How to Get from Chandigarh to Kolkata
Travel from Chandigarh to Kolkata by flight or by the Kalka Mail train to Howrah. Compare how long each takes for your trip to the City of Joy.
Contents
Chandigarh, the planned city of modern architecture, and Kolkata, the 'City of Joy' with its colonial grandeur, markets and artistic soul, lie far apart, so this is a trip you plan: fly and arrive the same day, or take the train and make the long ride part of the experience.
Chandigarh to Kolkata by Flight
Flying is the practical choice and turns a trip of more than a day into a few hours. IndiGo sells flights from Chandigarh to Kolkata, with fares from around ₹9,200 (October 2026). Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) is 14 km from the city centre, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata is 17 km from the centre.[1]
Book early for the best fares, especially in peak travel seasons.
Chandigarh to Howrah by Train
Crossing India by train is an adventure in itself. The Kalka Mail (12312) starts in nearby Kalka at 23:55 and reaches Howrah, Kolkata's main railway station, at 07:55 the morning after next, so you spend a full day and two nights on the rails. In the other direction, the Howrah-Kalka Mail (12311) leaves Howrah at 19:40 and arrives at Kalka at 04:30.[2] Bring a book, food and a light blanket, and watch the northern plains slide by.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight | IndiGo, Chandigarh (IXC) to Kolkata (CCU); a few hours instead of more than a day[1] |
| Train (Kalka Mail 12312) | Leaves Kalka 23:55, arrives Howrah 07:55 the morning after next[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Chandigarh to Kolkata
- Book in Advance: Book your flight or train ticket well ahead, especially in holiday seasons. AC classes on the Kalka Mail can sell out quickly.
- Pack Smart: On the train, bring snacks, water and a light blanket or shawl, especially in Sleeper Class, which has no air conditioning.
- Arrive Early: For flights, arrive at the airport well before departure. For the train, arrive at the station early enough to find your platform and coach.
- Comfort on Trains: A neck pillow and earplugs make the long overnight stretches easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chandigarh to Kolkata, including current prices and schedules.
The train is the budget choice, with Sleeper Class the lowest fare. Indian Railways sets the fare by class and distance.
The fastest way is by flight, which turns a journey of more than a day into a few hours. IndiGo sells flights from around ₹9,200 (October 2026).
The train takes more than a day: the Kalka Mail (12312) leaves Kalka at 23:55 and reaches Howrah at 07:55 the morning after next. A flight takes a few hours.
The Kalka Mail arrives at Howrah, Kolkata's main railway station.
Flying is faster and more convenient. The train is cheaper and gives you two nights of landscape, but takes more than a day.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Chandigarh to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.