Kausani is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a bustling metropolitan city in eastern India. Many travelers from Kolkata visit Kausani to experience its serene environment and natural beauty.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Kausani. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Kausani.

Getting from Kolkata to Kausani – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for many travelers between Kolkata and northern India. While there is no direct train to Kausani, you can reach nearby railway stations and continue by road.

• You can take a train from Howrah Junction or Sealdah station in Kolkata to Kathgodam railway station, the nearest major railhead to Kausani, covering around 1500 km in approximately 24 to 30 hours depending on the train service.

• Popular trains include the Howrah–Kathgodam Express and the Sealdah–Kathgodam Express, which run daily or several times a week, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500.

• From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kausani, which is about 90 km away and takes around 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during holiday seasons like summer vacations and festivals, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended.

• Be prepared for some delays during monsoon months due to landslides or fog in the northern regions, which can affect train timings.

Bus

Bus travel offers a direct road route option but requires multiple changes and is best suited for budget travelers who do not mind longer travel times.

• There are no direct buses from Kolkata to Kausani; you will need to travel first to a major hub like Kathgodam or Almora by bus or train and then take a local bus or shared taxi to Kausani.

• From Kolkata, you can take a long-distance bus to Delhi or Lucknow, then switch to buses heading towards Haldwani or Kathgodam, which are well connected to Kausani by local transport.

• Bus fares from Kolkata to Delhi or Lucknow range from ₹600 to ₹1200 depending on the bus type (AC or non-AC), and onward local buses cost around ₹100 to ₹300.

• Buses run frequently but can be crowded during peak travel seasons such as summer holidays and weekends, so booking tickets in advance through MSRTC or private operators is advisable.

• Road conditions vary; the highway from Kathgodam to Kausani is mountainous with narrow stretches, so travel times can increase during monsoon due to landslides or fog.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Kausani is an adventurous option for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route destinations.

• The road distance is approximately 1600 km, taking around 30 to 35 hours of driving time via NH19, NH27, and NH309, passing through states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

• The route includes major cities like Dhanbad, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Haldwani, where you can stop for rest and meals; toll plazas are present on national highways with fees totaling around ₹700 to ₹1000.

• Driving through mountainous roads near Kausani requires caution, especially during the monsoon when landslides and slippery roads are common; avoid night driving in hilly areas.

• Fuel stations are available along the route, but it is wise to fill up before entering remote hilly stretches where petrol pumps are scarce.

• Self-drive offers the freedom to stop at tourist spots like Almora and Ranikhet along the way, enhancing the travel experience.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but since Kausani does not have an airport, a combination of flight and road travel is necessary.

• The nearest airport to Kausani is Pantnagar Airport, about 125 km away, which has limited flights connecting to Delhi and other major cities.

• You can take a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which takes around 2.5 hours, with multiple daily flights by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• From Delhi, you can take a train or bus to Kathgodam or Haldwani, followed by a taxi or local bus to Kausani, which takes 7 to 10 hours in total by road and rail.

• Alternatively, you can fly from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport, then hire a taxi for the 3 to 4-hour drive to Kausani; flights to Pantnagar are infrequent, so check schedules carefully.

• Flight fares from Kolkata to Delhi vary from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on the season and how early you book; booking in advance on airline websites or apps is recommended.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Kausani, covering key steps to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during peak seasons.

• Plan your arrival at Kathgodam railway station or Haldwani bus stand by checking local transport timings to Kausani, as shared taxis and buses have limited departures.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, as Kausani’s weather can be cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, even in summer.

• Arrange prepaid taxis or use trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available, or rely on local shared taxis from Kathgodam to Kausani for safer and cost-effective travel.

• Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks for the road journey from Kathgodam to Kausani, as food options are limited on the hilly route.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, since network connectivity can be patchy in the hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or book cabs through trusted apps to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially when traveling alone or at night in hilly areas.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food during your journey to prevent stomach issues, as hygiene standards vary widely along the route.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to secure seats and get better fares, especially during festivals and holidays.

• Use local buses or shared taxis for short distances in Kausani to save money, but confirm the fare beforehand as bargaining is common.

• Pack your luggage carefully with essentials like raincoats and sturdy shoes, as weather in the hills can change suddenly and roads may be slippery.

• During the monsoon season, check weather updates and road conditions before starting your journey, as landslides can cause delays or road closures.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Kausani depends on weather and road conditions. Summer months from March to June are ideal for clear views and comfortable temperatures. Winters can be cold but offer snow views.

Monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains, increasing the risk of landslides and roadblocks. Fog in winter mornings can also delay trains and flights.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Summer months offer the best weather for road travel with minimal fog and stable roads, making it the preferred season for tourists.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid traffic jams in cities and to reach Kausani before dusk, especially on winding hill roads.

• Monsoon travel requires extra caution; check weather forecasts and carry emergency supplies if traveling during this time.

Arrival at Kausani & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kausani, you will find a small town with limited but adequate local transport options. The main arrival points are the bus stand or taxi drop-off areas near the market.

Local transport includes shared jeeps and taxis that connect to nearby villages and tourist spots. Most visitors stay near the market area or at guesthouses with mountain views. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare, so agree on fares before starting your ride.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Kausani involves a combination of long-distance and local transport. The most efficient option is to take a train from Kolkata to Kathgodam, followed by a taxi or bus to Kausani. This balances comfort, cost, and travel time well.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hilly road travel will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and experience the natural beauty of Kausani without stress.