New Jalpaiguri is located in the northern part of West Bengal, serving as a gateway to the scenic hill stations of Darjeeling and Sikkim. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, lies in the southern part of the state. This route is popular among tourists and locals traveling for business or leisure to the northeastern regions.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed travel times, fares, and tips to help you plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is the most popular and economical way to reach New Jalpaiguri from Kolkata. Several direct trains connect Kolkata’s major stations to New Jalpaiguri, offering various classes and timings.

• Trains depart mainly from Howrah Junction and Sealdah stations, with Howrah being the busiest hub for long-distance trains to New Jalpaiguri. The distance is about 560 km, and the journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, and Kamrup Express, offering sleeper, AC 3-tier, and AC 2-tier classes. Fares range from ₹400 for sleeper to ₹1500 for AC classes.

• Trains run daily, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during holidays and weekends when trains get crowded quickly.

• Traveling by train offers scenic views of rural Bengal and foothills near New Jalpaiguri. However, monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings.

• At New Jalpaiguri station, you will find basic waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters for onward travel to Darjeeling or Siliguri city.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option and connect Kolkata to Siliguri, which is about 8 km from New Jalpaiguri. From Siliguri, you can take local transport to New Jalpaiguri station.

• State-run buses by NBSTC and private operators depart from Kolkata’s Esplanade and Howrah bus terminals. The journey covers around 560 km and takes 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus fares range from ₹500 to ₹900 depending on the type of bus, such as non-AC sleeper, AC Volvo, or semi-sleeper coaches.

• Buses usually travel via NH12 and NH27, passing through Bardhaman, Malda, and Siliguri. Frequent stops allow passengers to buy food and use restrooms at highway dhabas.

• During monsoon, some highway sections may face waterlogging or slow traffic. Night buses are common but can be crowded during festival seasons.

• From Siliguri bus stand, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or shared jeep to reach New Jalpaiguri station within 20 to 30 minutes for about ₹50 to ₹100.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri is a good option if you prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route covers about 560 km on national highways.

• The most common route is via NH12 and NH27, passing through Bardhaman, Malda, and Siliguri. The drive usually takes 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Expect toll plazas on NH12 and NH27; toll charges may total around ₹300 to ₹500. Plan cash or FASTag payments accordingly.

• Rest stops with dhabas and fuel stations are available every 50 to 70 km. Popular stops include Bardhaman and Malda for meals and refreshments.

• Driving during daylight is advisable as some highway stretches have limited lighting and can be challenging at night, especially in monsoon or foggy winter mornings.

• Parking is available near New Jalpaiguri station but can be limited during peak tourist seasons. Pre-booking hotels with parking is recommended.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region, but New Jalpaiguri does not have a commercial airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, about 16 km from New Jalpaiguri.

• Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers daily flights to Bagdogra operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. Flight time is about 1.5 hours.

• Flight fares vary widely from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on booking time and season. Early booking is essential to get affordable rates.

• From Bagdogra Airport, you can take prepaid taxis, app-based cabs like Ola or Uber, or shared jeeps to reach New Jalpaiguri station in 30 to 45 minutes. Taxi fares range from ₹400 to ₹700.

• Flights can be delayed during foggy winter mornings or heavy monsoon rains, so plan buffer time if connecting to trains or buses.

• Airport facilities include food courts, ATMs, and car rental counters, making onward travel convenient.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets online well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during holidays.

• Reach Howrah or Sealdah station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform easily and avoid rush, as these stations are large and busy.

• If traveling by bus, confirm the departure terminal and bus operator a day before. Arrive early to get good seats and avoid overcrowding during peak travel times.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some trains and buses may have limited pantry services or charging points.

• On arrival at New Jalpaiguri, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to reach your final destination safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Keep your ID and ticket handy throughout the journey for verification by railway or bus officials and for hotel check-in at your destination.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official IRCTC or airline apps for ticket booking and real-time updates on train or flight status to avoid confusion and delays.

• When traveling by bus, choose reputed operators with good reviews to ensure safety and comfort on long highway routes.

• For local transport at New Jalpaiguri, prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs instead of hailing random autos to avoid scams and inflated fares.

• Pack light and secure your luggage with locks, especially on trains and buses where theft can occur during crowded stops.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts as heavy rains can delay trains and cause roadblocks on highways.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri is during the winter and early spring months when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Avoid traveling during peak monsoon months to reduce the risk of delays.

Festival seasons like Durga Puja in Kolkata and Christmas in Darjeeling see heavy traffic and fully booked trains and buses, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja (September-October) and Christmas/New Year holidays as trains and buses are crowded and fares surge.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause waterlogging and slow highway traffic, making bus and car travel less comfortable.

• Winter mornings (December-January) may have dense fog in northern Bengal, causing train delays and reduced visibility on roads.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata can help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

Arrival at New Jalpaiguri & What to Expect

New Jalpaiguri station is a major railway junction with basic amenities such as waiting rooms, food stalls, and ticket counters. The station is well connected to Siliguri city and nearby hill stations.

Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for onward travel. Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are also available but may charge higher fares for tourists.

Popular areas to stay include Siliguri town and nearby hotels close to the station. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a balanced mix of comfort and affordability, while flights provide speed and convenience. Buses and self-drive options give flexibility but require more planning.

Booking tickets early, choosing the right mode of transport, and preparing for seasonal challenges will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With these practical tips and detailed guidance, you can confidently plan your trip from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri and explore the beautiful northeastern region of India.