Imagine boarding a bus in London…

…with a one-way ticket to Kolkata, India — across 15 countries, deserts, mountains, and ancient cities — all in the comfort of a tour-style coach. This may sound like a scene from a movie, but it was a real journey that adventurous travelers took in the mid-20th century.

Welcome to the story of the London to Kolkata Bus Service, one of the longest and most fascinating overland travel experiences in human history.

 The Journey Begins – A Route Like No Other

First launched in 1957, this extraordinary bus service was operated by travel enthusiasts and companies such as Albert Tours (from Australia) and other overland operators. The idea was simple: take travelers on a once-in-a-lifetime cross-continental trip — from the heart of Britain to the cultural heart of India.

Key Countries Covered:

• United Kingdom

• Belgium

• West Germany

• Austria

• Yugoslavia

• Bulgaria

• Turkey

• Iran

• Afghanistan

• Pakistan

• India (ending in Kolkata)

Covering approximately 15,000 km, the route was not just a commute — it was an odyssey through civilizations, cultures, and stunning landscapes.

⏱️ Over 50 Days on the Road

• Journey Duration: 50 to 60 days (one way)

• Return Trip: Up to 100 days round trip

• Cost in the 1960s: Around £85 to £145 — a luxury then, equivalent to several thousand pounds today

Travelers didn’t just sit on the bus. The journey included planned sightseeing, overnight stops, cultural tours, and border-crossing adventures. Passengers visited:

• The Blue Mosque in Istanbul

• Markets of Tehran

• The Khyber Pass in Afghanistan

• Mughal gardens in Lahore

• And finally — the bustling streets of Kolkata (then Calcutta)

The Bus Itself: A Moving Hotel

The buses were often custom-modified for long-haul travel:

• Reclining seats

• Sleeping bunks or compartments

• Onboard kitchen or food supplies

• Luggage compartments for long stays

While comfort levels varied, the overall experience felt like a hybrid of road trip, camping adventure, and international expedition.

The End of the Road

Sadly, the glory days of the London–Kolkata bus faded by the late 1970s. Rising political unrest in key countries — especially Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan — made overland routes increasingly unsafe.

Key factors that led to the discontinuation:

• Iranian Revolution (1979)

• Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

• Border tensions between India and Pakistan

• Rise in air travel, offering faster and safer alternatives

A New Revival? The 21st Century Version

In recent years, the Indian travel company Adventures Overland announced a plan to revive the spirit of this trip with a 70-day London to Delhi luxury bus tour.

This modern journey would span 20 countries, including Myanmar and Thailand, with:

• 5-star hotel stays

• Guided excursions

• Luxury coaches

• Gourmet meals and visa support

While delayed due to the pandemic, the dream of cross-continental bus travel is still alive among adventure seekers.

 A Time When the Journey Was the Destination

For those who took the London–Kolkata bus ride, it wasn’t about how fast they reached — but how they got there.

It was about:

• Sharing stories with strangers from different continents

• Eating local food in unfamiliar towns

• Getting stuck at borders, and learning patience

• Seeing the world change gradually — from European towns to Middle Eastern deserts to South Asian cities

 Final Thoughts: Would You Take the Ride?

In today’s world of instant flights and digital maps, the idea of a 50-day bus trip across warzones and wonderlands may sound absurd — or thrilling.

But back then, it was the ultimate travel adventure.

And who knows? Maybe someday, the London to Kolkata bus will ride again.