Economy depends on agriculture and industry. Rice, potatoes, onions, and vegetables are the important agricultural products.

There are numerous Buddhist ruins mostly to the south of Patna town and a world class planetarium and museum at Patna. Golghar, a granary built by the British, is a noted landmark. Gandhi Maidan, an old British polo ground is famous as a meeting place and for political rallies. Agam Kuan (unfathomable well) is one of the most important early historic archeological remains. Other places to visit are the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, Jalan museum or Quila House situated at the old site of Sher Shah's fort, the Mahavir Temple and Martyrs' Memorial.

Patna is airlinked with Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.