How to Reach Kolkata and West Bengal: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach West Bengal by flying into Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, or into Bagdogra for Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the hills. Howrah and Sealdah stations connect Kolkata with the rest of India, and New Jalpaiguri, near Siliguri, is the railhead for the north. From Kolkata, Shantiniketan, Murshidabad and the Sundarbans are road trips of three to six hours.

West Bengal stretches from the Himalaya to the Bay of Bengal, so the right gateway depends on whether you are heading for Kolkata and the plains or Darjeeling and the hills. This guide explains the options by air, rail and road, and the drive times to the main destinations.

The short answer

By air

Kolkata has non-stop flights from every major Indian city and from several international destinations. It is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Park Street, depending on traffic. Bagdogra serves the north, with flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Durgapur has limited flights for the western districts.

From the metros

By train

Howrah is one of India's busiest stations, with Rajdhani, Duronto and Vande Bharat trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other cities. Sealdah handles many northern and eastern services. For Darjeeling and the hills, overnight trains and the Vande Bharat run from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. From there, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climbs slowly to Darjeeling; most travellers drive and take the short joy ride from Darjeeling instead.

By road

From Kolkata, Shantiniketan (Bolpur) is about three and a half hours, Murshidabad five to six hours, Bishnupur about four hours, and Digha on the coast about four hours. From Bagdogra or Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong are about three hours, and Kurseong a little less. Hill roads are slow, so drive in daylight.

Drive times in the hills

Reaching the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove delta and home to the Bengal tiger, are reached by road from Kolkata to a jetty such as Godkhali, about three hours away, then by boat. Most visitors join a guided boat trip of one or two nights, with forest permits, guides and simple lodges arranged. Boats move with the tides, so timings are fixed by the operator. The best months are from October to March.

Combining with Sikkim and the Northeast

Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri are also the gateways for Sikkim, with Gangtok about four hours by road. Some high areas of Sikkim need permits arranged through local authorities or tour operators, so check before you go. From New Jalpaiguri, trains continue to Guwahati for Assam, Meghalaya and the rest of the Northeast.

Arriving from abroad

Kolkata has international flights from the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and Bhutan, so overseas visitors can often reach Bengal without changing in Delhi or Mumbai. Bagdogra has had occasional international links in the region, so check current schedules.

Matching the route to the trip

Getting around Kolkata

The Kolkata Metro is the quickest way across the city. Yellow taxis and app cabs fill the gaps, and trams still run on a few routes. Ferries across the Hooghly link Howrah, Bagbazar and the ghats. For heritage trips beyond the city, a private car with a driver is the most comfortable choice. Food lovers can follow our Culinary and Cultural Delights of Kolkata.

Your first day

After landing in Kolkata, keep the first afternoon simple: the Victoria Memorial gardens, a walk on the Maidan and dinner on Park Street. In Darjeeling, rest after the hill drive and walk to the Chowrasta and the Mall before an early start for Tiger Hill the next morning.

Season and festivals

October to March is the most comfortable time for Kolkata, with Durga Puja, Kali Puja and winter fairs. The hills are best from March to May and October to December for clear mountain views. The monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides in the hills. Book trains and flights early for Durga Puja. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

Travelling during Durga Puja

Durga Puja is Kolkata's biggest festival, usually in September or October. Flights, trains and hotels fill months in advance, many roads close to traffic in the evenings, and pandal-hopping crowds peak late at night. If you plan to visit for the festival, book everything early, stay near a Metro station and explore on foot or by Metro rather than by car.

Travelling with parents

Fly to Bagdogra rather than taking a long train to the hills, and break the drive. In Kolkata, avoid peak-hour travel. Heritage stays may have steps, so ask about rooms on lower floors. Our Bengal Tapestry includes a driver throughout.

For couples

Couples often pair a few days in Kolkata with a tea-estate stay near Darjeeling or Kurseong, flying into Kolkata and out of Bagdogra.

Budget options

Trains are good value, including overnight services to New Jalpaiguri. Shared jeeps run from Siliguri to Darjeeling and Kalimpong. In Kolkata, the Metro and buses are cheap.

Practical tips

Carry warm layers for the hills even in spring. Book Durga Puja travel months ahead. Read our 7-day West Bengal itinerary and planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

A BagPackerMe planner can arrange the whole journey privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

Which airport is best for Darjeeling?

Bagdogra, near Siliguri, is the nearest airport to Darjeeling, about three hours away by road. It also serves Kalimpong, Kurseong and Sikkim.

Which railway station should I use in Kolkata?

Howrah is the main station for trains from the west and south, and Sealdah for many trains from the north and east. Kolkata station also handles some long-distance services. Check your ticket, as the stations are on opposite banks of the Hooghly.

How do I reach the Sundarbans from Kolkata?

Drive about three hours to Godkhali or a similar jetty, then continue by boat into the delta. Most visitors join a guided boat trip with permits and stays arranged.

Is the Darjeeling toy train worth taking?

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The full run from New Jalpaiguri is slow, so many visitors take a shorter joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum instead.