Silicon Valley to City of Joy: Your Complete Guide to Travelling from Bangalore to Kolkata

Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore with a lawn are in the foreground, small shrubs near the building and blue sky in the background

The journey from Bangalore to Kolkata connects two of India's most significant metro cities, one the country's technology capital and the other its cultural heartland. The two cities are approximately 1,900 km apart, and the most practical options are flights (about 2.5 to 3 hours) or trains (about 34 hours). Whether you are heading there for business, a family visit, or to experience Kolkata's food, heritage, and festivals, the route is well served and straightforward to plan.

Kolkata rewards the visit with colonial-era architecture, world-class Bengali cuisine, literary and artistic culture, and a pace of life that is distinctly its own. In this comprehensive guide, explore the different modes of travel, key information, and things to do when in the City of Joy.

Bangalore-to-Kolkata Flight: The Fastest Way to Travel


For most travellers, the Bangalore-to-Kolkata flight is the preferred option, offering a short travel time and high frequency throughout the day. Flights depart from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore and arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, both of which are well-equipped domestic terminals with smooth check-in and transit processes.

Airport Information:

  • Kempegowda International Airport (BLR): Located approximately 37 km from central Bengaluru, it offers easy access to pre-paid taxis, app cabs, city bus, and the Namma Metro Airport Line from the airport to the city.
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU): Located approximately 13 km from central Kolkata, the airport is equipped with pre-paid taxis, app cabs, and the Kolkata Metro Airport Line (Blue Line) providing connectivity to the city.
     

Key Flight Facts:

  • Distance: Around 1,560 km
  • Flight duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes for non-stop flights
  • Frequency: About 9 direct flights daily, with the first departure around 6:05 AM and the last around 10:15 PM
  • Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air
  • Fares: Economy fares for non-stop flights typically start from approximately INR 6,134 per person one-way, depending on the airline, travel date, and booking window.
  • Booking tip: Book 30 to 40 days in advance.

A far-out view of the Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport, where Bangalore to Kolkata flights take off, with a bridge, roads, cars, lawn area and a pole with the Indian flag on it

Bangalore-to-Kolkata Train: The Scenic Alternative


Travel affordably via the Bangalore-to-Kolkata train, a popular route featuring several daily services from different departure points. The journey covers approximately 1,930 to 1,985 km, depending on the train and route, passing through states including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Fares start from approximately INR 850 for Sleeper class, up to INR 6,765 for First AC, depending on train and class.

A view of Bangalore to Kolkata train travelling on a bridge next to a mountain with many trees and a person looking at the nature from the door.


Major Trains on the Route:

  • Duronto Express (12246): The fastest train on this route, covering approximately 1,931 km in around 29 hours and 25 minutes, departs from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Bengaluru and runs 5 days a week (does not run on Wednesday & Sunday).
  • SMVB Howrah AC Express (22864): Departs from Sir M Viswesvaraiah Terminal (SMVB) at 11:15 AM and arrives at Howrah Junction (HWH) the next day at 5:05 PM, covering the journey in approximately 29 hours 50 minutes. This train runs only on Wednesdays.
  • SMVB Howrah Express (12864): Runs daily from Sir M Viswesvaraiah Terminal (SMVT) to Howrah Junction (HWH) in approximately 33 hours 30 minutes.
  • Guwahati Express (12509): Departs from Sir M Viswesvaraiah Terminal (SMVT) to Dankuni Junction (DKAE). Runs from Wednesday to Friday and departs from Bangalore at around 11:40 PM.

Things to Remember for Train Travel:

  • Book through IRCTC at least 30 to 60 days in advance, especially for AC classes, as seats fill quickly on popular trains.
  • The Tatkal quota facilitates last-minute bookings at a premium over standard fares.
  • Carry a valid government-issued photo ID; this is mandatory for train travel.
  • The journey passes through several states, so pack layers as temperatures can vary, particularly during winter.
  • Food pantry cars are available on most express trains, and meal delivery to your seat can be arranged via the IRCTC e-catering service.
  • Howrah Junction is large and busy. Pre-book a taxi or app cab in advance to avoid delays after arrival.

A view of a train station with a train parked on the right hand side and another train taxing to a stop as seen during day time

What to Do When You Arrive in Kolkata


Kolkata is a city that encourages slow exploration. Arriving from Bangalore, you'll find Kolkata offers a rich, layered experience of colonial history, Bengali heritage, literary depth, and world-class cuisine. A few days in the city covers a significant amount of ground.

A view of Kolkata Victoria Park from afar with the grass area on either side of the walkway leading to the Victoria memorial in the background.

Timeless Heritage and Culture:

  • Victoria Memorial: A marble monument built in memory of Queen Victoria, set within 64 acres of gardens. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu): A cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River, built in 1943 and still one of the busiest bridges in the world. Best seen at dawn or dusk.
  • St. Paul's Cathedral: A Gothic-style Anglican cathedral built in 1847, located near the Maidan and Victoria Memorial
  • Indian Museum: India's oldest and largest museum, established in 1814, housing collections covering natural history, art, archaeology, and anthropology
  • College Street: Asia’s largest second-hand book market, lined with coffee houses, bookshops, and the historic Indian Coffee House
     

Delectable Food:

Kolkata's food culture is one of the strongest draws for visitors arriving from Bangalore. Bengali cuisine is built around freshwater fish, rice, and bold spice, complemented by street food that ranges from Kathi Rolls and Puchka to Ghugni and Jhal Muri. The sweet shops (mishti dokan) across the city stock Rasgulla, Sandesh, Mishti Doi, and seasonal preparations that are genuinely worth going out of your way for.

Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata: The Ideal Retreat After Your Bangalore-to-Kolkata Journey


After the long haul from Bangalore, whether by a morning flight or an overnight train pulling into Howrah Junction, what you want is a hotel that is easy to reach, well-positioned, and genuinely comfortable. Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata, fits that brief. Situated on Little Russell Street, the property offers easy access to Kolkata’s premier locations: Park Street for dining, Camac Street for business, and the cultural corridor between Victoria Memorial and Birla Planetarium.

For corporate travellers on the Bangalore-to-Kolkata flight circuit, the hotel offers meeting rooms and event spaces alongside easy access to Esplanade, AJC Bose Road, and the Dalhousie business district. For leisure travellers, the same central location places you within a short drive of Howrah Bridge, College Street, and Kalighat Temple, removing the need for long commutes across the city during your stay.

Facade view of Kenilworth Hotel with the banquet hall in Park Street, Kolkata, featuring a lawn area, potted plants having fairy lights on it, and a trees on either side of the building.
An end-to-end view of the bedroom of Russel Suite with a king size bed, side tables, lamps, a tv and a carpet at Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata.

  • Accommodation: Our well-furnished rooms and suites are decked with minibar, TV, tea and coffee maker, digital safe, premium bedding, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Premier Club Rooms include Executive Lounge access and garden views.
  • Dining: Two outlets, namely Aromas, an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Ovenfresh, the in-house bakery with fresh breads, pastries, and light meals.
  • Business Facilities: Dedicated meeting rooms and event spaces suited to corporate travellers, with easy connectivity to Kolkata's main commercial districts
  • Wellness: Sparoh spa and salon offering massages, aromatherapy, body wraps, and beauty treatments, alongside a well-equipped fitness centre and steam room

The route from Bangalore to Kolkata is one of India's most well-connected metro links, and the journey itself is straightforward regardless of whether you choose to fly or take the train. The flight gets you there in under 3 hours. Though longer, the train offers an immersive journey through central and eastern India. Once you arrive, let Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata, be your elegant starting point—a place to settle in before stepping out to discover the city’s timeless culture, cuisine, and character.

FAQs


1. What is the fastest way to travel from Bangalore to Kolkata?
Flying is the fastest option to travel from Bangalore to Kolkata, with non-stop flights taking approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes. About 9 direct flights operate daily on this route.

2. Which airlines operate the Bangalore-to-Kolkata flight?
IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air all operate direct flights.

3. How long does the Bangalore-to-Kolkata train take?
Expect a travel time between 29 hours 25 minutes and 37 hours 25 minutes, based on your chosen train from Bangalore to Kolkata.

4. Which is the fastest train from Bangalore to Kolkata?
The Duronto Express (12246) is the fastest option, covering approximately 1,931 km in around 29 hours and 25 minutes.

5. What are the approximate fares for the flight and train?
Flight fares start from approximately INR 6,134 per person one-way. Train fares start from approximately INR 850 for Sleeper class and go up to INR 6,765 for First AC.

6. What are the top things to do in Kolkata for visitors from Bangalore?
Key highlights include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Indian Museum, College Street, and exploring the city's Bengali cuisine at local restaurants and sweet shops.

7. What is the best hotel close to the major landmarks of Kolkata?
Kenilworth Hotel, located on the Little Russell Street in Kolkata, offers immediate access to Kolkata's major landmarks, corporate districts, with comfortable accommodations, two dining areas, meeting rooms for business travellers and a spa and fitness centre for leisure guests.

8. What rooms and facilities does Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata, offer?
Kenilworth Hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites with minibar, TV, tea and coffee maker, Wi-Fi, and premium bedding. Facilities include Aromas restaurant, Ovenfresh bakery, Sparoh spa, fitness centre, steam room, and meeting rooms.

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