Let’s be honest – Kolkata’s nostalgia, mishti doi, and tram rides are unbeaten. But when the soul needs a breather from the honking chaos of Esplanade or the sticky heat of Park Street, nothing hits like a solid road trip from Kolkata.

The good news? You don’t need a fancy tour package. Just grab a self-drive car and go. No dull itineraries, no stiff plans – just you, the destination, and a playlist. Whether you’re longing hills, towns, or beach, there’s a road waiting for you.

And in a self-drive car, the ride’s all yours – freedom, control, and major main character energy.

These are the best road trips from Kolkata you absolutely need to take in a self-drive car.

Why Choose a Self-Drive Car?

Before we get into the routes, let’s share the real benefits of going solo with a vehicle:

• Zero compromise: You stop where you want. You eat what you want. You vibe how you want.  
• Freedom to explore: Did you find a roadside chai stall with great views? Pull over.
• Perfect for introverts/extroverts alike: Sing at the top of your lungs or sit in silence watching the fields fly by.
• Last-minute plans? No problem: These road trips from Kolkata are spontaneous escape routes waiting to be explored.

Quick Glance: Best Road Trips from Kolkata

Destination	Distance (Approx.)	Ideal Drive Time	Best Time to Visit
Mandarmani	170 km	4–5 hours	October – March
Digha	180 km	4.5–5 hours	September – February
Shantiniketan	160 km	4 hours	November – February
Puri (Odisha)	500 km	9–10 hours	October – February
Murshidabad	210 km	5–6 hours	October – March
Sundarbans	110 km	3–4 hours	November – February
Bishnupur	140 km	3–4 hours	August – March
Darjeeling	615 km	12–14 hours	October – April
Chandipur	250 km	6–7 hours	October – March
Jhargram	170 km	4–5 hours	November – February

Mandarmani – For Beach Bums & Chill Seekers

Distance: ~170 km | Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Route: Kolkata → Kolaghat → Nandakumar → Mandarmani
Why Go:
This is one of the best long drive places in Kolkata when all you want is sun, sand, and silence. Mandarmani’s beach is driveable – yep, you can literally roll your wheels on the sand. Stay at a beachside resort, go for a sunset ATV ride, or just vibe with waves and beer. Don’t miss the local fried fish thalis and coconut water right from the tree.

Digha – OG Seaside Classic

Distance: ~180 km | Drive Time: 4.5–5 hours
Route: Kolkata → Nandakumar → Contai → Digha
Why Go:
Digha is where every Bengali has road-tripped at least once. And with good reason. It’s one of the best road trips from Kolkata if you’re craving clean beaches, cheap seafood, and nostalgia. Also, one of the best long drive places in Kolkata for a beachy escape. Go New Digha for a quieter, cleaner ambiance or Amaravati Park for a nice tourist spot.

Shantiniketan, Tagore, Trees, & Tranquility

Distance: ~160 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours
Route: Kolkata, Burdwan, Bolpur, Shantiniketan
Why Go:
Shantiniketan is full of culture, and is among the most tranquil driving getaways from Kolkata. Baul music, the red earth trails, and the creative milieu all epitomize the region. It is a soulful escape, be it the Poush Mela or the little art shops. Don’t miss Visva Bharati University and Amar Kutir for the local handicrafts.

Puri, Temple Town and Beach Bonus 

Distance: ~500 km | Drive Time: 9 to 10 hours
Route: Kolkata, Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Puri
Why Go:
Puri is perfect for extended weekends. It ranks among the best road trips from Kolkata for a mix of spirituality, beach walks, and history. With the nearby Konark Sun Temple, it makes for a great long drive from Kolkata. Don’t miss the street food stalls near Swargadwar or the early morning temple aarti.

Murshidabad is for History Buffs (and Nawab-core vibes)

Distance: ~210 km | Drive Time: 5-6 hours
Route: Kolkata → Krishnanagar → Berhampore → Murshidabad
Why Go:
If you love hidden off the beaten track heritage sites, Murshidabad caters to those needs.
Palaces, tombs, and the old Nawabi charm make this one of the best road trips from Kolkata.Check out the Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, and don’t skip on a boat ride on the Bhagirathi River.

Sundarbans – Mangroves & Mystique

Distance: ~110 km to Godkhali | Drive Time: 3–4 hours
Route: Kolkata → Canning → Godkhali Ferry Point
Why Go:
Not your typical route – you drive, then boat. But this mix makes it one of the most unique road trips from Kolkata. Thick mangroves, possible tiger sightings, and a totally different ambiance? Without a doubt one of the best long drives from Kolkata. Pack binoculars and sunscreen.

Bishnupur, The Stories in Terracotta Along a Picturesque Drive

Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers | 3 to 4 hours driving
Route: Kolkata, Arambagh, Bishnupur
Why Go:
Bishnupur is a hidden gem amongst the kolkata road trips.It offers terracotta temples, handloom artistry, and peaceful roads. It also makes the cut as one of the best long drive places in Kolkata for culture lovers. Bonus: try their signature “makha sandesh.”

Darjeeling – Go Big or Go Hill

Distance: ~615 km | Drive Time: 12–14 hours
Route: Kolkata → Siliguri → Darjeeling
Why Go:
Darjeeling is that bucket-list road trip you plan for with a full playlist and sunrise goals. One of the best road trips from Kolkata, hands down. Long, scenic, and rewarding – it’s also one of the best places for a long drive from Kolkata if you’re craving mountain air. Stop at Kurseong for tea gardens and momos.

Chandipur, Sea that Plays Hide and Seek

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours
Route: Kolkata → Balasore → Chandipur
Why Go:
The lure of Chandipur is the fact that it has a disappearing sea. At low tide, the sea pulls back as much as 5 km from the shore. It is magical and calm, making it one of the most unique and interesting road trips from Kolkata. It is a great place for quiet picnics, long beach walks, and stargazing.

Jhargram, Forests, Palaces and Peace

Distance: ~170 km | Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Route: Kolkata → Kharagpur → Jhargram
Why Go:
Jhargram is a good road trip destination for nature lovers. There are going to be ancient sal forests. It is going to be tribal culture. Oh, and a (royal) palace that has been converted into a hotel. And of course, there is a Deer Park, the Kanak Durga Temple, and the Subarnarekha River where you can sit and relax.

Planning Your Zoomcar Trip from Kolkata:

Here’s how to prepare for these amazing road trips from Kolkata:  

• Choose the right ride. Use a hatchback for quick trips, an SUV for hilly areas or larger groups.  
• Pre-book your car. Long weekends fill up quickly.  
• Carry essentials. Bring offline maps, chargers, water, first-aid supplies, snacks, and your playlist.  
• Check FastTag. It helps reduce delays at toll booths.  
• Know your route. Google Maps is helpful, but asking locals can provide extra insights.

Bonus Tips for First-Time Road Trippers from Kolkata:  

• Start early. This way, you can avoid traffic and enjoy the sunrise views.  
• Avoid the monsoons. Roads can be difficult, especially around coastal areas.  
• Have backup power. Power banks and car chargers are essential.  
• Carry cash. Not every roadside restaurant accepts digital payments.  
• Don’t rush. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and enjoy the journey.

Conclusion

From the shores of Digha to the hills of Darjeeling and the calm of Chandipur, each of these road trips from Kolkata offers a chance to recharge. You’re not just marking places off a list -you’re creating your travel story, one kilometer at a time.

So, why wait for someone else to drive your plans? Take the wheel. Pick a route. Let the roads surprise you

FAQs

What are the best weekend road trips from Kolkata?

Mandarmani, Shantiniketan, and Bishnupur are perfect quick escapes. Each is among the best road trips from Kolkata for their vibe, views, and drive-time sweet spot.

Which routes from Kolkata are the most scenic?

Darjeeling via Siliguri is breathtaking. The drive to Sundarbans also ranks high for rural charm and jungle mystique – solid picks among the best road trips from Kolkata.

Are self-drive trips from Kolkata safe?

Yep. Most routes are highway-grade and safe during the day. Just avoid late-night driving in isolated zones.

Where can I go for a 3–4 day trip from Kolkata by road?

Murshidabad, Puri, and Darjeeling make ideal choices. All three are some of the best road trips from Kolkata that offer culture, calm, and serious vibe checks.

Still dreaming of open roads and dhaba chai? Let the engine be your therapist.
🛣️ The best road trips from Kolkata are just a drive away.