Pune is a vibrant city in Maharashtra known for its culture and education, located in western India. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India. Traveling between these two cities covers a large distance across the country.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options from Kolkata to Pune. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, including travel times, costs, and useful tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Kolkata to Pune – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance route. It offers a chance to see the countryside and experience Indian railways firsthand.

• The main departure station in Kolkata is Howrah Junction (HWH), one of India’s busiest railway hubs, and trains arrive at Pune Junction (PUNE), well connected to the city center.

• Travel time ranges from 28 to 36 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares from sleeper class to AC tiers costing approximately ₹700 to ₹2500.

• Popular trains include the Howrah Pune Express and the Duronto Express, which run 3-4 times a week, but booking early on IRCTC is essential due to high demand.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, so expect busy platforms and book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Food options onboard vary; bringing your own snacks is advisable, though pantry cars and station vendors offer regional meals during stops.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to waterlogging in some sections, so plan some buffer time if traveling from June to September.

Bus

Bus travel between Kolkata and Pune is less common due to the long distance but is possible for budget travelers who prefer road trips.

• Buses depart from Kolkata’s Esplanade or Salt Lake bus terminals and arrive at Pune’s Swargate or Shivajinagar bus stands, covering roughly 1900 kilometers.

• The journey can take 36 to 40 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 for sleeper and Volvo AC buses.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and private operators run weekly or biweekly services; frequency is limited, so booking tickets in advance is crucial.

• Comfort levels vary; Volvo AC buses offer better amenities, while regular sleeper buses may be cramped and less clean.

• There are multiple toll plazas and highway stops on NH16 and NH48, with rest areas offering basic food and washroom facilities.

• Night travel is common but can be tiring; carrying water and light snacks is recommended, and avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains due to slippery roads.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Pune is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route.

• The distance is about 1900 to 2000 kilometers via NH16 and NH48, taking approximately 32 to 36 hours of driving time, excluding breaks.

• The route passes through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, offering diverse landscapes and cultural stops.

• Major toll plazas along the way include Kharagpur, Rajahmundry, and Pune outskirts; toll charges can add up, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways but watch for traffic congestion near major cities and occasional roadworks.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Bhubaneswar or Hyderabad to rest; roadside dhabas provide affordable local food options.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to waterlogged stretches and reduced visibility; avoid night driving in unfamiliar areas.

Flight

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

• Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) offers direct flights to Pune Airport (PNQ), with flight duration around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Multiple airlines operate daily flights, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and season.

• Booking tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance can secure better prices, especially during festival seasons or holidays.

• Both airports have good connectivity to city centers via app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, prepaid taxis, and airport shuttles.

• Flights can be delayed during heavy fog in winter months or thunderstorms in monsoon, so check real-time flight status before departure.

• Carry valid photo ID and follow airline baggage rules to avoid last-minute issues at check-in.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Pune, helping you prepare and execute your journey smoothly.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Flights are fastest, trains are economical, buses and driving offer road experience.

• Step 2: Book your tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, official airline websites or apps for flights, and trusted bus portals for bus tickets to avoid scams and last-minute price hikes.

• Step 3: Pack essentials like water bottles, snacks, chargers, and a light blanket for long journeys. Carry a valid photo ID as it is mandatory for all transport modes in India.

• Step 4: Arrive at the departure point early. For trains, reach Howrah station at least 45 minutes before departure; for flights, arrive at the airport 2 hours early to clear security and check-in.

• Step 5: During travel, keep your belongings secure and stay hydrated. Use official prepaid taxis or app-based cabs upon arrival in Pune for safe local travel.

• Step 6: Inform family or friends about your travel plan and share your arrival time to ensure assistance if needed during transit.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always book train tickets through IRCTC or authorized agents to avoid fake tickets and ensure confirmed seats, especially on popular trains.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official bus operators or well-reviewed private services and avoid last-minute roadside bookings to ensure safety and comfort.

• For local transport in Pune, prefer prepaid taxi counters at stations or use Ola and Uber apps for transparent pricing and safer rides.

• Pack light but include a small first-aid kit and medicines for motion sickness or common travel ailments.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates regularly to avoid travel disruptions due to flooding or road closures.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Pune depends on weather and crowd conditions. Avoid peak festival seasons to reduce travel stress.

Monsoon months bring heavy rains, which can delay trains and flights and make road travel risky. Winter months offer cooler weather and clearer skies.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja (September-October) and Diwali (October-November) when trains and flights are heavily booked and crowded.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays due to waterlogging and fog, especially on eastern and central routes.

• Early morning departures are preferable for flights and trains to avoid city traffic and enjoy smoother journeys.

• Winter months (November to February) offer pleasant weather but be prepared for fog delays in eastern India airports early morning.

Arrival at Pune & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Pune, whether by train or flight, you will find several transport options to reach your accommodation or next destination.

Pune Junction is located near the city center with easy access to auto-rickshaws, prepaid taxis, and app-based cabs. Pune Airport is about 10 km from the city, with good cab services and airport shuttles available.

Popular areas to stay include Koregaon Park, Deccan Gymkhana, and Shivaji Nagar, all well connected by local buses and cabs. Prepaid taxi counters at the airport and station help avoid overcharging, and apps like Ola and Uber are widely used for safe rides.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Pune offers several options depending on your budget and time. Flights are the fastest and most convenient, while trains provide an affordable and scenic experience. Buses and self-driving are for those who prefer road travel and adventure.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, packing essentials, and choosing the best travel time. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free trip across India’s diverse landscape from Kolkata to Pune.