How to Reach Bolpur Santiniketan

Getting to Bolpur Santiniketan is convenient with excellent connectivity by train, road, and air from various cities across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and beyond. Whether you’re traveling from nearby towns or farther cities, here’s how to reach this cultural gem:

  • By Train: Bolpur Railway Station (BHP) is well-connected to major hubs:
    • From Kolkata (Howrah/Sealdah): 2.5–3 hours via express trains like Shatabdi or Ganadevata Express.
    • From Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri: 9–11 hours on trains like Kanchanjungha Express.
    • From Malda: 4–5 hours via trains like Gour Express.
    • From Durgapur or Asansol: No direct trains; travel via Burdwan (Barddhaman) with a total journey of 1.5–2.5 hours. Take a local train to Burdwan (30–45 minutes) and switch to a Bolpur-bound train (1–1.5 hours).
    • From Burdwan: 1–1.5 hours on direct local or express trains like Howrah-Bolpur Shantiniketan Express.
    • From Ranchi: 6–7 hours via trains like Ranchi-Howrah Intercity Express with a changeover (e.g., at Asansol or Burdwan).
    • From Jhargram: 8–9 hours with a changeover at Howrah Railway Station (Jhargram to Howrah and then Howrah to Bolpur Santiniketan).
  • By Road: Bolpur Santiniketan is accessible via scenic drives from multiple cities:
    • From Kolkata: 145 km (3–4 hours) via NH19.
    • From Siliguri: 450 km (9–10 hours) via NH12 and NH14.
    • From Malda: 200 km (4–5 hours) via NH12.
    • From Durgapur: 60 km (1–1.5 hours) via NH19.
    • From Asansol: 80 km (1.5–2 hours) via NH19.
    • From Burdwan: 50 km (1 hour) via SH13.
    • From Jhargram: Approx. 215 km (5 hours) via Durgapur, Taldangra, and Shilda by private car. No direct buses available; travelers must take a bus to Durgapur and switch to another for Bolpur. Alternatively, one bus from Suri passes through Illambazar (20 km from Bolpur Bus Stand), followed by a short ride to Bolpur.
    • From Ranchi: 250 km (5–6 hours) via NH20 and NH19.
    • Buses, taxis, and private vehicles make road travel convenient from these locations.
  • By Air: Two nearby airports serve Bolpur Santiniketan:
    • Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (Andal): 55 km away (1–1.5 hours by road), with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities, followed by a taxi or train from Durgapur.
    • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata): 160 km away (3–4 hours by road or train), offering domestic and international flights.

No matter where you’re coming from, Bolpur Santiniketan is within reach for your next cultural adventure!