๐ฎ๐ณ Patna, India
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) in Patna, Bihar, recently underwent a massive transformation with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art passenger terminal in May 2025. Spanning over 65,000 square meters, the new two-storey building is designed to handle up to 10 million passengers annually, a fourfold increase from the previous facility. The architecture is inspired by the ruins of Nalanda University and features extensive Madhubani art murals that showcase Bihar's rich cultural heritage.
The terminal infrastructure provides a wide range of modern amenities across two main levels, with the ground floor dedicated to arrivals and the first floor housing departures. Travelers have access to multiple executive and VIP lounges, a variety of dining outlets serving local and international cuisine, and retail stores selling travel essentials and local crafts. The facility is equipped with 64 check-in counters, 5 aerobridges for direct aircraft access, and Digi Yatra gates for contactless, paperless processing.
Ground transportation is well-supported by a new multi-level car park (MLCP) that can accommodate over 1,100 vehicles and is connected to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge. Pre-paid taxi counters, ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber, and car rentals are readily available at the arrivals area, providing a quick 15-minute link to the Patna Junction railway station. The airport also features a new domestic cargo terminal with specialized cold storage for regional perishables like litchis and mangoes.
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (PAT) is the primary gateway to Patna and the state of Bihar, India. Ground transport is well-supported; prepaid taxis and app-based rides (Uber, Ola) are the most reliable option and take 20-30 minutes to reach the city center. Auto-rickshaws are also plentiful outside the gates.
A unique tip: city buses connect the terminal to the Patna Junction railway station, but they are often crowded and not recommended with large luggage. The airport is located just 5 kilometers from the city center. The terminal is modern and handles regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Arrive 2 hours early for all departures. Facilities include several cafes, duty-free shops, and currency exchange bureaus. Ensure you have cash (INR) for small transport fees A same-day transfer to Patna Junction works best outside the morning rush, and many travelers prefer a prepaid cab because the airport road can back up quickly when office traffic builds. A prepaid cab is often the simplest way to avoid the Patna Junction rush after landing. The bus link works, but the prepaid cab is usually the better choice with luggage or evening arrivals. That makes the airport-to-rail leg the main decision point after landing.
โข Use the prepaid taxi counter for a safe and fixed-price city transfer.
โข Uber and Ola pickups are in the designated zone outside the gate.
โข The airport is a gateway for the historic ruins of Nalanda (3 hr drive).
โข Check-in is fast; 2 hours early is more than sufficient.
โข Try the local Bihari-style 'Litti Chokha' in town after you land.
Minimum domestic connection:
30 minutes
International connections:
60 minutes
Interline transfers:
90 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources