Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) guide — the terminal, taxi to the city, runway/timing quirks, and the busiest routes from Bihar's capital. Reviewed 2026.
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Quick answer: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) is Patna's single-terminal airport, only about 5 km from the city centre and Patna Junction railway station — typically a 15-30 minute drive. Despite 'International' in its name, scheduled flights are overwhelmingly domestic. A spacious new terminal building opened in 2025, replacing the cramped old one, with more check-in counters, aerobridges and a multi-level car park. The one thing to know: it is a busy single-runway, single-terminal airport with constrained operating hours historically, so book early flights carefully and reach the terminal in good time.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Patna fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
Patna has one passenger terminal. A modern two-storey integrated terminal building opened in mid-2025 (arrivals on the ground floor, departures above), vastly larger than the old terminal, with many more check-in counters, multiple aerobridges, automated tray systems at security and conveyor belts in the arrival hall. Main carriers are IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Alliance Air, all operating domestic routes. There is no separate international terminal as scheduled international service is minimal; confirm any international flights on the official airport site.
PAT is served mainly by IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Alliance Air on domestic routes, connecting Patna to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and other cities. Scheduled international service is minimal-to-none despite the 'International' name, so do not assume direct overseas flights; check the official airport website for any current international or seasonal operations.
Patna's new terminal offers premium lounge facilities, with at least one lounge accessible to eligible credit-card and lounge-programme members (including Priority Pass) and on a pay-per-use basis. As the new building's amenities are still maturing, confirm the current lounge operator, location and exact access rules on the official airport site or your card/lounge programme before relying on access.
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The airport is only about 5 km from central Patna and Patna Junction railway station, usually a 15-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Its central location makes prepaid taxis and app cabs quick and convenient for most travellers.
Yes. A multi-level car park serving the new terminal provides parking for over a thousand vehicles, with short free drop-off time at the kerb. Parking rates and rules change, so check current charges on the official airport website.
Reach the terminal about 2 to 2.5 hours before a domestic departure. Patna can see crowding at peak early-morning and evening banks, so allow buffer; the new terminal has eased congestion but security queues still build up.
The new terminal added more cafes, food outlets and retail than the old building, both before and after security. Options are still expanding and are more limited than at metro airports, so carry essentials if you have specific needs.
Free passenger Wi-Fi is generally offered, typically via a one-time OTP to your mobile. Time limits and reliability can vary; ask at an information desk if you cannot connect, and consider mobile data as a backup.
Because the airport sits within the city, plenty of hotels across budgets are only a short drive away near Bailey Road, Gandhi Maidan and Fraser Road. Many arrange airport pickups; the short distance keeps transfers quick and cheap.
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