Mount Abu is a popular hill station located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan. It is known for its cool climate, scenic views, and famous temples. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India. Traveling from Kolkata to Mount Abu is a common journey for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from the city heat.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options available between Kolkata and Mount Abu. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your trip smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Kolkata to Mount Abu – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a popular and economical way to travel from Kolkata to Mount Abu. Though there is no direct train to Mount Abu, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Mount Abu are Abu Road and Udaipur City, both well connected to Kolkata by trains like the Kolkata–Udaipur Express and Howrah–Jodhpur Express, covering around 1900 km in 30–36 hours.

• Train fares range from sleeper class ₹500 to AC 3-tier ₹1500, offering affordable travel with varying comfort levels depending on the class chosen.

• Trains depart frequently from Howrah and Sealdah stations, but booking in advance on IRCTC is essential, especially during holiday seasons to avoid waitlists.

• From Abu Road or Udaipur, you can hire taxis or take buses for the 30–70 km journey to Mount Abu, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train status before travel and plan accordingly.

Bus

Bus travel from Kolkata to Mount Abu is less common due to the long distance but possible with multiple changes. It suits budget travelers who prefer road journeys.

• There are no direct buses from Kolkata to Mount Abu; you need to take a bus to Udaipur or Abu Road first, then a local bus or taxi to Mount Abu.

• MSRTC and Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation operate buses from Udaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu, with fares around ₹100–₹200 and travel time about 2 hours.

• From Kolkata, you can take long-distance buses to Jaipur or Udaipur, but this involves 2–3 days of travel with multiple transfers, making it less convenient.

• Bus travel can be tiring and crowded, especially during festivals or summer holidays, so prepare for basic facilities and limited legroom.

• Road conditions on NH 27 and NH 48 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Mount Abu is a long but scenic option for travelers who enjoy road trips and flexibility.

• The distance is approximately 1900 km via NH 19, NH 27, and NH 48, taking around 32–36 hours of driving time depending on traffic and stops.

• You can plan stops at cities like Varanasi, Jhansi, and Udaipur for rest and sightseeing, making the journey more enjoyable.

• Toll plazas are present on major highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage; toll charges may total ₹1500–₹2000 one way.

• Fuel costs for a car with average mileage will be around ₹7000–₹9000, depending on the vehicle and fuel prices.

• Driving in monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, especially in hilly areas near Mount Abu.

• Ensure your vehicle is well serviced before the trip, and carry emergency kits and water for long stretches without fuel stations.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance from Kolkata to Mount Abu, but Mount Abu does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is in Udaipur.

• Flights from Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur take about 3–4 hours with direct or one-stop flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• Airfare ranges from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and season, making it a convenient but costlier option than trains or buses.

• From Udaipur airport, Mount Abu is about 165 km away; you can hire prepaid taxis or book Ola/Uber cabs for a 3.5 to 4-hour drive costing ₹2500–₹3500.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or apps ensures better fares and seat availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Flight delays can occur during foggy winter mornings or monsoon storms, so keep buffer time if connecting to road transport.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Mount Abu, helping you organize your journey with ease and confidence.

• Book your train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline apps to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Abu Road or Udaipur and plan your arrival time to match local taxi or bus availability for the onward journey to Mount Abu.

• Arrange local transport from Abu Road or Udaipur in advance using Ola, Uber, or prepaid taxis to avoid waiting or overcharging at the station.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a raincoat or umbrella, especially if traveling during monsoon or winter seasons.

• Check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure to anticipate any delays or route changes, particularly during heavy rains or fog.

• Carry valid ID proofs and keep digital copies of your bookings handy on your phone for smooth verification during travel.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at stations to avoid scams and overcharging common in tourist areas around Mount Abu.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared and from a hygienic vendor.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer holidays and winter weekends.

• Use local buses or shared taxis within Mount Abu to explore nearby attractions; they are affordable and readily available from the main bus stand.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials for day trips, as some roads near Mount Abu can be steep and walking is common at viewpoints and temples.

• During monsoon, expect slippery roads and occasional landslides; avoid night travel on hilly roads and check local advisories before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Mount Abu depends on weather and crowd conditions. Summer and winter are popular seasons, but each has its challenges.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains that can delay trains and make roads slippery, while winter mornings may have fog causing flight delays.

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

• Summer months (March to June) offer pleasant weather in Mount Abu but can be hot and humid in Kolkata before departure.

• Winter (November to February) is ideal for Mount Abu’s cool climate but be prepared for fog in northern India affecting flights and trains.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and increase chances of on-time train or flight departures.

Arrival at Mount Abu & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mount Abu, either by road from Abu Road or Udaipur, you will find a small town with well-marked roads and friendly locals. The main entry points are the bus stand and taxi stands near the town center.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola, which are convenient for short distances. Popular areas to stay include Nakki Lake, Old Market, and the town center, offering a range of budget to mid-range hotels.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Mount Abu is best done by train to Abu Road or Udaipur followed by a road transfer, balancing cost and comfort. Flights to Udaipur combined with taxi rides offer the fastest option but at a higher price.

Plan your bookings early, check weather conditions, and arrange local transport in advance to ensure a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the scenic beauty and cool climate of Mount Abu after your long journey from Kolkata.