Shankarpur is a tranquil beach town located in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, India. It is known for its long, clean beaches and peaceful environment, making it a popular weekend getaway for travelers from Kolkata and nearby cities.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Shankarpur, covering trains, buses, cars, and practical tips to ensure a hassle-free trip. Whether you are traveling for leisure or a short break, you will find detailed information to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Major Cities to Shankarpur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Shankarpur, especially from Kolkata and Howrah. The nearest railway station is Digha, which is well connected by several trains daily.

• The Howrah-Digha train route covers approximately 185 km and takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the class and train type.

• Major trains include the Howrah-Digha Express and Tamralipta Express, which run multiple times daily, providing good frequency and comfort.

• Digha station is about 14 km from Shankarpur; you can hire local taxis or shared autos from the station to reach the beach area in 30–40 minutes.

• During peak holiday seasons and weekends, trains tend to be crowded, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents is advisable.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a convenient option for travelers from Kolkata, Durgapur, and other nearby towns. Both government and private buses operate on this route, offering a range of services.

• West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and private operators run buses from Kolkata’s Esplanade and Howrah Maidan to Digha, covering about 180 km in 4 to 5 hours.

• From Digha bus stand, local buses and shared autos connect to Shankarpur, taking around 30 to 45 minutes with fares under ₹50.

• Express and deluxe buses offer comfortable seating and air conditioning, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the service.

• Bus frequency is high during weekends and holidays, but buses can get overcrowded; booking tickets in advance at bus counters or online is recommended.

• Highway NH116B is the main route, with several toll plazas; expect some traffic during peak tourist seasons.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Shankarpur offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups wanting to explore the coast at their own pace.

• The distance from Kolkata to Shankarpur is about 185 km via NH16 and NH116B, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• The route is well maintained with multiple toll plazas; toll charges typically range between ₹150 and ₹250 one way.

• Popular rest stops include Kharagpur and Contai, where you can find food outlets and fuel stations.

• Parking is available near Shankarpur beach, but it can get crowded during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional waterlogging on some stretches.

Flight

There is no airport near Shankarpur, so flying is not a direct option. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

• From Kolkata airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to Shankarpur, which takes around 4.5 to 5 hours by road covering roughly 185 km.

• Several car rental services and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Kolkata airport, offering fixed fares for long-distance travel.

• Booking a cab in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute price surges and ensure availability.

• Flights to Kolkata are well connected from major Indian cities, making it the preferred entry point for travelers coming from afar.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling to Shankarpur for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or official bus portals to secure seats, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Reach Howrah or Kolkata station/bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and confusion.

• On arrival at Digha station or bus stand, use prepaid taxis or shared autos to travel to Shankarpur safely and affordably.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks for the last leg, as local transport options may not have frequent stops for refreshments.

• Keep a local SIM card or mobile data active to use navigation apps and cab booking services for hassle-free commuting.

• If driving, plan your route with GPS and check for toll plazas and rest stops to manage breaks and fuel efficiently.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from railway stations or bus stands to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water and avoid street food unless you are familiar with the vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid last-minute unavailability or inflated prices.

• Local transport like shared autos may not operate late at night; plan your arrival accordingly or arrange private transport.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months (June to September) as sudden showers are common.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive gadgets openly, especially in crowded areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Shankarpur is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly can enhance your experience and safety.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja and major festivals when roads and trains are heavily crowded, causing delays.

• Monsoon season may cause waterlogging and slippery roads on NH116B, so extra caution is needed if driving.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Shankarpur before sunset.

• Winter mornings can be foggy in some parts of West Bengal, so check weather updates before traveling by train or road.

Arrival at Shankarpur & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Shankarpur, you will find a calm and less commercialized beach area compared to nearby Digha. The local transport options include shared autos, cycle rickshaws, and taxis to reach your accommodation.

Most travelers stay near the beach or in small guesthouses and resorts along the coast. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are limited here, so negotiating fares beforehand is common practice.

Conclusion

Traveling to Shankarpur is straightforward with multiple options available depending on your budget and comfort preferences. The train to Digha followed by a short taxi ride is the most efficient and economical choice for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will help you enjoy a smooth and relaxing trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Shankarpur and experience its serene beaches without stress.