Cultural
Madhesh
Birgunj
The principal land entry point for Indian travelers entering Nepal, directly connected to Raxaul (Bihar) across the busiest Nepal–India border crossing.
80 m altitude
India–Nepal Overland Border
Open 24 HoursRaxaul–Birgunj Border Crossing
The Raxaul–Birgunj border crossing connects East Champaran in Bihar (India) with Parsa District in Madhesh Province (Nepal). It is the busiest and most direct overland gateway for travelers traveling from Delhi, Bihar, Kolkata, and Uttar Pradesh to Kathmandu and Chitwan.
India Side
Raxaul, East Champaran, Bihar
Nearest rail hub: Raxaul Junction (RXL) — direct train connections from Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, and Varanasi.
Nepal Side
Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province
Transit hub: Birgunj Bus Park (New Bus Park / Ghantaghar) — regular departures to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Janakpur.
Essential Crossing Information
Border Timings & Distance
Timings: Open 24 hours daily for pedestrian and vehicle crossing. Customs and immigration processing counters operate throughout standard hours.
Distance: Approx. 3 km between Raxaul Railway Station and Birgunj Border Gate (10–15 min by e-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw).
ID & Documents Needed
- •Valid Indian Passport (recommended)
- •Voter ID Card (Election Commission of India)
- •No visa required for Indian citizens
Vehicle & Customs Rules
Indian private cars, SUVs, and motorcycles can cross into Nepal at Birgunj. A temporary vehicle customs permit (Bhansar pass) must be obtained at the customs gate. Carry original RC, driving licence, valid insurance, and PUC certificate.
Currency & Cash in Nepal
Indian Rupee (INR) notes of ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500 denominations are widely accepted in Birgunj and across Nepal. ₹2,000 notes are banned. Fixed official rate: 1 INR = 1.60 NPR.
How to Cross from Raxaul, East Champaran, Bihar into Nepal
1
Arrive at Raxaul
Reach Raxaul Junction by train or bus from Patna/Delhi. Take a cycle-rickshaw or e-rickshaw (₹30–50 INR) directly to the Nepal border gate (Maitri Pul / Shankaracharya Gate).
2
Pass Through Checkpoint & Customs
Indian pedestrians walk through the border gate showing Voter ID or Passport if requested. If driving a private vehicle, pull over at the Bhansar customs office to get a vehicle entry permit.
3
Transit into Birgunj Town
Take a local e-rickshaw or auto to the Birgunj Bus Park (10–15 mins). Here you can buy a local SIM card (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) with your ID and exchange currency if needed.
4
Board Onward Transport to Kathmandu or Chitwan
Board a deluxe/tourist bus, shared HiAce van, or hire a private taxi toward Kathmandu (4.5–5 hrs) or Chitwan (3 hrs). Morning departures before 10 AM are recommended.
Onward Travel from Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province
Direct road connections, typical travel durations, and transport options across Nepal.
Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province → Kathmandu
130 km·4.5–5 hours
Tourist Bus, Deluxe Coach, or Private Taxi (NPR 500–800 (Bus) / NPR 6,000–8,000 (Taxi))
View Kathmandu guide
Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province → Chitwan
100 km·3 hours
Bus or Shared Jeep (NPR 400–600)
View Chitwan guide
Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province → Pokhara
240 km·7–8 hours
Direct Deluxe Bus via Narayangadh (NPR 1,000–1,500)
View Pokhara guide
Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province → Janakpur
140 km·4 hours
Bus along East-West Highway (NPR 500–700)
View Janakpur guide
Border Guidance & Operational Notes
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours for pedestrian and vehicle crossing. Required Documents (Indian citizens): Valid Indian passport or Voter ID card. No visa required for Indian nationals. Transport from Raxaul: Auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to the border gate (10 min). Buses and shared jeeps from Birgunj bus park to Kathmandu (4–5 hrs, ₹500–800). Vehicles: Private cars, buses, motorcycles, and commercial trucks all permitted. Vehicles must complete customs formalities at the dry port. Seasonal Notes: Road is operational year-round. Minor congestion during major Indian and Nepali festivals. The Pathlaiya–Hetauda highway section is being upgraded; allow extra travel time for construction delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (Raxaul–Birgunj)
What is the distance from Raxaul to Birgunj?
The distance between Raxaul Railway Station (Bihar, India) and the Birgunj Border Gate (Nepal) is approximately 3 km. Local cycle-rickshaws and e-rickshaws take 10–15 minutes and charge ₹30–50 INR per passenger.
What are the opening times for the Raxaul–Birgunj border?
The Raxaul–Birgunj border is open 24 hours a day for pedestrian and passenger vehicle movement. Commercial customs and vehicle permit processing counters operate from early morning until late evening (typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
How do I travel from Raxaul/Birgunj to Kathmandu?
From Birgunj Bus Park, regular tourist buses, deluxe coaches, and microbuses depart for Kathmandu throughout the day. The journey takes 4.5 to 5 hours along the Tribhuvan Highway and Hetauda corridor (fare: NPR 500–800). Private taxis are also available (3.5–4 hours, approx. NPR 6,000–8,000).
Do Indian citizens need a passport to cross at Raxaul?
No, a passport is not mandatory for Indian citizens. You can enter Nepal using a valid Voter ID card (issued by the Election Commission of India) or an Indian Passport. No visa is required for Indian nationals.
Can I bring an Indian private car or motorcycle into Nepal at Raxaul?
Yes. Private Indian cars, SUVs, and motorcycles can enter Nepal through Birgunj. You must stop at the Nepal Customs (Bhansar) office at the border to obtain a temporary vehicle permit (Bhansar pass) and pay the daily permit fee (approx. NPR 500–600/day for cars, NPR 150–200/day for motorcycles). Ensure you carry your original RC, valid driving licence, vehicle insurance, and pollution certificate.
Are Indian Rupees accepted in Birgunj and along the route to Kathmandu?
Yes. Indian Rupee notes of ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500 denominations are widely accepted in Birgunj, roadside dhabas, hotels, and throughout Nepal at the official fixed exchange rate of 1 INR = 1.60 NPR. Please note that ₹2,000 notes are strictly banned and not accepted anywhere in Nepal.
Helpful Nepal Travel Guides
Essential reading before crossing the border:
Connected Nepal Destinations
Popular destinations reachable by direct road or domestic transit from Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province.
Wildlife
Bagmati
Chitwan
Home to one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, and wild elephants in a UNESCO-listed national park — the top wildlife destination in Nepal.
100 m altitude
Heritage
Bagmati
Patan
Known as the "City of Fine Arts", Patan's Durbar Square is ringed by exquisite Newari temples, courtyards, and the finest bronze-work in Nepal.
1,350 m altitude
Cultural
Bagmati
Kathmandu
Nepal's vibrant capital blending ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a thriving backpacker scene in the heart of the Himalayas.
1,400 m altitude
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