For the residents of Kolkata, the call of the sea often leads to Digha, West Bengal’s most popular coastal resort town. A road trip to Digha is a perfect weekend escape, offering a much-needed break from city life. To plan this getaway effectively, it’s essential to understand the driving distance and time from Kolkata to Digha. This detailed 2026 guide provides up-to-date information on the best routes, travel duration, road conditions, and must-visit spots along the way.
Kolkata to Digha Road Trip: A Quick Look
The driving distance from Kolkata to Digha is approximately 185 kilometres. Thanks to improved road infrastructure, the journey can now be completed in about 4 to 5 hours under normal traffic and road conditions. This makes Digha an easily accessible destination for a short vacation or a long weekend trip.
Choosing the Best Route from Kolkata to Digha
There is one primary and highly recommended route for travelling from Kolkata to Digha by car. This route is well-maintained and offers the most straightforward drive.
The Recommended Route: Via NH16 and NH116B
This is the fastest and most popular route, used by the majority of travellers. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the journey:
- Start from Kolkata: Your first challenge is to navigate through Kolkata’s city traffic to reach the Kona Expressway.
- Kona Expressway: This connects you to the National Highway 16 (NH16).
- NH16 (Old NH6): You will drive on NH16 for a significant portion of the journey, passing areas like Uluberia and Kolaghat. This is a multi-lane highway, part of the Golden Quadrilateral project, and is in excellent condition.
- Exit at Nandakumar: After crossing Kolaghat, continue on NH16 until you reach the Nandakumar crossing. From here, you will take a left turn to get onto NH116B.
- NH116B: This final stretch of the journey takes you all the way to Digha. The road passes through towns like Contai (Kanthi). This part of the road is also well-paved and ensures a smooth ride.
Key Highlights of the Route:
- Excellent Road Conditions: The entire route, from the Kona Expressway to NH16 and NH116B, is generally in very good condition, making for a comfortable drive.
- Scenic Vistas: As you get closer to Digha on NH116B, the landscape changes, with lush green fields and rural scenery providing a refreshing backdrop.
- Clear Signage: The route is well-marked with signboards, making it easy to navigate even for first-time drivers.
Factors Influencing Your Kolkata to Digha Driving Time
While the 4-5 hour estimate is a good average, your actual travel time can be affected by several variables.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Kolkata City Traffic: The time it takes to exit Kolkata can significantly impact your total journey time. Leaving early in the morning (by 6 AM) is the best way to avoid the morning rush, especially near Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) and the Kona Expressway.
- Weekend Rush: Digha is a prime weekend destination. Expect heavy traffic on Friday afternoons/evenings when heading towards Digha and on Sunday afternoons/evenings when returning to Kolkata. This can add 1-2 hours to your travel time.
- Kolaghat Bridge: The bridge over the Rupnarayan River at Kolaghat can sometimes be a bottleneck, though the situation has improved over the years.
- Breaks and Pit Stops: The duration and number of stops for food and refreshments will add to your overall time.
Time Estimation Breakdown:
| Segment | Estimated Time |
| Exiting Kolkata to Kona Expressway | 45 minutes – 1.5 hours |
| Kona Expressway to Nandakumar (on NH16) | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Nandakumar to Digha (on NH116B) | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Total Estimated Time | 4 – 5.5 hours |
For those living in Kolkata, navigating the city itself is a daily task. Understanding the local transport, such as the Kolkata Metro routes and timings, can be very helpful for daily commutes.
Toll Charges on the Kolkata-Digha Route
This route involves crossing a few toll plazas. As of early 2026, you can expect to pay a total one-way toll of approximately ₹200 – ₹250 for a private car. The main toll plaza is located on NH16. It is advisable to have a FASTag account with sufficient balance for automatic and quick payment, which helps in avoiding long queues.
Best Places to Stop for Food En Route
The journey from Kolkata to Digha is dotted with numerous dhabas and restaurants, especially around the Kolaghat area, which is famous for its food stops.
Popular Pit Stops in Kolaghat:
- Sher-e-Punjab: An iconic and legendary dhaba in Kolaghat, famous for its Punjabi and North Indian cuisine. It’s a must-visit for many travellers on this route.
- Express Food Plaza: A large food court that hosts various brands and offers a clean and family-friendly environment with ample parking space.
- Azad Hind Dhaba: Another very popular option known for its delicious food and quick service.
Apart from Kolaghat, you will find many smaller local eateries along NH116B as you get closer to Digha, offering tea, snacks, and fresh coconut water.
Exploring Digha and its Surroundings
Once you reach Digha, there’s more to explore than just the main beach.
- Old Digha Beach: Known for its rocky embankment and casuarina trees.
- New Digha Beach: A wider, sandier beach that is more popular for bathing and water sports.
- Mandarmani and Tajpur: These are nearby beaches that are generally less crowded and offer a more serene experience. They are just a short drive from Digha.
- Shankarpur Beach: A quiet fishing harbour and beach, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
This trip is a great option for those looking for a quick break. For more ideas, you can also explore our list of weekend treks from Kolkata.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Drive
- Check Road Conditions: Before starting, especially during the monsoon season, do a quick check on travel forums or with recent travellers about the latest road conditions.
- Fuel Up: While there are petrol pumps on the highway, it’s a good practice to start with a full tank of fuel from Kolkata.
- Carry Essentials: Keep water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a car toolkit handy.
- Avoid Night Driving if Possible: While the highways are good, some sections of NH116B might not be as well-lit. For first-timers, driving during the day is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current condition of the road from Kolkata to Digha?
The road from Kolkata to Digha, primarily via NH16 and NH116B, is in excellent condition as of early 2026. The highways are well-paved and maintained, ensuring a smooth and comfortable driving experience for travellers.
How long does it take to reach Digha from Kolkata by car?
The drive from Kolkata to Digha typically takes between 4 and 5 hours, covering a distance of about 185 kilometres. This time can increase during weekends or long holidays due to heavy traffic, especially while exiting Kolkata.
What is the best time to start from Kolkata to Digha?
The best time to start your journey is early in the morning, around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. This allows you to avoid the peak city traffic and reach Digha by lunchtime, giving you more time to enjoy the beach.
Are there any good restaurants on the way to Digha?
Yes, the area around Kolaghat on NH16 is a very popular food hub for travellers. It has several famous dhabas and food plazas like Sher-e-Punjab and Express Food Plaza, which are perfect for a breakfast or lunch break.
How much is the toll tax from Kolkata to Digha?
The total one-way toll tax for a private car on the Kolkata to Digha route is approximately ₹200 to ₹250. It is highly recommended to use FASTag for quick and hassle-free payment at the toll plazas.