Jamshedpur to Kolkata: 285 km Road Guide NH-117 · 5h 45m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Jamshedpur to Kolkata? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 285km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Jamshedpur to Kolkata
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 5h 45m | ₹2,722 Fuel & Tolls |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹247 – ₹765 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹406 – ₹3,146 |
How to Reach Kolkata from Jamshedpur: Car, Train, Bus Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Jamshedpur to Kolkata (285 km, 5h 45m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
Train from Jamshedpur to Kolkata
Comfort, scenic views, budget-friendly
Bus from Jamshedpur to Kolkata
Budget travel, multiple stops
lightbulb Our Recommendation
At 285km, both driving (5h 45m) and trains are excellent options. Choose driving for flexibility and scenic stops, or trains for comfort and relaxation.
What to Eat in Jamshedpur Before You Hit the Road
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Must-Try Food in Jamshedpur Before Your Drive
- local_dining Litti Chokha - Roasted wheat balls with sattu filling, served with mashed vegetables, try at local street stalls in Sakchi Market, rupees 80-120
- local_dining Dhuska - Deep-fried rice-lentil pancakes, often with aloo dum, available at street food stalls in Bistupur, rupees 50-80
- local_dining Malpua - Sweet fried pancake, a popular dessert, found at sweet shops like Bhola Maharaj, rupees 30-50 per piece
The Sonnet • Multiple locations
Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Jamshedpur and Kolkata
These cities sit along your Jamshedpur to Kolkata route corridor and are worth a brief stop:
Manbazar Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Manbazar is a small, agricultural town in the Purulia district of West Bengal. It offers a glimpse into authentic rural Bengali life, far from city crowds. You will find simple living, traditional practices, and a peaceful environment.
attractions Top Attractions
Manbazar Kali Temple
Manbazar Weekly Haat (Market)
Kangsabati River Bank
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Maach Bhaat - Fish curry with rice, a staple Bengali meal, available at local eateries, rupees 150-250
Khatra Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Khatra is a small, bustling commercial town in West Bengal's Bankura district. It serves as a local hub for agriculture and trade. You will find a genuine slice of rural Bengali life here, far from typical tourist crowds.
attractions Top Attractions
Mukutmanipur Dam
Jhilimili Forest
Ambikanagar Jain Temples
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Macher Jhol - traditional Bengali fish curry, available at local eateries, rupees 150-250
Bishnupur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Bishnupur, a small town in West Bengal, is famous for its unique terracotta temples. These temples, built by the Malla kings, showcase exceptional craftsmanship and a distinct architectural style. You will find a quiet, historical atmosphere here, far from bustling city life.
attractions Top Attractions
Rasmancha
Jorbangla Temple (Keshta Raya Temple)
Shyama Raya Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Posto Bora - Poppy seed fritters, a local delicacy. Available at local eateries, rupees 50-80 per piece.
Medinipur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Medinipur, also known as Midnapore, is a district city in West Bengal. It serves as a significant agricultural and commercial hub. You will find a blend of rural charm and urban activity here. This destination offers a glimpse into authentic Bengali life away from major tourist crowds.
attractions Top Attractions
Jora Masjid (Twin Mosques)
Jagannath Temple
Curzon Gate
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Macher Jhol - traditional Bengali fish curry, try at Hotel Sonar Bangla, rupees 250-400
Kharagpur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Kharagpur is a significant railway junction and home to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology. It is not a typical tourist destination but offers a glimpse into a bustling Indian town. Expect a mix of academic rigor and local commercial activity.
attractions Top Attractions
IIT Kharagpur Campus
Kharagpur Railway Museum
Hijli Detention Camp (Shaheed Bhavan)
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Macher Jhol - Bengali fish curry, usually with rice, at Aahar Restaurant, rupees 250.
Top Attractions in Kolkata: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Kolkata, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
-
Victoria Memorial
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) • 🕐 10:00-18:00 dailyA grand marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, showcasing a blend of British and Mughal architectural styles. It houses a museum with a vast collection of artifacts from the British Raj era.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid large crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
-
Howrah Bridge
⏱ 30 minutes • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursAn iconic cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata and Howrah. It's one of the busiest bridges in the world, carrying immense vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for stunning views of the river.
💡 Insider Tip: Take a ferry ride on the Hooghly River for a different perspective of the bridge and the Kolkata skyline (₹20-50).
-
Indian Museum
⏱ 3-4 hours • 💰 ₹75 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) • 🕐 10:00-17:00 dailyOne of the oldest and largest museums in India, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, Mughal paintings, and Egyptian mummies.
Best Time to Visit: Morning to avoid crowds.
💡 Insider Tip: Consider hiring a guide (₹300-500) to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
-
Kalighat Kali Temple
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 05:00-22:30 dailyA famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, attracting thousands of devotees daily. It's one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, considered sacred pilgrimage sites.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
💡 Insider Tip: Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the largest crowds.
-
St. Paul's Cathedral
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 Free • 🕐 09:00-12:00, 15:00-17:00 dailyAn Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit: Any time during opening hours.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the schedule for special events and concerts.
-
Science City
⏱ 3-4 hours • 💰 ₹80 (per complex) • 🕐 10:00-19:00 dailyA science museum and entertainment complex, offering interactive exhibits and displays on various scientific principles.
Best Time to Visit: Any time during opening hours.
💡 Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
Where to Eat in Kolkata: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Kolkata
Don't leave Kolkata without tasting these local specialties:
- Rosogolla - A syrupy cheese-based dessert (try at KC Das)
- Macher Jhol - Fish curry (try at 6 Ballygunge Place)
- Biryani - Kolkata-style biryani with potatoes and eggs
- Phuchka - A type of street food similar to pani puri
- Kathi Roll - A wrap filled with meat or vegetables (try at Nizam's)
Recommended Restaurants in Kolkata
6 Ballygunge Place
Bengali • ₹₹₹ (₹1200 for two)
Specialty: Daab Chingri (prawns cooked in coconut)
Authentic Bengali cuisine in a traditional setting. A popular choice for experiencing local flavors. Expect a cozy ambiance.
📍 Ballygunge
Peter Cat
Continental, Indian • ₹₹ (₹800 for two)
Specialty: Chelo Kebab
A Kolkata institution known for its Chelo Kebab and old-world charm. Expect a lively atmosphere and a long queue.
📍 Park Street
Arsalan
Mughlai • ₹₹ (₹700 for two)
Specialty: Biryani
Famous for its Kolkata-style biryani. Expect a casual dining experience and large portions.
📍 Park Circus
Oh! Calcutta
Bengali • ₹₹₹ (₹1500 for two)
Specialty: Bhetki Paturi (fish steamed in banana leaf)
Upscale Bengali restaurant offering a refined dining experience. Expect excellent service and innovative dishes.
📍 Park Street
Where to Stay in Kolkata: Hotels for Every Budget
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Hotel Park Prime Kolkata
Price: ₹1500-2500/night
Location: Park Street
Clean rooms and a central location make this a good choice. Expect basic amenities and friendly service.
Joey's Hostel
Price: ₹500-800/night (dorm)
Location: Sudder Street
A popular hostel with a social atmosphere and budget-friendly options. Perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
The Lindsay
Price: ₹3000-5000/night
Location: Sudder Street
A boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms and a rooftop restaurant. Offers a comfortable stay in a central location.
Hotel Hindustan International
Price: ₹4000-6000/night
Location: AJC Bose Road
A reputable hotel with comfortable rooms and good service. Known for its central location and amenities.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
The Oberoi Grand Kolkata
Price: ₹12000+/night
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road
A historic luxury hotel with opulent rooms, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options. Offers a world-class experience in the heart of Kolkata.
ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
Price: ₹10000+/night
Location: EM Bypass
A luxurious hotel with spacious rooms, lush gardens, and award-winning restaurants. Perfect for a relaxing and indulgent stay.
Best Time to Visit Kolkata: Season & Weather Travel Guide
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Kolkata:
Best Time: October to March
Temperature: 20-30 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant and dry weather, with clear skies. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Why Visit: The weather is perfect for exploring the city's historical sites, enjoying outdoor festivals, and trying street food. Durga Puja in October is a major highlight, but expect large crowds. It's the best time to experience Kolkata's vibrant culture.
Important Note: Expect higher prices for accommodation and tours, especially during Durga Puja. Book accommodations and transportation well in advance.
Shoulder Season: July to September
Temperature: 30-35 degrees C
Weather: Hot and humid with frequent monsoon rains.
Why Visit: Fewer tourists and lower prices can be appealing. The monsoon rains can be refreshing, but some outdoor activities might be limited.
Important Note: Humidity can be high, and some areas may experience flooding. Pack accordingly with rain gear and be prepared for disruptions.
Avoid: April to June
Temperature: 35-45 degrees C
Weather: Extremely hot and humid, making it uncomfortable to be outdoors.
Why Visit: Avoid visiting during this time due to the intense heat and humidity. Sightseeing can be challenging, and it's generally unpleasant to be outside for extended periods.
Important Note: If you must visit, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and ensure your accommodation has air conditioning.
Kolkata Travel Tips: Money, Safety & Local Advice
💰 Money & Budget
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹6000+
ATMs: Widely available
Payment Methods: Cash is preferred for street food and small shops; cards are accepted at larger establishments.
Bargaining: Expected in markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers
🏥 Health & Safety
Water: Drink bottled water or purified water.
Food Safety: Be cautious of street food and choose vendors with good hygiene practices.
Common Health Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach upsets are common; carry ORS and consult a doctor if needed.
📱 Communication
SIM Cards: Available at the airport and local stores; Jio and Airtel are popular networks. Requires passport and visa.
WiFi Availability: Available at hotels and some cafes
👕 What to Wear
Light and breathable clothing is recommended, especially during the summer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Jamshedpur to Kolkata FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
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