Master the Metro
The Kolkata Metro is your most reliable ally during the Puja chaos. It's fast, air-conditioned, and connects major pandal hubs across the city, allowing you to bypass the overwhelming road traffic. During the peak festival days of Saptami to Navami, Metro services
often run almost all night, sometimes from 1:00 PM until 4:00 AM, to accommodate the pandal-hopping crowds. Recent announcements for 2026 indicate increased frequency on weekends leading up to the Puja on the Blue, Green, and Yellow lines to manage the shopping rush. To make your journey seamless, plan your route using pandal guides that list the nearest metro stations for popular pujas. For instance, Kalighat station is your gateway to South Kolkata's famous pandals like Deshapriya Park and Ekdalia Evergreen, while the Green Line serves major pujas in Salt Lake. Using a Smart Card will save you from queuing for tokens at every station.
Know the Roads
Driving your own car is generally not advised unless you start very early in the morning (around 5 AM) before the crowds swell. The Kolkata Police implements significant traffic restrictions that begin even before the main Puja days, often starting from Tritiya. These include road closures, diversions, and strict no-parking zones, especially around major pandals and immersion ghats. Goods vehicle movement is also heavily restricted. App-based cabs and local auto-rickshaws will be in high demand, leading to surge pricing and potential ride refusals. If you do opt for a cab, be prepared to be dropped at a distance from the main pandal and walk the final stretch. Planning your route in advance and keeping an eye on live traffic updates is crucial.
Rediscover Buses and Trams
Don’t underestimate the city’s bus network. During the Pujas, the government often deploys hundreds of additional buses, including all-night services on key routes connecting major transport hubs like Howrah and Sealdah to various parts of the city. These services typically run from Chaturthi through the main Puja days, ensuring you're never truly stranded. For a more nostalgic and scenic experience, look for special tram services. These iconic trams are often decorated for the festival and run on specific routes, such as Esplanade to Gariahat and Esplanade to Shyambazar, connecting several important pandals. While slower, they offer a unique, charming way to soak in the city's festive atmosphere away from the congested main roads.
Use the River
One of the smartest ways to travel between North and South Kolkata, or to cross the river to and from Howrah, is by using the Hooghly ferry service. This mode of transport is largely unaffected by the traffic snarls on the road. Ghats like Bagbazar, Sovabazar, and Chandpal are strategically located and can help you bypass heavily congested areas like the Howrah Bridge. Special ferry services are often announced during Durga Puja, sometimes connecting key points like Belur Math for devotees. A river cruise during the immersion days also offers a spectacular, crowd-free view of the proceedings. Check the schedules for ghats near your destination; it's an efficient and wonderfully scenic alternative.
Embrace the Walk
In many areas, especially North Kolkata and parts of the South, pandals are clustered close together. In these cases, the best way to travel is on foot. Pick an area, get to a central point using the Metro, and then start a walking tour. This not only saves you the hassle of finding transport for short distances but also allows you to discover smaller, neighbourhood pujas and savour the incredible street food along the way. Wearing comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. A walking plan for an area like Hatibagan or a route covering College Square and Santosh Mitra Square can be far more efficient and enjoyable than trying to navigate the narrow lanes in a vehicle.
