Delhi to Gaya: Train and Flight Guide

Leaving the frantic energy of Delhi for the spiritual stillness of Gaya is a transition from the seat of political power to the heart of ancient enlightenment. Gaya serves as the gateway to Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The two are about 1,100 km apart.^[1]

The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh GayaPhoto: Nancy Yu / Pexels

Delhi to Gaya by Train

Gaya has direct train services from New Delhi, Howrah and Mumbai, and 4 Rajdhani Express trains call there.^[1] The Mahabodhi Express runs between Delhi and Gaya daily and non-stop and takes about 16 hours.^[1] Check departure times, classes and fares for your date in the Indian Railways enquiry system (NTES) or on IRCTC.

Reservations open 60 days before the journey, not counting the travel day.^[2] Tatkal booking opens 1 day before the journey, at 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for non-AC classes.^[3] The free luggage allowance is 70 kg in AC First, 50 kg in AC 2-tier and 40 kg in AC 3-tier and in sleeper class.^[4]

Delhi to Gaya by Air

Air India operates a daily flight on the Delhi-Gaya-Varanasi route,^[1] and IndiGo lists flights between Delhi (DEL) and Gaya (GAY), advertising fares from ₹6,111 (October 2026).^[5] Gaya airport is about 7 km from Bodh Gaya.^[6]

Arriving in Gaya

Gaya railway station is about 17 km from Bodh Gaya.^[6] Regular direct buses to Bodh Gaya run from Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi, and Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation buses run from Patna.^[6] Agree on the price before getting into an auto-rickshaw, and dress modestly in this deeply religious area.

Timetable

Delhi - Gaya More info / Tickets

Bus Delhi - Gaya $ 15.39–29.90 18h – 1days 3h 30m
→ AC Seater 20:30 → A/C Semi Sleeper 19:50
Taxi Delhi - Gaya $ 305.22–442.60 16h 30m
→ SUV 6pax → Hatchback 4pax → Sedan
Train Delhi - Gaya $ 8.74–49.67 11h 10m – 19h
→ 1A - AC First Class Sleeper 07:30, 12:25, 16:10, 16:30, 17:00, 17:40, 22:45 → 2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 07:30, 12:25, 16:10, 16:30, 17:00, 17:40, 22:45 → 3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 07:30, 12:25, 16:10, 16:30, 17:00, 17:40, 22:45 → 3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 07:30, 12:25, 22:45 → SL - Sleeper Class 07:30, 12:25, 14:00, 17:40, 22:45

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Delhi to Gaya?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Delhi to Gaya, including current prices and schedules.

How long does the train from Delhi to Gaya take?

According to the Gaya district administration, the Mahabodhi Express runs daily and non-stop between Delhi and Gaya and takes about 16 hours.

Can I fly from Delhi to Gaya?

Yes. Air India operates a daily flight on the Delhi-Gaya-Varanasi route, and IndiGo lists Delhi to Gaya flights.

How far is Gaya station from Bodh Gaya?

About 17 km. Gaya airport is about 7 km from Bodh Gaya.

How far ahead can I book a train ticket?

Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey, not counting the travel day. Tatkal booking opens 1 day before, at 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for non-AC.

Which train classes are there?

Indian Railways offers AC First (1A), AC 2-tier (2A), AC 3-tier (3A) and sleeper (SL) among its classes. Check availability and fares on IRCTC.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

[1] District Gaya Ji, Government of Bihar: How to Reach. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

[2] Indian Railways: Advance Reservation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

[3] Indian Railways: Tatkal Scheme. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

[4] Indian Railways: Luggage rules. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

[5] IndiGo: Delhi to Gaya Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

[6] Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee: How to Reach. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.

How to Get from Delhi to Gaya