Kolkata bus routes are numbered services run mainly by the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) alongside private and mini buses, and they remain the cheapest way to cross the city. For most commutes you only need a handful of routes. S12 links College More in New Town with Howrah Station via EM Bypass, Sealdah and Esplanade, while 47A joins Lake Town, Sealdah, Golpark and Dhakuria. Fares on these WBTC routes typically range from about Rs 10 to Rs 45 depending on distance and whether the bus is air-conditioned, and services generally run from early morning to late evening, with a limited set of late-night routes. Always check the board on the bus and confirm the current fare with the conductor, because route numbers, stops and fares change over time. Use the route finder below to match your start and end points, then read the tips on boarding, payment and peak hours.
Kolkata Bus Routes at a Glance
Buses in Kolkata fall into three broad groups: WBTC city buses (including AC services), private buses and minibuses on fixed numbered routes, and overnight or long-distance services that connect district towns with the city. WBTC’s fleet includes AC and non-AC buses, and its network covers the main corridors between north, south, Howrah, Salt Lake and New Town. If you are new to the city, read our complete guide to getting around Kolkata first, then come back here for route-level detail.
Kolkata Bus Route Finder for Common Commutes
The routes below are verified examples of well-used corridors. They are not a complete timetable. Stops can be added or skipped and services can be rerouted for events, construction or festivals, so treat this as a starting point.
New Town to Howrah and Esplanade: Route S12
S12 is a WBTC service that runs between College More in New Town and Howrah Station. Published stops include Standard Design Factory, Nicco Park, Chingrighata, EM Bypass, Ranirashmoni Bazar, Sealdah, Moulali, Raja Subodh Mullick Square, Esplanade and B.B.D. Bag. Listed first and last buses are roughly 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM from College More, and 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM from Howrah, with fares of about Rs 10 to Rs 25 depending on distance and bus type. Allow around an hour and a half in traffic. It is useful for office-goers who need a one-seat ride between New Town and central Kolkata.
Lake Town to Dhakuria: Route 47A
Route 47A runs between Lake Town and Dhakuria through Shyam Bazar, Sealdah Station, Chowranghee Road, Elgin Road and Golpark. It is a north to south connector that avoids a change at Esplanade, and listed fares run from about Rs 10 to Rs 45 depending on where you board and alight. Exact ticket costs should be confirmed with the conductor or the WBTC official channels.
Late-Night and Airport Connections
WBTC runs a limited set of late-night services that link Howrah Station, Kolkata Airport, Salt Lake and New Town with northern and southern Kolkata. Routes reported for this purpose include AC-39, AC-24, AC-12D, AC-5, AC-47, AC-50A, S-12 and several others. Because this list changes, confirm that a service is running before relying on it for a late flight or train. For cab and auto options at night, see our Kolkata auto and taxi fare guide.
How to Read Kolkata Bus Numbers and Boards
A route number with an AC prefix indicates an air-conditioned service. Other letter prefixes such as S and E are used for certain WBTC service categories, and numbers beginning with BE are overnight express services from district headquarters to Kolkata. The destination board on the front or side is more reliable than memory, and conductors will usually call out major stops. If you are unsure, ask the conductor before boarding, not after.
Bus Fares and How to Pay
City bus fares in Kolkata are distance based. Short hops start at around Rs 10, and longer cross-city journeys on AC buses can cost more. Carry small change, because conductors may not always have change for large notes. Some services accept digital payments, but do not assume this on every bus. For a lower-cost ride across the city, compare the bus fare with the metro using our metro timings by line and the metro smart card and ticket guide.
Best Time to Take the Bus and Peak Hour Tips
Morning (roughly 8:30 to 11:00 AM) and evening (5:00 to 8:00 PM) are the busiest periods, and buses on trunk routes such as those through Esplanade and Sealdah can be crowded. Travelling slightly before or after these windows gives you a better chance of a seat. During heavy rain, travel times stretch and some stretches waterlog, so read our monsoon commute survival guide before planning a rainy-day trip.
When to Choose Metro, Tram or Auto Instead
Choose the metro for predictable timings along the north-south corridor and for avoiding road traffic. Choose a bus when the metro does not reach your destination or when you are crossing between areas without direct stations. Trams suit slow, scenic trips on the few surviving routes, as covered in our Kolkata tram guide. For official metro information, see Metro Railway Kolkata, and for background on the operator, see this overview of the West Bengal Transport Corporation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kolkata Bus Routes
Which bus goes from New Town to Howrah Station?
WBTC route S12 runs from College More in New Town to Howrah Station via EM Bypass, Sealdah and Esplanade. Confirm the current stops before travelling.
How much is a bus ticket in Kolkata?
Fares on WBTC routes such as S12 and 47A typically range from about Rs 10 to Rs 45 depending on distance and whether the bus is AC. Ask the conductor for the exact fare for your stop.
Are there buses to Kolkata Airport at night?
WBTC lists a set of late-night routes connecting the airport with Howrah, Salt Lake, New Town and other parts of the city. Services can change, so verify before you rely on one.
What time do Kolkata buses start and stop?
Most city routes run from early morning to late evening. For example, S12 is listed with first buses around 5:00 to 6:00 AM and last buses around 9:00 to 10:00 PM. Only select routes run late at night.
Is the bus or the metro better for daily commuting?
The metro is faster and more predictable where it serves your route, while buses cover areas without stations. Many commuters combine both.
