Planning a trip to Bhagalpur and wondering about the nearest airport? While Bhagalpur does have its own airport, it currently doesn’t host regular commercial flights. But don’t worry, you have several convenient alternatives for reaching this vibrant city in Bihar.
This guide provides you with all the information you need about the nearest airports to Bhagalpur, along with transportation options and other essential travel tips.
Nearest Airports to Bhagalpur: Exploring Your Options
Here’s a detailed look at the closest airports to Bhagalpur, considering their distance, connectivity, and overall convenience:
1. Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) in Patna
- Distance from Bhagalpur: Approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles)
- Travel Time: Around 5-6 hours by road
Located in Patna, the capital city of Bihar, Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) is the nearest major airport to Bhagalpur. It enjoys excellent connectivity with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad through numerous domestic airlines.
Why choose Patna Airport:
- Wide range of flight options: PAT handles a significantly higher volume of flights compared to smaller airports, giving you more choices for timings and airlines.
- Competitive airfares: More flight options often lead to competitive pricing, helping you snag a good deal, especially if you book in advance.
- Better amenities: As a major airport, PAT offers a wider range of facilities including restaurants, lounges, and car rentals, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Getting from Patna to Bhagalpur:
- Taxis: Easily available at the airport, offering a comfortable, albeit slightly pricier option.
- Buses: State-run and private bus services operate frequently between Patna and Bhagalpur.
- Private Cars: You can also hire a private car for a more personalized and convenient journey.
2. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (VEU) in Patna
- Distance from Bhagalpur: Approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles)
- Travel Time: Around 5-6 hours by road
While Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (VEU) shares the same location as Patna Airport (PAT), it serves as a separate terminal. This terminal primarily handles flights operated by IndiGo.
Why this matters to you:
- Airline preference: If you’re flying with IndiGo, this terminal might offer a slightly quicker experience in terms of check-in and boarding.
Getting from Patna to Bhagalpur: The same transportation options as Patna Airport (PAT) apply here.
3. Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Distance from Bhagalpur: Approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles)
- Travel Time: Around 6-8 hours by road
Located in the Siliguri/Bagdogra region of West Bengal, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is another viable option, especially if you’re combining your trip with a visit to Darjeeling, Gangtok, or other destinations in North Bengal and Sikkim.
Why choose Bagdogra Airport:
- Gateway to the Himalayas: Convenient for those exploring the breathtaking landscapes of North Bengal and Sikkim before or after visiting Bhagalpur.
Getting from Bagdogra to Bhagalpur:
- Taxis: Available but expect a longer journey time.
- Buses: Regular bus services connect Bagdogra with Bhagalpur.
- Shared Jeeps: A popular and often more economical option for shorter distances.
[image-1|nearest-airport-to-bhagalpur-map|Map showing nearest airports to Bhagalpur|A map with clear markings indicating the locations of Bhagalpur, Patna Airport, and Bagdogra Airport. The map should highlight the road routes connecting these locations and provide an estimated distance scale.]
Choosing the Best Airport for Your Bhagalpur Trip
The “best” airport for you depends on your individual needs and priorities:
- For overall convenience and flight options: Patna Airport (PAT) is the clear winner.
- If you’re flying with IndiGo: Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (VEU) might offer a slightly faster check-in/boarding experience.
- If exploring North Bengal/Sikkim: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) makes more sense.
Pro Tip: Consider factors like flight timings, travel time to Bhagalpur from each airport, and your overall itinerary when making a decision.
Bhagalpur Airport (BUP): Future Prospects
While not operational for commercial flights currently, Bhagalpur Airport (BUP) is undergoing development to accommodate larger aircraft. Keep an eye out for updates as this could significantly enhance connectivity to the city in the future.
[image-2|bhagalpur-airport-development|Image of ongoing development at Bhagalpur Airport|An image showcasing the construction or expansion work being carried out at Bhagalpur Airport, giving viewers a glimpse of the future potential of this airport.]
Beyond Airports: Other Ways to Reach Bhagalpur
- Train: Bhagalpur is well-connected by rail to major cities across India. The Bhagalpur Junction railway station (BGP) is a major railhead in the region.
- Road: National highways connect Bhagalpur to nearby cities. Several state-run and private bus operators offer services to and from Bhagalpur.
Planning Your Trip to Bhagalpur
Now that you have a clear picture of how to get to Bhagalpur, start planning your itinerary to explore this culturally rich city. From ancient temples and historical sites to the scenic banks of the Ganges, Bhagalpur offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Remember:
- Book flights and accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Factor in travel time from the airport to Bhagalpur when finalizing your plans.
- Explore local transportation options like auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws within the city.
Enjoy your trip to Bhagalpur!
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