Varanasi to Patna | Buddhist Circuit Gateway | Cabs from ₹3,500
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Known as Pataliputra in ancient times, it served as the capital of the Mauryan and Gupta empires. Located approximately 240 kilometers from Varanasi, the comfortable journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours via NH19. Patna serves as an excellent gateway to the Buddhist circuit (Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodhgaya) and offers rich historical and cultural experiences.
Quick Facts: Varanasi to Patna
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey Distance | 240 km (by road) |
| Travel Time | 3.5-4 hours (typical) |
| Best Route | Via NH19 (fastest and well-maintained) |
| Road Condition | Excellent - National highway |
| Historical Name | Ancient Pataliputra (Mauryan capital) |
| Main Attractions | Patna Museum, Golghar, Mahavir Mandir |
| Starting Fare | ₹3,500 for Swift Dzire (4-seater) |
Why Visit Patna?
Key Attractions & Significance
1. Gateway to Buddhist Circuit
- Strategic location: Central to Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodhgaya
- Perfect base for multi-day Buddhist tours
- Airport connectivity for international Buddhist pilgrims
2. Ancient Pataliputra Heritage
- Capital of Mauryan Empire (4th century BCE)
- Ashoka's capital city
- Rich archaeological sites
- Mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts
3. Museums & Historical Sites
- Patna Museum: World-class artifacts
- Golghar: British-era granary
- Kumhrar: Mauryan archaeological site
- Gandhi Maidan: Historic ground
4. Religious Significance
- Mahavir Mandir: Most visited Hanuman temple in Bihar
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib: One of five Sikh Takhts
- Patan Devi: Ancient Shakti Peeth
5. Modern Bihar Capital
- Government offices and institutions
- Business hub
- Educational centers (Patna University, AIIMS)
Route Overview & Best Time to Travel
Route Path
Varanasi → NH19 → Buxar → Ara → Patna (Ganges Ghats)
The route follows the Ganges River for most of the journey, offering scenic views of rural Bihar.
Best Time to Travel:
- For sightseeing: October to March (15-28°C, pleasant)
- For Buddhist circuit: November to February (peak season)
- Avoid: April to June (extremely hot, 35-45°C)
- Monsoon: July to September (heavy rains, occasional delays)
Traffic Considerations: Patna city traffic can be heavy 5-8 PM. Plan arrival timing accordingly.
Vehicle Options & Pricing
Varanasi to Patna Cabs - Vehicle Types & Fare Breakdown
| Vehicle Type | Seating | Pricing | Best For | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire | 4 passengers | ₹3,500-3,900 | Solo, couples | Fuel-efficient, comfortable |
| Ertiga | 6 passengers | ₹4,500-5,000 | Small families | Spacious, luggage room |
| Innova Crysta | 6-8 passengers | ₹5,800-6,500 | Large families | Premium comfort |
| Tempo Traveller | 12-13 passengers | ₹9,500-11,000 | Group tours | Buddhist circuit groups |
What's Included in Your Fare
✓ Professional driver with Patna city knowledge
✓ Fuel for entire journey
✓ Toll charges (₹120-180)
✓ Free pickup from anywhere in Varanasi
✓ Drop at any location in Patna
✓ Driver allowance
✓ GPS tracking and insurance
✓ Free cancellation (up to 2 hours before)
Not Included
✗ Museum entry fees (Patna Museum: ₹50)
✗ Temple donations (optional)
✗ Extra stops beyond 2 (₹50 per stop)
✗ Peak season charges (festivals: +₹300-500)
Places to Visit in Patna
Top Historical & Cultural Sites
1. Patna Museum
- Established: 1917
- Highlights:
- Didarganj Yakshi (Mauryan masterpiece)
- Ashoka's Lion Capital
- Buddhist & Jain sculptures
- Fossil gallery
- Timings: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed Mondays & govt. holidays)
- Entry fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Must-see: Mauryan gallery
2. Golghar (Round House)
- Built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin
- 29-meter high granary
- 145 steps to panoramic view of Patna
- Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Entry fee: ₹15
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Best time: Sunset for city views
3. Mahavir Mandir
- Most visited Hanuman temple in North India
- 8 million visitors annually
- Unique prasad distribution system
- Timings: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Best time: Early morning or evening aarti
- Duration: 1-2 hours (including queue)
4. Takht Sri Patna Sahib
- Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh
- One of five Sikh Takhts (seats of authority)
- Beautiful white marble gurdwara
- Timings: 3:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Entry: Free (head covering required)
- Langar: Free community meal available
5. Kumhrar Archaeological Park
- Mauryan palace ruins (3rd century BCE)
- 80-pillar hall excavation
- Ancient stupas and water tanks
- Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Entry fee: ₹25
- Duration: 1-2 hours
6. Gandhi Maidan
- Historic ground (55 acres)
- Site of major political rallies
- Morning/evening walk popular
- Best time: Early morning or evening
7. Patna Ghat (Gandhi Ghat)
- Ganges riverfront
- Morning aarti
- Boat rides available (₹50-100)
- Best time: Sunrise or sunset
Buddhist Circuit from Patna
Why Patna is Perfect Base for Buddhist Tour
Distances from Patna:
- Nalanda: 90 km (2 hours) - Ancient Buddhist university ruins
- Rajgir: 100 km (2.5 hours) - Vulture's Peak, hot springs
- Bodhgaya: 110 km (2.5 hours) - Mahabodhi Temple
- Vaishali: 55 km (1.5 hours) - Buddha's last sermon site
Multi-Day Buddhist Circuit Package:
- Day 1: Varanasi → Patna (city tour, overnight)
- Day 2: Patna → Nalanda → Rajgir (overnight Rajgir)
- Day 3: Rajgir → Bodhgaya (overnight Bodhgaya)
- Day 4: Bodhgaya → Varanasi
- ₹18,000 for sedan (all-inclusive with accommodation guidance)
Transparent Pricing Breakdown
Varanasi to Patna Cab Fares - No Hidden Charges
Pricing Breakdown for Swift Dzire (4-seater):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Fare | ₹500 |
| Per-km Rate (240 km) | ₹2,400 (@ ₹10/km) |
| Toll Charges | ₹150 |
| Driver Allowance | ₹350 |
| GST (5%) | ₹175 |
| Total Estimated Fare | ₹3,575 |
Why Choose KashiTaxi for Patna Trip
| Feature | KashiTaxi | Train | Bus | Ola/Uber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door-to-Door | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Flexible Timing | ✓ Any time | Limited | Limited | ✓ Limited |
| Buddhist Circuit | ✓ Packages | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Luggage Space | ✓ Ample | Limited | Very limited | Moderate |
| Comfort | High | Medium | Low | High |
| Starting Price | ₹3,500 | ₹300 | ₹400 | ₹4,500+ |
| Travel Time | 3.5-4 hrs | 5-6 hrs | 5-6 hrs | 3.5-4 hrs |
