Here’s a Complete Local Transportation Guide for Patna, covering all major modes of transport — including cars, metro (upcoming), rail, buses, and roads — along with a summary table and key tourist logistics.
1. By Road – Auto Rickshaws, Cabs & Cycle Rickshaws
- Auto Rickshaws: Common, affordable, available almost everywhere. No fixed meter, fare negotiation is common.
- Cycle Rickshaws: Best for short distances in old Patna/local markets. Slow but traditional.
- App-Based Cabs:
- Ola, Uber – Available widely across Patna.
- Rapido (Bikes) – Cheaper alternative for solo travelers.
2. Patna Metro (Under Construction – Partial Trial Runs in 2025)
- Operational Status: Not fully operational as of mid-2025. Some trial sections are open for testing.
- Expected Corridors:
- Line 1: Danapur to Mithapur
- Line 2: Patna Junction to New ISBT
- When Fully Operational: Will connect key zones: Bailey Road, Patna Junction, Gandhi Maidan, Kankarbagh, ISBT.
3. Rail Network – For City & Nearby Areas
- Main Stations:
- Patna Junction (PNBE) – Central hub.
- Rajendranagar Terminal, Danapur, Patliputra, Gulzarbagh – Connect suburbs and other cities.
- Local Trains: Connect Patna to nearby towns like Hajipur, Bihta, Fatuha. Not ideal for inner-city transport but good for short regional travel.
4. City Buses (PMCH Buses / City Bus Service)
- Operator: Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC)
- Types:
- Low-floor AC and non-AC buses
- E-buses introduced on select routes
- Popular Routes: Gandhi Maidan ↔ Danapur, Bailey Road ↔ Patna City, ISBT ↔ Mithapur
- Fares: ₹10 to ₹30 depending on distance.
5. Intercity & Interstate Bus Terminals
- Main ISBT (New Bus Terminal at Bairiya) – Connects Patna to Ranchi, Kolkata, Varanasi, etc.
- Mithapur Bus Stand – Old but still partially active.
6. Tram
- Status: No tram system in Patna (historically existed during colonial times but now defunct).
Summary Table – Local Transport in Patna
| Mode | Availability | Coverage Area | Average Fare | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Rickshaw | Very High | Citywide | ₹10–₹150 (negotiated) | Common but lacks meters |
| Cycle Rickshaw | Moderate | Old City/Markets | ₹10–₹50 | Traditional, for short rides |
| Ola/Uber Cabs | High (urban core) | Entire City | ₹100–₹500 | App-based, comfortable |
| Rapido (Bike Taxi) | High (solo only) | Entire City | ₹30–₹200 | Cost-effective for short trips |
| City Buses (BSRTC) | Moderate | Major Roads & Routes | ₹10–₹30 | Government-run, improving in frequency |
| Metro (under trial) | Low (in 2025) | Select corridors | Trial stage only | Will improve access post full rollout |
| Rail (Local trains) | Moderate | Suburban Areas | ₹10–₹50 | Good for nearby town travel |
| Roads (Private Car) | Open Network | Entire City | Fuel/Driver costs | Traffic congestion is common |
| Tram | Not Available | N/A | N/A | Defunct |
Extra Tourist Information
| Info Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Local SIM & Network | Jio, Airtel, BSNL – all work well. SIM available with ID proof. |
| Best Travel Months | October to March (pleasant weather) |
| Languages Spoken | Hindi, Magahi, Bhojpuri, English (basic in urban areas) |
| Emergency Numbers | Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Women Helpline: 181 |
| Tourist Help Center | Bihar State Tourism – Info kiosk at Patna Junction & Airport |
| Airport to City | Jai Prakash Narayan Airport to city center – ~7 km, 20–30 mins by cab |
| Hotel Areas | Fraser Road, Exhibition Road, Boring Road, Bailey Road |