Is there a direct train?

No, there is no direct train between Sundargarh and Chaibasa.

What is the best route?

The route via Manoharpur is the most direct for road travel.

Yes, private buses operate from Sundargarh to nearby towns connecting to Chaibasa.

How long does it take?

It takes approximately 6 to 7 hours by road.

Is it safe to travel at night?

It is not recommended to travel through the forest areas at night.

Train Driving

Sundargarh to Chaibasa

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Sundargarh to Chaibasa spans approximately 210 km through the mineral-rich belts of Odisha and Jharkhand. You can travel via road using private buses or hired taxis, which is the most common method. The route passes through the scenic forest regions of Saranda. There is no direct train, so travelers often switch at Jharsuguda or Chakradharpur. Expect a travel time of 6 to 7 hours depending on road conditions.

Total Distance: 210 km driving distance, 165 km straight-line distance.

Fastest Way

Private taxi takes 6 hours via the direct forest route.

Cheapest Way

Bus travel via Jharsuguda costs approximately 400 INR.

Compare Sundargarh to Chaibasa Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	6 hours
Avg Price	250-600 INR	3000-4500 INR
Operator	South Eastern Railway	Private Taxi
Route	Sundargarh-Jharsuguda-Chakradharpur-Chaibasa	Sundargarh-Rajgangpur-Manoharpur-Chaibasa
Tip	Take a train to Chakradharpur and then a local bus to reach Chaibasa.	Hire a local SUV for better comfort on the forest roads near Manoharpur.

Travel Tips

Road Condition
Expect patches of rough road near the Odisha-Jharkhand border.
Connectivity
Mobile network can be intermittent inside the Saranda forest area.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of transport within Chaibasa town.
Food
Carry dry snacks and water as highway dhabas are sparse in forest stretches.
Timing
Start your journey early in the morning to avoid driving through forests after sunset.

Safety Tips

Forest Safety
Avoid stopping your vehicle in isolated forest stretches.
Emergency
Keep local police station numbers saved for the districts of West Singhbhum.
Fuel
Refuel your vehicle in Sundargarh or Manoharpur as fuel stations are limited.
Documents
Carry original ID proofs as you are crossing state borders.