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Leaving behind the colonial charm and literary soul of Kolkata for the high-octane energy of Delhi is a journey through the heart of northern India. These two former capitals are linked by one of the busiest routes in the country. You move from the tram lines and riverside ghats of the East to the sprawling boulevards and Mughal ruins of the North.
The route is a favorite with business travelers and tourists alike, bridging the cultural capital of West Bengal and the political heart of the nation. Flying is the quick way across; the overnight trains are the scenic one.
Kolkata to Delhi by Flight
Taking to the skies is the most popular way to cover the distance. Flights depart from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) and land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). IndiGo alone flies more than 40 non-stop services a week between Delhi and Kolkata, so you can treat the route like a shuttle. The flight takes around 2.5 hours.[1]
Book in advance to secure the cheaper fares, especially around major Indian festivals like Durga Puja or Diwali, when demand skyrockets.
The Flight Experience
Major Indian carriers operate this route with modern narrow-body aircraft. Check-in for a domestic flight is straightforward, and checked luggage allowances vary by fare type. Many carriers let you pre-book hot Indian meals or buy snacks on board.
Kolkata to Delhi by Train
Overnight trains run from Howrah Station to New Delhi. The Kolkata Rajdhani is the premium service: train 12301 leaves Howrah at 16:55 and arrives in New Delhi at 10:00, and train 12305 leaves Howrah at 14:05 and arrives at 10:00.[2] The Poorva Express 12303 leaves Howrah at 08:05 and reaches New Delhi at 06:05.[3] Take a berth in an AC class for the night.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | From - To | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | CCU - DEL | Around 2.5 hours[1] | High |
| Train (Rajdhani) | Howrah - New Delhi | Overnight | High |
Tips for Traveling from Kolkata to Delhi
- Airport Arrival: Kolkata airport gets busy in the peak morning and evening hours. Arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight to clear security and check-in without stress.
- Transport to Kolkata Airport: App-based ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are reliable ways to reach the airport from central Kolkata. The yellow metered taxis are iconic; make sure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
- Delhi Arrival: Delhi airport is massive. At Terminal 3 you can take the Delhi Metro Airport Express to New Delhi Railway Station, which is often faster than a taxi during rush hour.
- Weather Considerations: Delhi has extreme weather. Between December and February, heavy fog can delay flights. In summer it gets very hot, so stay hydrated on arrival.
- Booking Ahead: The cheapest seats sell out weeks in advance. If your dates are fixed, book as early as you can.
Timetable
| Flight Kolkata - Delhi $ 54.89–205.85 2h 15m – 2h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kolkata to Delhi, including current prices and schedules.
Booking an economy flight well in advance usually gives the best fare. The train in Sleeper Class or 3-Tier AC is the budget alternative if you do not mind the long ride.
A direct flight is the fastest option at around 2.5 hours, much quicker than any ground transport between the two cities.
By air, the journey takes around 2.5 hours. Add airport transfers and security, and the total from city center to city center is longer. The overnight trains take much longer.
All commercial flights from Kolkata land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Depending on the airline you may arrive at Terminal 1, 2 or 3, so check your ticket before arranging a pickup.
Flying is the practical choice for most travelers, because it takes around 2.5 hours against a whole night on the train. Take the Rajdhani if you prefer to travel overnight and arrive in the morning.
Departures run from early morning until late at night. Check the airline's schedule for the latest and earliest flights on your date.
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: Rajdhani Train Names with Details. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
- [3] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train Names with Details (Agra, Coimbatore, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Howrah checks). Retrieved October 31, 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.