Air Connectivity
Patna is served by Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), located within the city limits, making it one of the most centrally positioned airports in eastern India. The airport functions as Bihar’s principal domestic aviation hub, offering regular and reliable connectivity to India’s major metropolitan centres.
Flight Frequency:
Patna Airport operates multiple daily scheduled flights to key cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, serviced by leading Indian carriers.
International Operations:
Limited international and regional services operate on a seasonal or special-permission basis, with scope for future expansion in line with demand.
Rail Connectivity
Patna is a major junction on India’s national railway network, ensuring strong inter-regional integration.
Key Stations:
Premium & High-Speed Train Services:
Patna enjoys direct rail connectivity with major metros through premium and high-priority services, including:
These trains offer enhanced speed, onboard services, and operational priority.
Air Connectivity
Gaya is served by Gaya International Airport (GAY), located approximately 5 km from Gaya city and 12 km from Bodh Gaya, the site of the Buddha’s Enlightenment. The airport plays a strategic role in India’s Buddhist pilgrimage circuit and cultural diplomacy framework.
Flight Frequency:
Role:
Gaya International Airport serves as the primary international air gateway to Bodh Gaya, particularly for global Buddhist delegates, scholars, and pilgrims.
Rail Connectivity
Gaya is a significant station on the eastern rail corridor, supporting both passenger and pilgrimage traffic.
Key Station:
Premium & Long-Distance Train Services:
Gaya is directly connected to major cities through express and premium services, including:
The combined availability of two operational airports (Patna and Gaya), supported by a dense railway network, premium long-distance trains, and national highways, ensures efficient, flexible, and resilient connectivity for WCND 2026 delegates, scholars, and international participants travelling to Patna, Rajgir, and Bodh Gaya.
NOTE: A comprehensive chart detailing air services and train connectivity will be updated closer to the Congress.
The cities of Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, and Bodh Gaya are closely connected through a well-developed network of national highways, rail links, and local transport services, ensuring smooth and time-efficient movement for conference delegates.
From Patna (Airport and Railway Stations)
Patna to Rajgir Convention Centre
Rajgir is located approximately 75 km (47 miles) south of Patna. Travel by road generally takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Delegates may use state-run and private intercity buses, pre-paid taxis, or app-based cab services, all of which operate regularly from Patna. Rail services are also available to Rajgir Railway Station, followed by a short local transfer to the Convention Centre by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Patna to Bodh Gaya (Institutions and Hotel Zone)
Bodh Gaya is situated approximately 110 km (68 miles) from Patna. The road journey typically requires 3 to 3.5 hours. Regular tourist buses, state transport services, and private taxis operate along this route. Alternatively, delegates may travel by train from Patna to Gaya Junction, followed by a short road transfer to Bodh Gaya.
From Gaya (Airport and Railway Station)
Gaya Airport / Gaya Junction to Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya lies approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) from Gaya. The journey usually takes 20–30 minutes by road. Taxis, app-based cabs, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are readily available at both the airport and railway station, offering convenient access to conference venues, institutions, and hotels.
Gaya to Rajgir Convention Centre
Rajgir is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) from Gaya. The road journey generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Delegates may travel via intercity buses or taxis, or by rail to Rajgir Railway Station, followed by local transport to the Convention Centre.
Local and Last-Mile Mobility
Within Rajgir and Bodh Gaya, distances between hotels, institutions, and conference venues are relatively short. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, electric vehicles, and local shuttle services provide efficient last-mile connectivity, with most destinations reachable within 1 Hour.
WCND Delegate Advisory
The geographic proximity of Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, and Bodh Gaya, combined with reliable road, rail, and local transport infrastructure, ensures efficient, predictable, and delegate-friendly mobility throughout the Conference period.
