha–Nepalgunj | Nepalgunj, western Nepal |
These stations are railway gateways rather than direct train connections to every destination listed. Most require a bus, taxi or other road transfer after arrival.
India to Nepal by Train: Main Railway Station Connections
Gorakhpur Junction: A Convenient Railway Gateway
Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh is a practical arrival station for tourists travelling towards Nepal through Sunauli. Its railway connectivity makes it useful for passengers coming from Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and other Indian cities. After reaching Gorakhpur, travellers can arrange transport towards the Sunauli–Belahiya crossing and continue to their chosen destination in Nepal. Passengers planning a longer holiday can also explore Gorakhpur to Nepal Tour Packages for coordinated railway station pickup and onward transport.
Nautanwa Railway Station: An Alternative Near Sunauli
Nautanwa is another useful railway station for passengers travelling towards the Sunauli border. It is closer to the crossing than Gorakhpur, although railway services and connections are more limited. If you find a suitable train to Nautanwa, you can arrange local transportation to Sunauli and continue towards Bhairahawa or Lumbini. Compare your complete rail journey before booking. A convenient arrival at Gorakhpur may be preferable to a complicated connection through Nautanwa.
Raxaul Junction: A Railway Gateway to Birgunj
Raxaul Junction in Bihar is an important arrival point for passengers travelling towards Birgunj and Kathmandu. After reaching Raxaul by train, travellers generally use local transportation to approach the India–Nepal border. For station-specific directions, read our Raxaul Railway Station to Nepal Border Distance guide. Although a railway freight connection exists between Raxaul and Nepal, tourists should not assume that a regular passenger train operates from Raxaul to Birgunj.
Jaynagar Railway Station: Direct Passenger Rail Connection
Jaynagar in Bihar is particularly useful for travellers visiting Janakpur. Unlike most other railway gateways, Jaynagar offers a cross-border passenger rail connection into Nepal. This makes it an attractive option for pilgrims interested in Janaki Mandir and the cultural heritage of Janakpur. Passengers should verify current services, operating schedules and ticket arrangements before travelling.
Jogbani Railway Station: Access to Biratnagar
Jogbani is located near Nepal's Biratnagar border crossing. It serves travellers from Bihar and other parts of eastern India who want to visit Biratnagar or nearby destinations. After arriving at Jogbani, passengers can continue across the border using an appropriate local road transfer. The Jogbani–Biratnagar cross-border railway infrastructure also supports freight connectivity, but passengers should not mistake that service for a regular tourist passenger train.
New Jalpaiguri: Access to Eastern Nepal
New Jalpaiguri is a useful railway gateway for passengers travelling from Kolkata and other parts of India towards eastern Nepal. From the station, travellers can arrange road transportation towards Panitanki and enter Nepal through Kakarbhitta. This option is particularly relevant for visitors whose first destination is in Jhapa or eastern Nepal rather than Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Jaynagar to Janakpur: The Cross-Border Passenger Train
The Jaynagar–Janakpur railway is one of the most important rail travel options between India and Nepal. The passenger line connects Jaynagar in Bihar with Janakpur and extends towards Bijalpura in Nepal.
Where Does the Train Operate?
The developed passenger railway corridor includes Jaynagar, Janakpur, Kurtha and Bijalpura, with additional intermediate stops. The railway is particularly useful for visitors travelling specifically to Janakpur. However, the railway does not continue directly to Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the extension towards Bardibas should not be treated as an operational passenger route until officially confirmed.
How to Check Train Timings and Tickets
Before travelling:
- Check Indian railway connections to Jaynagar.
- Confirm the latest Nepal Railway passenger timetable.
- Verify ticket purchase arrangements and accepted identification.
- Allow sufficient connection time between services.
Indian railway schedules can be checked through IRCTC, while Nepal-side passenger services should be verified separately through authorised railway channels.
Continuing Beyond Janakpur
After arriving in Janakpur, travellers can arrange onward road transport depending on their destination. Pilgrims may prefer to stay locally for temple visits, while those travelling farther into Nepal should plan a separate transfer.
Which Railway Station Should You Choose for Your Nepal Destination?
Selecting the nearest station on a map is not always the best approach. Train availability, arrival time and the onward road journey are equally important.
| Nepal Destination | Railway Station to Consider | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Raxaul or Gorakhpur | Continue by road |
| Pokhara | Gorakhpur or Nautanwa | Travel via Sunauli |
| Lumbini | Nautanwa or Gorakhpur | Transfer towards Bhairahawa |
| Janakpur | Jaynagar | Cross-border passenger train |
| Biratnagar | Jogbani | Local border transfer |
| Eastern Nepal | New Jalpaiguri | Road transfer via Kakarbhitta |
| Nepalgunj | Nepalganj Road | Transfer via Rupaidiha |
For example, a traveller visiting Janakpur may benefit from the Jaynagar railway connection, while someone planning a Pokhara holiday may find Gorakhpur more convenient. The ideal route should be selected according to your complete journey, not only the railway distance.
Planning Your Nepal Train Journey from Major Indian Cities
From Delhi and Northern India
Travellers starting from Delhi can search for trains towards Gorakhpur, Raxaul or another suitable railway gateway. The best choice depends on the intended Nepal destination and available connections. For religious travellers combining Ayodhya with Nepal, our Ayodhya to Nepal Tour Package provides a separate example of how a road-based Nepal holiday can be organised.
From Kolkata and Eastern India
Passengers from Kolkata can compare railway connections towards Raxaul, Jogbani, Jaynagar or New Jalpaiguri. Jaynagar is relevant for Janakpur, Jogbani for Biratnagar, and New Jalpaiguri for eastern Nepal. For Kathmandu-bound travellers, Raxaul may be worth considering according to the available train and road connections.
From Mumbai, Pune and Western India
Travellers from western India should compare train journeys to major gateways such as Gorakhpur and Raxaul. Because rail travel can involve long distances and connections, allow enough time before starting the Nepal portion of your holiday. A planned overnight stop may be preferable to arranging a long road journey immediately after an exhausting train trip.
From Chennai, Bengaluru and Southern India
Passengers from southern India can travel towards northern or eastern India by train before continuing to Nepal. Choose the railway gateway according to your main destination and realistic connection times. If you want a trip covering several Nepal destinations, comparing train and flight combinations may also be worthwhile.
How to Arrange Your Last-Mile Transfer After Arriving by Train
Reaching the railway station is only one part of your Nepal journey. Your onward transport should be arranged according to the number of passengers, luggage and final destination.
Railway Station Pickup
A pre-arranged pickup can be particularly helpful when arriving early in the morning or late at night. Confirm your train number, expected arrival time, pickup location and driver contact details before departure.
Local Transport or Private Cab?
Local transportation may suit travellers making a short transfer towards the border. A private cab is often more convenient for families carrying luggage or groups who prefer a coordinated onward journey. Confirm whether the vehicle can cross into Nepal legally or whether a separate Nepal-side vehicle will be required.
Travelling with Family or Senior Citizens
For elderly travellers and families with children, a comfortable arrival schedule can make the journey easier. Avoid planning an immediate long-distance transfer after a tiring overnight train journey if the group needs additional rest.
Important Things to Check Before Booking
Before finalising your India to Nepal train journey, keep these points in mind:
- Train availability: Check the operating days and latest schedules before booking.
- Border transfer: Confirm how you will reach the crossing from your arrival station.
- Travel documents: Carry acceptable original documents and verify the requirements applicable to your nationality.
- Connection time: Keep a reasonable buffer for delayed trains and local transportation.
- Weather: Road conditions and seasonal disruptions can affect onward journeys.
Indian citizens do not require a tourist visa to visit Nepal, but they should still carry appropriate identification. For detailed guidance, see Documents Required for Nepal Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reaching Nepal by Train
Is there a direct train from India to Kathmandu?
No, there is currently no regular direct passenger train from India to Kathmandu. Travellers can reach a suitable Indian railway station, such as Raxaul or Gorakhpur, and then continue towards Kathmandu by road. A railway connection to Kathmandu has been proposed but is not an operational passenger route.
Which railway station is nearest to the Nepal border?
There is no single nearest station for the entire India–Nepal border. Nautanwa is useful for Sunauli, Raxaul for Birgunj, Jaynagar for Janakpur and Jogbani for Biratnagar. The most convenient station depends on the part of Nepal you want to visit.
Can I travel from Jaynagar to Janakpur by train?
Yes. The Jaynagar–Janakpur cross-border passenger railway provides a rail connection between Bihar and Nepal. It is especially useful for visitors travelling to Janakpur. Check the current Nepal Railway timetable, ticket availability and travel requirements before departure.
Is there a passenger train from Raxaul to Birgunj?
Travellers should not plan around a regular passenger train between Raxaul and Birgunj. The existing railway connection is primarily associated with freight movement. Tourists arriving at Raxaul Junction generally continue towards Birgunj using local road transportation.
Which railway station is convenient for reaching Pokhara?
Gorakhpur Junction is a practical choice for many travellers planning to reach Pokhara through Sunauli. Nautanwa is another option if a suitable train is available. After arriving at the border, passengers continue into Nepal by road.
Can I reach Nepal by train from Delhi?
Yes. Travellers from Delhi can take Indian Railways services towards suitable border gateways, subject to train availability. Gorakhpur and Raxaul are two stations worth comparing. The remaining journey generally requires road transportation unless travelling through the Jaynagar passenger railway connection.
How can I check Nepal Railway train timings?
Check the latest information published by Nepal Railway or its authorised ticketing channels. Indian Railways and IRCTC can help you plan the Indian portion of the journey, but Nepal-side passenger schedules and ticket arrangements should be confirmed separately.
Can I arrange a railway station pickup for my Nepal tour?
Yes. Indo Nepal Safar can help travellers plan suitable railway station pickups and onward Nepal transfers according to their route, travel dates and group size. Vehicle availability, cross-border arrangements and the final itinerary should be confirmed before booking.
Continue Your Nepal Journey with Indo Nepal Safar
Travelling to Nepal by train can be convenient when your railway station and onward transfer are planned together. A visitor heading to Janakpur may choose the Jaynagar passenger train, while someone travelling to Kathmandu or Pokhara may find a train-and-road journey more practical. At Indo Nepal Safar, we help travellers arrange suitable station pickups, private transportation and customised Nepal Tour Packages. Share your arrival railway station, travel date, passenger count and preferred Nepal destinations with our team. We can help you plan the next part of your journey with appropriate transport and a practical schedule.
Call or WhatsApp: +91 96485 54840
Website: https://indonepalsafar.com/
