Digha is the trip almost every Kolkata family makes at least once — close enough for a weekend, cheap enough to be spontaneous, and busy enough that you never struggle for food or a room. Here is the practical detail: how long it really takes, what a cab costs, and how to spend two days there.
The route and drive time
The standard route runs down NH16 (the old NH6) via Kolaghat, then turns off towards Contai (Kanthi) and on to Digha — about 185 km, taking four to five hours with one tea stop.
Kolaghat is the traditional halt roughly halfway, and the stretch after Contai is the slowest part. Leaving Kolkata by 6–7am gets you to Digha before the midday heat and gives you the full afternoon on the beach.
What a cab costs
One-way cab fares from Kolkata to Digha start around ₹2,090 in a hatchback, with sedans and SUVs higher; a round trip costs roughly double plus tolls. For a family weekend a round trip is usually the better choice, because the car stays with you for local sightseeing.
Groups of six or more are far more comfortable in a tempo traveller, which also solves the luggage problem.
Old Digha vs New Digha
New Digha is where most of the newer hotels, the Marine Aquarium and Amaravati Park are. Old Digha has the original promenade and a more crowded, local feel with rows of food stalls.
If you want quiet, book in New Digha; if you want to be in the middle of things, Old Digha is livelier.
- Digha Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
- Amaravati Park and the boating lake
- Udaipur beach, towards the Odisha border
- Shankarpur fishing harbour, 15 km away
Best time to visit
October to February is the most comfortable — pleasant days and calm seas. Monsoon (June–September) has its own appeal if you like a rough sea and empty beaches, but swimming is unsafe and hotels can be damp.
Avoid the biggest holiday weekends if you can; Digha fills up completely during Durga Puja, Christmas week and New Year.
Nearby: Mandarmani, Tajpur and Shankarpur
If Digha sounds too crowded, Mandarmani (175 km) and Tajpur (175 km) are on the same highway and much quieter — resort-style stays instead of a town. Shankarpur, between them, is a working fishing harbour worth an hour.
Many travellers now do a combined trip: two nights in Mandarmani or Tajpur with a day visit to Digha.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Digha from Kolkata?
About 185 km by road via NH16, which takes four to five hours by car including a short stop.
What is the taxi fare from Kolkata to Digha?
One-way fares start around ₹2,090 in a hatchback; sedans, SUVs and tempo travellers cost more. Round trips are roughly double plus tolls.
What is the best time to visit Digha?
October to February for the most comfortable weather and calm seas. Avoid peak holiday weekends if you want space.
Is Digha or Mandarmani better?
Digha has more facilities, food and activity; Mandarmani is quieter and resort-based. Families often prefer Digha, couples prefer Mandarmani or Tajpur.
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