Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideNetaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata, 140km from city. Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet. Transfer options: Taxi (rupees 2500-3500, 3-4 hours), train from Howrah (rupees 100-200, 2 hours).
Kharagpur Junction (KGP). Major railway hub with many daily trains. Journey times and fares from Delhi (18-24 hours, rupees 700-2500), Mumbai (28-32 hours, rupees 900-3000), Bangalore (30-36 hours, rupees 1000-3500).
West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and private operators. Terminals: Kharagpur Bus Stand. Journey time and fare from Kolkata: 3-4 hours, rupees 150-300. From Digha: 2-3 hours, rupees 100-200.
NH16 (part of Golden Quadrilateral) and NH60 connect Kharagpur. 130km from Kolkata. Drive time: 2.5-3 hours. Road condition: Generally good. Approx tolls: rupees 150-250.
130 km from Kolkata
rupees 30-100
Best for: short trips
Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.Share autos are cheaper but follow fixed routes.
rupees 20-50
Best for: very short distances
Good for exploring markets and inner city areas.Bargain for the fare, especially if you are a foreigner.
rupees 10-30
Best for: longer routes, budget travel
Ask locals for the correct bus route and stop.Avoid during peak hours if you dislike crowds.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Visit monuments at opening time (usually 6-7 AM) to avoid tour groups
timingSunset visits are less crowded than sunrise at most attractions
timingVisit 'secondary' UNESCO sites instead of overcrowded primary ones
alternativesMeghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh barely see international tourists
alternativesPre-book tickets online to skip massive queuing lines
bookingExplore Orchha instead of Khajuraho for uncrowded temple complexes
alternativesAvoid full moon nights at Taj Mahal - extremely popular and expensive
timingAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
Keep a scarf (dupatta) handy for temple and mosque visits
Teaching English opportunities exist - Especially in smaller cities and rural areas, though most positions require commitment of months.
Street food restaurants are often safer than random stalls
Vegan and gluten-free travelers will find many choices
Get travel insurance - it's essential despite cheap medical care
Slow down your pace - don't try to see everything at once
Watch for elaborate scams involving fake government offices
Try masala chai everywhere
Apply for sticker visas in your home country if doing overland travel
Trek through diverse habitats from rainforest to grassland
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