How to Reach Kolkata: A Comprehensive Guide

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is one of India’s most culturally rich cities. It is a major hub for tourism, business, and education, attracting millions of visitors every year. Reaching Kolkata is easy due to its well-connected transportation system, which includes airways, railways, and roadways. Whether you’re coming from another Indian city or traveling from abroad, Kolkata has plenty of options for getting there. This guide will explain in simple terms how to reach Kolkata through different modes of transport.

1. Reaching Kolkata by Air

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Kolkata is by air. The city is served by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU), which is located around 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the city center.

Domestic Flights

If you are traveling from another city in India, you can easily find flights to Kolkata from all major airports. Airlines such as Indigo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet offer regular flights to Kolkata from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and more.

The flight time to Kolkata from major Indian cities is typically:

• Delhi to Kolkata: About 2 hours
• Mumbai to Kolkata: About 2.5 hours
• Bangalore to Kolkata: About 2.5 hours
• Chennai to Kolkata: About 2 hours

Once you land at Kolkata Airport, you can hire a taxi, book an app-based cab like Uber or Ola, or take a bus to your destination in the city.

International Flights

Kolkata is also well-connected to international destinations, especially in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Major international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways operate flights to Kolkata from cities like Dubai, Doha, Singapore, and Bangkok.

If you’re coming from abroad, check for direct or connecting flights to Kolkata. The airport provides all necessary facilities, including currency exchange, duty-free shopping, and hotel booking services, making it easy for international travelers.

Airport to City

To reach central Kolkata from the airport, you can take a prepaid taxi, which will cost around ₹300-₹400. App-based cabs like Uber are also available and will give you an estimated fare before booking. If you prefer public transport, you can take buses operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation, which connect the airport to various parts of the city.

2. Reaching Kolkata by Train

Kolkata is a major railway hub, with two primary railway stations: Howrah Junction and Sealdah Railway Station. Both stations handle millions of passengers every year and are connected to nearly all parts of India.

Howrah Junction

Howrah Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in India. Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad frequently arrive here. Some of the well-known trains that connect to Kolkata via Howrah are:

• Rajdhani Express (Delhi to Howrah)
• Duronto Express (Mumbai, Bangalore, and other cities to Howrah)
• Shatabdi Express (shorter distance, connecting cities like Patna and Bhubaneswar to Kolkata)

Once you arrive at Howrah, you can cross the iconic Howrah Bridge to enter central Kolkata. Prepaid taxis, buses, and local trains are available from the station to take you to your destination.

Sealdah Railway Station

Sealdah Station primarily serves Eastern India and connects Kolkata with cities and towns in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states of India. The Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express are popular trains that operate between Sealdah and places like Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Guwahati.

From Sealdah, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the central parts of Kolkata. It’s also well connected to the Kolkata Metro, which can help you navigate the city quickly.

Booking Train Tickets

You can book train tickets to Kolkata through the IRCTC website or mobile apps, which offer easy online booking. Train tickets are available in different classes, such as Sleeper, 3rd AC, 2nd AC, and 1st AC, with prices varying according to the class.

3. Reaching Kolkata by Road

If you prefer to travel by road, Kolkata is well-connected by a network of national highways and state highways. You can drive to Kolkata from nearby cities or use intercity bus services.

Driving to Kolkata

For those traveling from nearby cities, a road trip to Kolkata can be an exciting option. National Highway 16 (NH16) and National Highway 12 (NH12) are major routes that connect Kolkata to other parts of India.

• From Delhi: The distance from Delhi to Kolkata is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), and the drive will take around 25-30 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can follow NH19, which passes through cities like Kanpur, Varanasi, and Dhanbad.
• From Mumbai: Mumbai to Kolkata is approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). NH16 connects these two cities, and the drive will take about 30-35 hours.
• From Bhubaneswar: If you’re coming from Bhubaneswar, the distance is about 440 kilometers (273 miles), and it takes around 8-9 hours via NH16.

It’s advisable to check the condition of the roads and weather before starting your journey. Rest stops, food joints, and fuel stations are available along major highways.

Bus Services to Kolkata

Several bus operators provide intercity bus services to Kolkata from nearby cities and towns. The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and private operators like RedBus run regular bus services from cities like Digha, Siliguri, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Patna.

You can book bus tickets online through platforms like RedBus or directly at bus stations. Buses range from luxury coaches to budget options, giving travelers the flexibility to choose based on comfort and cost.

4. Reaching Kolkata by Waterways

For those who prefer a more scenic and leisurely route, Kolkata can also be accessed via waterways. The Hooghly River, which runs through the city, serves as a water route for both passenger and cargo vessels.

Ferries and Boats

Kolkata has a functional ferry system that connects the city with towns on the other side of the Hooghly River. You can take ferries from places like Howrah, Serampore, and Barrackpore to reach various points in Kolkata.

There are also river cruises that provide a unique way of seeing the city from the water. While these are mostly for sightseeing, they can be a memorable experience for travelers coming to Kolkata.

5. Local Transport in Kolkata

Once you arrive in Kolkata, you can easily explore the city using its vast network of public transport options, such as:

• Kolkata Metro: India’s first metro system connects different parts of the city.
• Trams: Kolkata is the only Indian city to have trams, a charming way to travel within the city.
• Buses: Government and private buses operate across the city.
• Taxis and App-Based Cabs: Yellow taxis and services like Uber and Ola are widely available.