How to Reach Kolkata

GET  IN

Kolkata is the main financial and cultural centre in eastern India. It is also a port that is the oldest operating port in India. The city can be reached by different ways and also has an International airport. Over, all, a trip planner should find Kolkata easy to integrate.

By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport connects Kolkata to the other Indian cities and other continents. It is situated 17 kilometers from the city centre. Prepaid taxis and rickshaws are available for transportation from the airport to the city.

By Road: Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminus in Kolkata. Kolkata is connected to the neighbouring states with a wide road network. West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) runs buses that connect the city to other cities in Bengal and some states. Private and State transport companies from other parts also run daily buses to the city. . Taxi services are also available for travelling to the city.

National Highways 2, 6, 5 and 34 pass through the city. 

Distance from Kolkata to other cities:

  • Haldia:120kms
  • Asansol:205kms
  • Digha:180kms
  • Patna: 580kms
  • Ranchi: 400kms
  • Puri: 500 kms.
  • Siliguri:580 kms

By Railway: Kolkata Sealdah Railway Station and Howrah railway station are the two Railway stations that handle railway traffic in the city. All the major cities in India are connected to Kolkata with railways. The Kolkata railway Station and the Kharagpur Railway Station also act as substitutes. Reservation counters are present at all the railway stations. You can also reserve your tickets online at IRCTC site (www.irctc.co.in).

GET AROUND

Kolkata tops Indian cities in Public transport. It tops not only Indian cities, but it is also ahead of cities like New York and Toronto in developed countries. It has an array of options for travellers, daily commuters and tourists visiting the country. Age old trams run in the country, so do the cycle rickshaws. Keeping up its title as the most progressive city in the country, Kolkata is just as progressive in its transport facilities. Only 8 percent of the local trips are made in private cars in this city (some your vacation planner should take into account for a properly authentic experience), which is the lowest in the country. 54 percent of the population uses public transport daily. Here are some transport options during your stay in Kolkata:

  • By Metro trains: Metro train is the best option to travel around the city. Metros in the city are clean and cheap too. You can use the multi-ride scheme with the newly introduced smart cards. They are available at all the metro stations.
  • By Buses: Buses are commonly used in Kolkata and tend to be over crowded. Even though the traveling experience isn’t as easy and relaxing as the metro train, the network of the buses is extensive. It takes you to all the parts of the city.
  • By Tram: Tram system in Kolkata is the only operating Tram network in all of India and the oldest in Asia. Favored by environmentalists, the slow paced Tram in Kolkata has a lot of vintage features. It deserves a ride for the old age charm. 
  • By Ferries:  Ferries run across the river Hooghly every 15 minutes. You will find ferries along the Howrah Bridge, Armenian Ghat, Chandpal and Bagh bazaar.
  • By Taxis and Rickshaws: Taxis and Rickshaws run a 24 hour service in the city and the rates are cheaper than other Indian citites. Always insist that the driver puts on the meter. The drivers usually are very friendly.
  • By Suburban railway: The Kolkata suburban railway is run by the Eastern Railways(ER) and connects the suburbs of the city.
  • By Private services: You can hire a private car/taxi and drive in a chauffeur driven ride. The chauffeurs also act as your guide. You can rent such cars at any local travel agency.