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Leaving the power corridors and historic monuments of Delhi for the artistic streets of Kolkata takes you across the heart of northern India. Delhi is a city of grand scale and fast pace, while Kolkata has a more rhythmic atmosphere where Raj-era architecture meets a lively arts scene. The change from the dry heat of the north to the humid, river-breeze air of the east is a classic Indian experience.
The two cities are about 1,650 km apart in a straight line.[1] Most travelers fly, and the Rajdhani trains cover the distance overnight.
Delhi to Kolkata by Flight
IndiGo operates more than 40 non-stop flights a week from Delhi (DEL) to Kolkata (CCU), and the flight takes around 2.5 hours. Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is 16 km from the city, and so is Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which you can reach by Airport Express, app-based taxi or bus shuttle. On domestic flights IndiGo allows 15 kg of checked baggage per passenger.[1]
Delhi to Kolkata by Train
The Kolkata Rajdhani runs overnight. Train 12302 leaves New Delhi at 16:55 and arrives at Howrah Junction at 09:50, and train 12306 leaves at 16:55 and arrives at 12:15. In the other direction, train 12301 leaves Howrah at 16:55 and reaches New Delhi at 10:00.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Around 2.5 hours[1] | Saving time |
| Rajdhani train | Overnight, arriving the next morning or midday[2] | Skipping a hotel night |
Tips for Traveling from Delhi to Kolkata
- Book trains early: Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey, and 365 days ahead for foreign tourists.[3]
- Check your terminal: Look up your departure terminal in Delhi before you leave for the airport, because the terminals are far apart.
- Plan for Durga Puja: Kolkata celebrates Durga Puja around October. Flights are busier and the city is crowded, but the festival is a highlight.
- Onward from Howrah: The Kolkata Metro East-West line serves Howrah, Howrah Maidan, Esplanade and Sealdah.[4]
Timetable
| Flight Delhi - Kolkata $ 55.10–201.35 2h – 2h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Delhi to Kolkata, including current prices and schedules.
Fares change with the date, so compare prices for your own day. Booking a flight early usually helps.
A non-stop flight is the fastest option at around 2.5 hours, plus time for airport security and check-in.
A flight takes around 2.5 hours. The overnight Rajdhani train leaves New Delhi at 16:55 and arrives at Howrah at 09:50 or 12:15, depending on the train.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is Delhi's airport. Check the terminal of your flight before you leave.
The Kolkata Metro East-West line serves Howrah and continues through Howrah Maidan and Esplanade to Sealdah.
October to March is the best time to explore the city. Durga Puja in autumn is spectacular but crowded.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Delhi to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways (CRIS): Rajdhani Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways: Indian Railways cuts down Advance Reservation Period from 120 days to 60 days w.e.f. 01.11.2024. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [4] Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.: Kolkata Metro stations. Retrieved October 29, 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.