The London to Calcutta (Kolkata) bus service was one of the most extraordinary overland adventures of the 20th century. Operated by Albert Travels and later The Indiaman, this epic journey covered 32,000 km round trip and lasted 50 days—making it the longest scheduled bus route in history.
Key Highlights of the Journey:
- Route: London → Belgium → West Germany → Austria → Yugoslavia → Bulgaria → Turkey → Iran → Afghanistan → Pakistan → India (Calcutta).
- Duration: 50 days (round trip), with stops for sightseeing.
- Cost: Around £145 (equivalent to roughly £3,000 today), covering food, accommodation, and guided stops.
- Luxuries Onboard: The bus had sleeping bunks, a kitchen, and even a lounge area—making it a rolling hostel.
- Sightseeing Stops: Included Vienna’s palaces, Istanbul’s bazaars, Iran’s Persepolis, and Afghan markets.
Why Did It End?
- Political Instability: The 1979 Iranian Revolution and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan made overland travel dangerous.
- Rising Costs & Air Travel: Cheaper flights made long bus trips less appealing.
Legacy:
This route was a precursor to today’s “hippie trail” and overland adventures. While no regular service exists now, some companies still offer London-to-India overland expeditions (though with modern comforts).
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