# India to Nepal by Road: Border Crossings Explained

_Published 9 August 2026_

Many travellers combine India and Nepal on one trip. The open border means crossing by road is common and straightforward, especially for Indian and Nepali citizens.

**Quick answer:** the most used crossings are **Sunauli–Bhairahawa** (for Lumbini, Pokhara and Kathmandu), **Raxaul–Birgunj** (for Kathmandu and Chitwan), **Panitanki–Kakarbhitta** (for Darjeeling, Sikkim and eastern Nepal), **Rupaidiha–Nepalgunj** and **Banbasa–Mahendranagar** in the west. Foreigners must complete immigration on both sides and can usually get a **Nepal visa on arrival** at major crossings.

## Main crossings

IndiaNepalGood forSunauli (Uttar Pradesh)Bhairahawa / BelahiyaLumbini, Pokhara, KathmanduRaxaul (Bihar)BirgunjKathmandu, ChitwanPanitanki (West Bengal)KakarbhittaDarjeeling, Sikkim, Ilam, KangchenjungaRupaidiha (Uttar Pradesh)Nepalgunj (Jamunaha)Bardia, western NepalBanbasa (Uttarakhand)Mahendranagar (Gaddachauki)Shuklaphanta, far west## For foreign travellers

- Get your Indian exit stamp and Nepal entry stamp; it's easy to walk past the offices, so look out for them.
- Bring passport photos and US dollars in cash for the Nepal visa.
- Cross during office hours.

See our [Nepal visa guide](/blog/nepal-visa-guide).

## For Indian travellers

No visa is needed; carry accepted ID. See our [guide for Indian travellers](/blog/nepal-travel-guide-for-indians).

## After the border

From Bhairahawa, Lumbini is about 30–40 minutes away. See our [Lumbini guide](/blog/lumbini-travel-guide) and [how to get to Chitwan](/blog/how-to-get-to-chitwan).

## Each crossing in detail

### Sunauli–Bhairahawa (Belahiya)

The busiest crossing for travellers, between Uttar Pradesh and western Nepal. Gorakhpur is the nearest major Indian railway station, about three hours away. On the Nepal side, [Bhairahawa](/places/bhairahawa) has Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Lumbini is about 30–40 minutes away. Buses run from the border to Pokhara (about 8–9 hours) and Kathmandu (about 9–10 hours). Varanasi to Kathmandu via Sunauli is a classic overland route.

### Raxaul–Birgunj

A major trade crossing between Bihar and central Nepal, connecting Patna and Kolkata with Kathmandu and Chitwan. [Birgunj](/places/birgunj) is a busy industrial city; from there, it is about 3–4 hours to Chitwan and 6–8 hours to Kathmandu. Traffic and trucks can make the crossing slow.

### Panitanki–Kakarbhitta

The main crossing in the east, near Siliguri and the railway station of New Jalpaiguri, gateway to Darjeeling and Sikkim. From [Kakarbhitta](/places/kakarbhitta), you can reach Ilam's tea gardens, the Kanchenjunga region and Bhadrapur airport, with flights to Kathmandu. See [Ilam](/blog/ilam-travel-guide).

### Rupaidiha–Nepalgunj (Jamunaha)

The crossing for western Nepal, near Lucknow. [Nepalgunj](/places/nepalgunj) is the hub for flights to remote areas such as Dolpo, Humla and Rara, and the gateway to Bardia National Park. See [Bardia](/blog/bardia-national-park-guide).

### Banbasa–Mahendranagar (Gaddachauki)

The far-western crossing, near Uttarakhand, convenient for Shuklaphanta National Park and for travellers coming from Delhi or the Kumaon hills. See [Shuklaphanta](/blog/shuklaphanta-national-park-guide).

## Step by step for foreign travellers

1. On the Indian side, go to the Indian immigration office and get your passport stamped out of India. It is easy to miss, as the border is open and traffic flows freely.
2. Walk or take a rickshaw across the border.
3. On the Nepal side, go to the Nepal immigration office, fill in the visa form (or show your online form), pay the visa fee in cash, and get your entry stamp.
4. Change some money into Nepali rupees and continue your journey.

Nepal visa fees for most nationalities are US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days at the time of writing. Bring clean US dollar notes and passport photos. See [visa guide](/blog/nepal-visa-guide).

## Leaving Nepal for India

Foreign travellers going from Nepal to India need an Indian visa in advance, either an e-visa (check whether land-border entry is permitted for e-visa holders at your chosen crossing) or a regular visa from an Indian embassy. Get your Nepal exit stamp and Indian entry stamp. Indian and Nepali citizens can cross freely with valid ID.

## Opening hours and tips

- Immigration offices at the main crossings are generally open from early morning to evening; cross during daylight to be safe.
- Keep your passport, visa forms, photos and cash ready.
- Beware of touts offering help with forms or tickets; immigration forms are free.
- Change only small amounts of money at the border; rates are often poor.
- Book onward buses in advance where possible, especially at festival times.
- Expect heat and crowds in the Terai from April to June.

## Combining India and Nepal

Popular overland routes include Varanasi – Sunauli – Lumbini – Pokhara – Kathmandu; Darjeeling – Kakarbhitta – Ilam – Kathmandu; and Bodh Gaya – Patna – Raxaul – Chitwan – Kathmandu, a classic Buddhist circuit linking the places of the Buddha's enlightenment and birth. See [Lumbini](/blog/lumbini-travel-guide) and [how to get to Chitwan](/blog/how-to-get-to-chitwan).

## Crossings at a glance

CrossingNearest Indian hubNepal destinationsNotesSunauli–BhairahawaGorakhpur, VaranasiLumbini, Pokhara, Kathmandu, ChitwanBusiest for touristsRaxaul–BirgunjPatna, KolkataChitwan, KathmanduBusy trade routePanitanki–KakarbhittaSiliguri, New Jalpaiguri, DarjeelingIlam, eastern Nepal, Kathmandu by air from BhadrapurGood for Darjeeling and SikkimRupaidiha–NepalgunjLucknowBardia, western NepalGateway to remote flightsBanbasa–MahendranagarDelhi, UttarakhandShuklaphanta, far westQuieter## Transport after the border

From most crossings, you can take a tourist bus, local bus, shared jeep or private car to your destination. Private cars are the most comfortable and can be arranged in advance through your Nepal tour operator, with the driver meeting you at the Nepal immigration office. Domestic flights from Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Bhadrapur and Nepalgunj connect border regions to Kathmandu quickly. See [domestic flights](/blog/domestic-flights-in-nepal).

## Customs

Both countries have customs checks at the border. Personal belongings are generally not a problem, but restrictions apply to large amounts of currency, certain goods and commercial quantities. Indian travellers bringing vehicles need a temporary Nepali customs permit. Foreign travellers should keep receipts for expensive equipment such as cameras and drones; drones require advance permission in Nepal.

## Rail connections on the Indian side

Most crossings are linked to the Indian rail network by short road journeys: Gorakhpur for Sunauli, Raxaul has its own station, New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri for Panitanki, and Lucknow or Nanpara for Rupaidiha. A cross-border railway also links Jaynagar in Bihar with Janakpur and Kurtha in Nepal, mainly used by local passengers. Book Indian trains well in advance, especially during festival seasons, and allow time for the road connection to the border.

## Safety and comfort

The Terai border towns are busy, hot and chaotic, but generally safe. Keep your passport and money secure, use registered transport, avoid travelling at night where possible, and be cautious of anyone offering unofficial "help". If you are travelling with a Nepal tour operator, arrange to be met at the border to make the transition smooth.

## For Nepali and Indian citizens

Thanks to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Nepali and Indian citizens can cross the border without passports or visas, and many cross daily for work, trade, family visits and shopping. Even so, it is wise to carry valid ID, as checks are sometimes carried out, particularly during elections, festivals or security alerts. Rules on carrying currency, goods and vehicles still apply. See [Nepal and India explained](/blog/is-nepal-part-of-india).

## Festival and holiday crowds

During major festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and Holi, border crossings and buses are packed as people travel home. Expect long queues and crowded transport, and book onward journeys well in advance. Chhath is especially important in the Terai and Bihar, when many people cross to celebrate with family. See [Chhath](/blog/chhath-festival-nepal).

## Planning tips

- Choose your crossing based on your next destination in Nepal, not just the shortest route from India.
- Arrive at the border in the morning to complete formalities and travel onward in daylight.
- For foreign travellers, apply for your Indian visa well in advance if heading from Nepal to India.
- Carry snacks and water; border areas can be hot and crowded.
- Keep copies of your passport, visa and photos separately from the originals.

## Frequently asked questions
### What is the most popular India–Nepal border crossing?
**Sunauli–Bhairahawa**.

### Can foreigners get a Nepal visa at the border?
Yes, at major crossings.

### Do Indians need a visa?
No.

### Which crossing is best for Darjeeling?
**Panitanki–Kakarbhitta**.

### Which crossing is best for Varanasi?
Sunauli–Bhairahawa, via Gorakhpur.

### Do I need an Indian visa to go from Nepal to India?
Foreign travellers do; check whether your e-visa allows land-border entry at your crossing.

### Which crossing is best for Bardia?
Rupaidiha–Nepalgunj.

### How much is the Nepal visa at the border?
US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days at the time of writing.

### Is the border open 24 hours?
Immigration offices keep set hours; cross during daylight.

### Can a driver meet me at the border?
Yes. Tour operators can arrange a private car to meet you at the Nepal immigration office.

### Are there flights from border towns to Kathmandu?
Yes, from Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Bhadrapur and Nepalgunj.

### Is there a railway into Nepal?
Yes, a cross-border line links Jaynagar in Bihar with Janakpur, mainly for local passengers.

### Are border towns safe?
Generally yes; keep valuables secure and avoid night travel.

### Is the border busy during festivals?
Very; crossings and buses are packed around Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and Holi.

### Which crossing is best for Kathmandu?
Sunauli–Bhairahawa or Raxaul–Birgunj, depending on where you are coming from in India.

### Can I get a Nepal visa online before reaching the border?
Yes, you can fill in the online form in advance and pay at the border.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/india-to-nepal-border-crossings