Kolkata, the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination. It attracts tourists from all over the country and the world. To facilitate easy travel, Kolkata is well-connected to major cities across India, offering multiple modes of transportation including trains, flights, and buses. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ways to reach Kolkata from major cities in India. Are you wondering how to reach Kolkata by train, flight and bus from major cities in India? You can get the information required here:
Check out my post on 11-day West Bengal itinerary.
By Train:
Travelling by train is a popular and convenient option for reaching Kolkata. The city is well-connected to major cities in India through an extensive railway network. Here’s how you can reach Kolkata by train from different cities:
Delhi to Kolkata:
Delhi, the capital city of India, has direct train services to Kolkata. The most convenient and popular option is to board the New Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express. This superfast train covers the distance in approximately 17 hours, providing a comfortable journey with amenities like air-conditioned coaches, onboard meals, and bedding facilities. Other trains such as the Duronto Express also operate between Delhi and Kolkata, offering overnight travel options.
Mumbai to Kolkata:
Are you wondering how to reach Kolkata from Mumbai by train? If so, you should know that several trains are available for this route. The Howrah Mail and the Mumbai-Howrah Duronto Express are popular choices. The journey duration varies between 26-30 hours depending on the train you choose. Overnight trains are available, allowing you to have a restful journey.
Chennai to Kolkata:
To reach Kolkata from Chennai, you can opt for the Coromandel Express, which is a daily train service between the two cities. This overnight train takes approximately 27 hours to complete the journey. The train provides comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. In addition to knowing how to reach Kolkata by train from Chennai, you might also be interested in knowing about the top places to visit near Kolkata.
By Flight:
Do you wish to know the answer to the question of how to reach Kolkata faster? If so, you know that boarding a flight will help you reach Kolkata faster. Not only faster, flights offer a convenient and time-saving option to reach Kolkata. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is well-connected to major cities across India. Here’s how to reach Kolkata by flight from different cities:
Delhi to Kolkata:
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi offers numerous daily flights to Kolkata. Several airlines operate on this route, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara. The flight duration is typically around 2-2.5 hours, making it the fastest way to reach Kolkata from Delhi. It is advisable to book your flight tickets in advance to secure the best fares. Now, you know how to reach Kolkata from Delhi by flight. What if you wish to travel from Mumbai?
Mumbai to Kolkata:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai provides regular flights to Kolkata. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir offer multiple options for this route. The flight duration is generally around 2.5-3 hours. It is recommended to check for direct flights to save time and choose a suitable departure time. You can book flight tickets from Mumbai to Kolkata online. You will have the answer to your question of how to reach Kolkata by flight from Mumbai.
Chennai to Kolkata:
Chennai International Airport has frequent flights to Kolkata. Major airlines operating on this route include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir. The flight duration is usually around 2 hours. It is advisable to compare prices and flight schedules to find the most convenient option for your journey. After reaching Kolkata or even before starting to Kolkata, my post on top things to do in Kolkata might help you plan things well.
By Bus:
Travelling by bus is a budget-friendly option for reaching Kolkata from major cities in India. However, it is important to note that the travel time by bus is longer compared to trains or flights. Here’s how to reach Kolkata by bus from different cities:
Delhi to Kolkata:
Several private bus operators provide overnight bus services from Delhi to Kolkata. The journey takes approximately 17-20 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. It is advisable to choose reputable bus operators that prioritise passenger safety and comfort. Sleeper buses and Volvo buses are available, offering varying levels of comfort during the journey.
Mumbai to Kolkata:
There are several private bus operators offering long-distance buses from Mumbai to Kolkata. The travel time can vary between 25-30 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It is advisable to book your bus tickets in advance and choose reputed bus services that prioritise passenger safety and comfort. Here is how to reach Kolkata by bus if you travel from Chennai:
Chennai to Kolkata:
While bus services from Chennai to Kolkata are limited, it is still possible to travel this route by bus. The journey can take around 24-30 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It is recommended to check the availability and timings of buses in advance and plan your journey accordingly.
When you choose this mode of transport, you should remember one thing. Compared to train journeys bus trips are tedious. Also, for some people, bus trips create nausea and vomiting. It is better to carry orange or ginger candy to handle nausea and vomiting if you are allergic to bus trips. You can carry candies even if you do not have prior experience in taking long trips by bus. Just in case, you feel uncomfortable, you can take them.
Now, you know how to reach Kolkata by train, flight and bus in different modes. You can see my post on popular 25 restaurants in Kolkata to satiate your hunger once you reach Kolkata. Here are some general tips to make your trip comfortable:
General Tips:
Plan in Advance:
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it is advisable to plan your journey in advance. Check the availability of tickets or seats, compare prices, and book your tickets early to secure the best deals. Once you know how to reach Kolkata by which mode, you can start planning things.
Check Schedules:
Train and flight schedules can change, so it is important to check the timings and departure/arrival points before your journey. Stay updated with any changes or delays to avoid inconvenience. Nowadays, you can get these updates online as well to keep yourself informed.
Carry Identification:
While travelling, always carry valid identification documents like your passport, driving licence, or Aadhaar card. These will be required for security checks and ticket verification. This holds particularly if you are travelling from different parts of India to Kolkata. Not only knowing how to reach Kolkata but also it is equally important to remember carrying a valid ID card.
Arrive Early:
Whether you are travelling by train, flight, or bus, it is important to arrive at the departure point well ahead of the scheduled departure time. This will give you sufficient time for check-in, security checks, and boarding. My post on best hotels in Kolkata will help you book your accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute rush.
Pack Essentials:
Carry essential items like water, snacks, a travel pillow, a blanket, and entertainment options like books or music to keep yourself comfortable and occupied during the journey. If you are planning to reach Kolkata by bus, you should even be more particular about carrying essential supplies.
The reason is that you might not find eatables at all places when you travel by bus. Once you carefully reach Kolkata or even before you plan your trip, my post on the best 5-day Kolkata itinerary will help you for sure.
Conclusion:
You know how to reach Kolkata by train, flight and bus from major cities. Plan things as per the tips given above and let your journey to one of the metropolitan cities in India turn out to be unforgettable!