Siliguri to Kolkata: 560 km Road Guide NH-117 · 13h 00m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Siliguri to Kolkata? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 560km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Siliguri to Kolkata
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 13h 00m | ₹5,348 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | 1h 10m | ₹1,960 - ₹3,920 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹435 – ₹1,401 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹692 – ₹4,704 |
How to Reach Kolkata from Siliguri: Car, Train, Bus & Flight Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Siliguri to Kolkata (560 km, 13h 00m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
Fly Siliguri to Kolkata (1h 10m flight)
Speed, long distances, business travel
Train from Siliguri to Kolkata
Comfort, scenic views, budget-friendly
Bus from Siliguri to Kolkata
Budget travel, multiple stops
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 560km long-distance journey, consider flying (1h 10m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.
What to Eat in Siliguri Before You Hit the Road
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Must-Try Food in Siliguri Before Your Drive
- local_dining Momos - Steamed or fried dumplings with various fillings, widely available at street stalls near Hill Cart Road, rupees 50-100.
- local_dining Thukpa - Hearty Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables or meat, found in Tibetan restaurants and stalls, rupees 80-150.
- local_dining Jhalmuri - Spicy and tangy puffed rice snack mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, and spices, street vendors everywhere, rupees 20-40.
Indian Pagoda • Multiple locations
Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Siliguri and Kolkata
These cities sit along your Siliguri to Kolkata route corridor and are worth a brief stop:
Jalpaiguri
Brahmanbaria Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Brahmanbaria, a district in East India, offers a glimpse into authentic rural life. You will find sprawling tea estates, vibrant local markets, and a calm, unhurried pace. This destination is far from the typical tourist circuit, providing a genuine experience of agricultural India.
attractions Top Attractions
Brahmanbaria Tea Estate
Old Brahmanbaria Market
Shanti Devi Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Macher Jhol - Traditional Bengali fish curry, usually with Rohu or Katla. Try at Hotel Grand Residency, rupees 350.
Chopra Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Chopra, located in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, offers a glimpse into authentic rural Indian life. This peaceful agricultural town is far from typical tourist circuits. You will find vast green fields, simple village homes, and a slow pace of life.
attractions Top Attractions
Chopra Local Market
Paddy Fields and Rural Landscapes
Mahananda River Bank
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Bhat (Steamed Rice) - Staple food, served with all curries, available everywhere, rupees 30-50
Islampur West Bengal
Kishanganj Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Kishanganj is a border town in Bihar, known for its agricultural landscape and strategic location. It serves as a gateway between Bihar and West Bengal, offering a unique blend of cultures. You will find a mix of Bihari and Bengali influences in its food and daily life.
attractions Top Attractions
Kichakeshwari Temple (Kichakbadh)
Nehru Shanti Park
Kishanganj Tea Estate
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Litti Chokha - Roasted wheat balls with sattu filling, served with mashed vegetables. Find it at local street stalls, rupees 50-80.
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.
Siliguri to Kolkata FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
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