Kolkata · How to Reach

Kolkata is the principal transport hub of eastern India, and reaching it is straightforward from almost anywhere in the country. It is a major node on the rail network, has a busy international airport, and sits at the convergence of national highways running north, west and south, so most travellers have a direct option.

By train. Kolkata is served by several large stations, and which one you use depends on your route. Howrah Junction (station code HWH), across the river on the west bank, is one of the oldest and busiest railway complexes in India and handles a huge share of long-distance trains, including services from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and across the north and west. Sealdah (SDAH), on the city side, handles trains toward North Bengal, the north-east and much of the suburban network. There is also Kolkata (Chitpur) station (KOAA) and Shalimar, which take some long-distance services. Premium trains such as Rajdhani, Duronto, Vande Bharat and Shatabdi-class services link Kolkata with Delhi and other metros. Because Howrah and Sealdah are both enormous and serve different directions, always check which station your train uses. Live timetables and seat availability change constantly, so check current trains and fares in the search box on this page rather than relying on a fixed schedule.

By air. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (airport code CCU), at Dum Dum in the city's north-east, is eastern India's main gateway, with domestic flights to every major Indian city and international connections across South and South-East Asia, the Gulf and beyond. It is a modern integrated terminal roughly 15–17 kilometres from the city centre; depending on traffic the transfer to central Kolkata takes anywhere from about 45 minutes to well over an hour. Prepaid taxi counters, app-based cabs and airport buses all operate from the terminal. Confirm current routes and airlines before planning around a specific connection.

By road. Kolkata is connected by national highways to the rest of eastern India — north toward Siliguri and the Himalayan foothills, west toward Jharkhand and beyond, and south along the coast. Long-distance and state-run buses serve destinations across West Bengal and neighbouring states, with several inter-city bus terminals around the city. Road journeys in the delta can be slow, however, and for longer distances the train is usually more comfortable and reliable.

Getting around once you arrive. Kolkata has the most varied local transport of any Indian city. The Metro — India's first underground railway, opened in 1984 — is the fastest way to move north–south along the spine of the city and has expanded in recent years with new lines, including a river-crossing section to Howrah; it is cheap, air-conditioned on newer stock, and avoids surface traffic entirely. Yellow Ambassador taxis and app-based cabs cover the whole city; auto-rickshaws run fixed shared routes; and the historic trams, though much reduced, still trundle along a few heritage routes at a gentle pace. Buses are dense and cheap but hard for newcomers to decode. In the old lanes you will still find hand-pulled and cycle rickshaws. For the classic experience, cross the Hooghly by ferry between Howrah and the city landings — a cheap, breezy ride with grandstand views of Howrah Bridge. Agreeing a fare or using a metered app before you set off saves friction.