Train + Taxi to Bandhavgarh
- 1Book a train to Umaria or Katni.
- 2Share your arrival time with us.
- 3Your driver meets you and takes you to the resort.
Plan your journey
How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park
By train, air or road: the easiest routes to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, with distances, travel times and transfer tips.
- Pickup & drop arranged
- 24/7 trip support
- Route advice from locals
- 30–35 km
- Umaria station
- 200 km
- Jabalpur airport
- 100 km
- Katni junction
Getting here
Getting to Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park lies in Umaria district in eastern Madhya Pradesh, in the Vindhya Hills. It is well connected by rail and road, and most visitors travel by train or flight to a nearby city and finish the journey with a short taxi ride to their resort.
Umaria is the closest railway station, about 30 to 35 km from the park gates. Katni and Jabalpur are larger junctions with more train options. If you prefer to fly, Jabalpur is the nearest major airport, with Khajuraho as another option. Both need a road transfer of several hours.
For most travellers the simplest plan is a train to Umaria or Katni, or a flight to Jabalpur, followed by a pre-booked taxi. If you are driving, the roads from Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria, Khajuraho and Nagpur are all motorable. Whichever route you choose, arrive a day before your first safari, because morning safaris start at dawn.
Read on for station, airport and road details, or ask us to arrange your pickup.
- Nearest railway station
- Umaria
- ~30–35 km · 45–60 min by road
- Nearest airport
- Jabalpur
- ~200 km · 4–5 hours by road
- Major rail junction
- Katni
- ~100 km · 2–2.5 hours by road
Distances and travel times are approximate and vary with traffic and road conditions. Please confirm current train and flight schedules before booking.
By train
How to Reach Bandhavgarh by Train
Train is the most comfortable and affordable way to reach Bandhavgarh. Umaria is the closest station, while Katni and Jabalpur are major junctions with good connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and other cities.
From the station, a taxi takes you to the resorts near the Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli gates. Tell us your train number and arrival time and we will have a car waiting. You can check current schedules and book tickets on the IRCTC website.
Which station should you choose? Umaria gives you the shortest transfer, about 45 to 60 minutes by road. Katni has more train options, and Jabalpur is the biggest junction, so it is often the easiest to reach from far-away cities. Whichever you pick, a pre-booked taxi from the station is the simplest way to finish the journey.
Tips for train travellers: book your tickets early, as popular trains fill up fast in the peak safari season, and try to arrive by afternoon so you can settle in before an early-morning safari. If your train reaches late at night or at dawn, tell us in advance and we will arrange the pickup. Arrange a station pickup.
| Station | Distance | By road | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umaria (UMR) | ~30–35 km | 45–60 min | Closest, shortest transfer |
| Katni (KTE) | ~100 km | 2–2.5 hrs | More train options |
| Jabalpur (JBP) | ~200 km | 4–5 hrs | Major junction and airport |
By air
How to Reach Bandhavgarh by Air
Jabalpur Airport (JLR) is the nearest major airport, about 200 km from Bandhavgarh National Park. Khajuraho Airport (HJR) is the other option, at roughly 240 to 260 km. Flight connections to both change from season to season, so check current schedules with your airline or the Airports Authority of India before you book.
From Jabalpur the drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, and from Khajuraho about 5 to 6 hours. A private cab with a driver who knows the route is the most comfortable choice, and we can arrange it for you.
Tip: choose a flight that lands by early afternoon so you reach your resort before dark, as wildlife can cross the road at night. Want to combine the Khajuraho temples with your safari? Ask us to plan the route.
| Airport | Distance | By road | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jabalpur (JLR) | ~200 km | 4–5 hrs | Nearest major airport |
| Khajuraho (HJR) | ~240–260 km | 5–6 hrs | Combine with the temples |
By road
How to Reach Bandhavgarh by Road
Bandhavgarh is connected by good roads to Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria, Khajuraho and Nagpur. Self-drive is possible, but we recommend a hired driver for the last stretch, especially after dark.
The most used routes are from Katni (about 100 km) and Jabalpur (about 200 km). From Khajuraho it is roughly 240 to 260 km, and from Nagpur roughly 450 to 480 km via Jabalpur. The cards below show approximate distances and driving times.
Driving tips: start early so you arrive in daylight, fill your tank before the final stretch, keep to the speed limits near the forest and watch for animals on the road. Safaris inside the park run only in registered safari jeeps, so you can leave your own car at the resort. Ask us to arrange a driver.
From
Umaria
~30–35 km
About 45–60 min
From
Katni
~100 km
About 2–2.5 hrs
From
Jabalpur
~200 km
About 4–5 hrs
From
Nagpur
~450–480 km
About 9–10 hrs
Plan your journey
Best Way to Reach Bandhavgarh: Compare Routes
All three ways work well. Here is how they compare, so you can pick the one that fits your time, budget and comfort.
| Route | Best for | Last-mile transfer | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train to Umaria | Shortest transfer, budget friendly | 45–60 min taxi | High |
| Train to Katni | More train options | 2–2.5 hrs by road | High |
| Fly to Jabalpur | Long distances, limited time | 4–5 hrs by road | High (with a private cab) |
| Fly to Khajuraho | Adding the temples to your trip | 5–6 hrs by road | Medium |
| Self-drive | Road trips from Nagpur or Jabalpur | Whole journey | Medium (daylight driving advised) |
3 Popular Ways to Reach Bandhavgarh
Fly to Jabalpur + Cab
- 1Fly to Jabalpur (or Khajuraho).
- 2Meet your driver at the airport.
- 3Drive 4–6 hours with a rest stop.
Road Trip to Bandhavgarh
- 1Start early to arrive in daylight.
- 2Take breaks every 2–3 hours.
- 3Park at your resort and use a safari jeep for the park.
Find us
Bandhavgarh National Park on the Map
Local transfers
Taxi Pickup and Drop for Bandhavgarh
Skip the hunt for transport. We arrange a comfortable car and driver from the station or airport straight to your resort, timed to your arrival.
- Umaria, Katni, Jabalpur and Khajuraho pickups
- Private cab with experienced driver
- Resort and safari gate drops
- Support if your train or flight is delayed
Before you go
Travel Tips for Reaching Bandhavgarh National Park
Arrive a day early
Morning safaris start at dawn. Reaching the evening before keeps you rested and on time.
Carry photo ID
Every guest needs a valid government photo ID for safari entry. Names must match your booking.
Avoid night driving
Wildlife can cross roads after dark. Plan your last stretch for daylight.
Pre-book transport
Taxis are limited around the villages. Book your pickup before you arrive.
Check the season
Core zones are generally closed in the monsoon. See our best-time guide before you plan.
Keep cash and a power bank
Mobile networks and ATMs can be patchy around the park.
Planning the rest of your trip? Compare the safari zones and entry gates, read the best time to visit Bandhavgarh, or browse our safari packages.
FAQ
How to Reach Bandhavgarh: FAQs
Quick answers about booking your safari, zones, timing and stays. Can’t find what you need? Talk to our team.
1 What is the nearest railway station to Bandhavgarh National Park?
Umaria is the nearest railway station, roughly 30 to 35 km from the park gates and about 45 minutes to an hour by taxi. Katni (about 100 km) and Jabalpur (about 200 km) are larger junctions with more train options. All distances are approximate.
2 What is the nearest airport to Bandhavgarh?
Jabalpur Airport is the nearest major airport, roughly 200 km away (about 4 to 5 hours by road). Khajuraho Airport is another option at roughly 240 to 260 km. We can arrange a private cab from either airport to your resort.
3 How far is Bandhavgarh from Nagpur?
Bandhavgarh is roughly 450 to 480 km from Nagpur by road via Jabalpur, which usually takes around 9 to 10 hours with breaks. Many guests prefer to take a train or flight to Jabalpur or Katni and continue by taxi.
4 Can I drive to Bandhavgarh in my own car?
Yes, the roads from Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria and Khajuraho are motorable. Avoid driving the last stretch after dark, as wildlife can cross the road, and ask your resort about parking. Safaris themselves run only in registered safari jeeps.
5 Do you arrange pickup from the railway station or airport?
Yes. Send us your arrival details (station or airport, date and time) and we will arrange a comfortable car and driver to take you to your resort near the safari gate.
6 What is the best way to reach Bandhavgarh for first-time visitors?
The simplest route is a train to Umaria or Katni, or a flight to Jabalpur, followed by a pre-booked taxi. This keeps the road journey short and removes the stress of finding transport on arrival.
7 How early should I arrive before my first safari?
Arrive the day before. Morning safaris start at dawn, so reaching your resort the evening before lets you rest and avoid missing your slot. Bring a valid photo ID for every guest.
8 How many hours does it take from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh?
The drive from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh is roughly 200 km and usually takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Plan a few extra hours if you are connecting from a flight or train.
9 Can I combine Bandhavgarh with Khajuraho in one trip?
Yes. Khajuraho is a popular add-on because of its temples and airport. Tell us your dates and we can plan the route, safaris and stay so the road journey between the two is comfortable.
10 Is public transport available from Umaria to the park?
Public transport to the park villages is limited, and timings can change. Pre-booked taxis are the reliable option, especially for early-morning safaris.
Need help planning your route?
Share your starting city and travel dates and we will suggest the best way to reach Bandhavgarh, with pickup arranged.