Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast, while Kolkata, the cultural capital of the east, lies on the banks of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. This route connects two major metropolitan cities with distinct cultures and economic importance.

Many travelers journey between Mumbai and Kolkata for business, tourism, or family visits. This guide explains the main transport options, step-by-step travel planning, and practical tips to help you travel smoothly and confidently.

Getting from Mumbai to Kolkata – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for those seeking an economical and scenic journey between Mumbai and Kolkata. Several trains run daily, offering various classes and comfort levels.

• The Howrah Junction (HWH) in Kolkata and Mumbai CST or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) are the main stations connecting these cities by rail, with distances around 2000 km covered in 30-36 hours.

• Popular trains include the August Kranti Rajdhani Express and the Howrah Mail, offering air-conditioned and sleeper classes with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹3000 depending on class.

• Trains run daily but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during festival seasons like Durga Puja or Diwali when demand surges.

• Meals are usually available on Rajdhani trains, and stations like Nagpur and Bilaspur serve as common stops for refreshments and rest.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Bus travel between Mumbai and Kolkata is less common due to the long distance but is an option for budget travelers willing to break the journey into segments.

• Direct buses are rare; travelers often take buses from Mumbai to Nagpur or Raipur, then change buses towards Kolkata, covering over 2000 km via NH53 and NH16 highways.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and private operators offer AC and non-AC coaches, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on service quality.

• Travel time by bus can exceed 40 hours, with multiple stops and overnight halts, making it less comfortable for most travelers.

• Road conditions vary, and toll plazas are common on NH routes, so expect some delays during peak hours or holidays.

• Food options are available at highway dhabas and rest stops, but carrying bottled water and snacks is recommended for long stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Kolkata is suitable for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore towns along the way. The route covers approximately 2000 km via NH53 and NH16.

• The journey typically takes 35-40 hours of driving time, so plan for multiple days with overnight stays in cities like Nagpur, Raipur, or Bhubaneswar.

• Major highways include NH53 from Mumbai to Nagpur and NH16 from Raipur to Kolkata, with toll plazas charging fees at regular intervals.

• Fuel stations and restaurants are available on the route, but some stretches in Chhattisgarh and Odisha have fewer amenities, so plan refueling carefully.

• Monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and occasional flooding, especially near river crossings, so check weather forecasts before starting.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia helps avoid traffic jams near urban centers and find rest stops efficiently.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Mumbai and Kolkata, especially for business travelers or those short on time.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) are well connected with multiple daily flights.

• Flight duration is about 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹8000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate direct flights, with early morning and late evening options available.

• Booking tickets 2-4 weeks in advance often secures better prices, especially avoiding weekends and holiday peaks.

• Both airports have good public transport and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for last-mile connectivity to city centers.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan helps first-time travelers from Mumbai to Kolkata prepare for a smooth journey, covering booking, packing, and local transport.

• Book your tickets early using IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to avoid last-minute price hikes and ensure seat availability during busy seasons.

• Pack light but include essentials like a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a power bank, as long journeys may have limited access to shops en route.

• Arrive at your departure station or airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure to manage security checks and boarding without stress.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber at Mumbai and Kolkata stations or airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safe last-mile travel.

• Carry a physical or digital copy of your ID and ticket, as these are mandatory for train and flight travel in India.

• Check weather and traffic updates on the day of travel to anticipate any delays, especially during monsoon or festival periods.

Practical Travel Tips

• For safety, avoid traveling alone at night on isolated roads if driving or taking buses; prefer well-populated routes and official transport services.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared at reputable stops to prevent stomach issues.

• Book train tickets through IRCTC’s official website or app to avoid scams and use verified airline portals for flights to get authentic confirmations.

• In Kolkata, use prepaid taxi booths at the airport and stations or trusted app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely and avoid bargaining hassles.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables like documents and electronics in a carry bag accessible during travel to prevent theft or loss.

• During the monsoon (June to September), expect delays due to waterlogging and plan extra travel time; winter fog in December-January can also affect train schedules.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Kolkata is during the cooler months from October to March, when weather is pleasant and road conditions are good.

Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons like Durga Puja in Kolkata or Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, as transport services get crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rains causing road and rail delays, so plan accordingly or avoid if possible.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog in eastern India, especially near Kolkata, which may delay trains and flights.

• Departing early morning or late evening can help avoid city traffic congestion in Mumbai and Kolkata.

• Summer months (April-May) are hot and humid, making air-conditioned travel preferable for comfort.

Arrival at Kolkata & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kolkata, whether by train or flight, you will find multiple transport options to reach your final destination. Howrah and Sealdah are the main railway stations, while the airport is about 17 km from the city center.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are widely available at all arrival points. Auto-rickshaws and local buses serve shorter distances but may be crowded during peak hours. Popular areas to stay include Park Street, Salt Lake, and Ballygunge, which are well-connected and safe for travelers.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Kolkata offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights provide the quickest and most hassle-free journey, while trains offer an affordable and scenic experience. Driving or buses are suited for adventurous travelers who want to explore en route.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport at arrival points will ensure a smooth trip. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best way to travel between these two iconic Indian cities and enjoy your journey.