The short answer
Delhi to Kathmandu by road is roughly 1,100 to 1,200 km depending on the border chosen, and a bus journey commonly takes around a day and a half including the border crossing. Services are often run by private operators, sometimes with a change of bus at the border, and routes usually pass through Uttar Pradesh via Lucknow and Gorakhpur or through Bihar via Patna and Raxaul.
Many travellers prefer to split the trip: an overnight train from Delhi to Gorakhpur or Raxaul, then a daytime bus or car. This avoids a very long continuous ride and puts the border crossing in daylight.
Key facts
- Distance
- About 1,100 to 1,200 km
- Time
- Around a day and a half
- Routes
- Via Gorakhpur or via Patna and Raxaul
- Option
- Train then bus
How it works
- Choose a routeGorakhpur or Raxaul.
- Book seats or a trainEarly.
- Plan the borderDaylight.
- Rest on the wayStop for meals.
- Arrive KathmanduAllow a rest day.
Insider tip
Ask whether the same bus continues across the border or you change.
Avoid this
Do not book a through ticket without checking where passengers transfer.
Related questions
Is there a direct bus?
Services change; confirm current options with the operator.
How many days?
Allow two days of travel.
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- Pickup Points in IndiaGorakhpur, Raxaul, Jaynagar, Nepalgunj, Lucknow and more.
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- Vehicle Types and Road TransportCars, vans, buses, jeeps, taxis and bikes for each route.
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