This study investigates the factors influencing travel behavior and mode choice in Patna, the capital city of Bihar, India. The rapid urbanization and increased vehicular ownership have resulted in significant traffic congestion and transportation challenges, necessitating an in-depth analysis of travel mode preferences. A structured questionnaire survey of 450 respondents was conducted to capture socio-demographic characteristics, travel patterns, and perceptions regarding public and private transportation. Factor analysis was employed to identify the key determinants influencing mode choice, categorized into Personal Characteristics (PC) and Travel-Based Factors (TB). The findings reveal that public transport modes, primarily buses and trains, are preferred by 44% of the respondents due to affordability and accessibility, while private modes, including motorcycles and cars, account for 37.56%. Non-motorized travel methods like walking and cycling constitute 9.56%. Key influencing factors identified include income level, vehicle ownership, age, gender, employment status, and travel time reliability. The analysis highlights that enhancing public transport reliability, reducing costs, and promoting comfort can increase public transport usage. Furthermore, promoting sustainable travel through improved pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes can reduce private vehicle dependence. The study’s outcomes provide valuable insights for policymakers to develop more sustainable and user-centric urban transportation systems in Patna.