Cooch Behar, known as the “City of Beauty” and once the seat of the Koch dynasty, is rich in heritage, lush landscapes, and majestic royal architecture. For those coming from Kolkata, exploring this historic district and the nearby Dooars region is most enjoyable with the convenience of a dedicated vehicle. Whether you’re heading for a weekend pilgrimage to the Madan Mohan Temple or embarking on a grand tour of the lush North Bengal forests, this detailed guide by mapunseen covers everything you need to know about Cooch Behar car rental services.
Why Cooch Behar Car Rental Services are Essential for You
Cooch Behar has a unique charm. The city itself is small and easy to navigate, but its surrounding attractions are a bit tricky. Such as the Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary, Jaldapara National Park, and the Bhutan Border at Phuentsholing, are more spread out. While e-rickshaws (totos) are perfect for short trips within the city, renting a car gives you the flexibility of not having to wait for bus schedules. Furthermore, you will have easy access to remote forest resorts in the Dooars. Especially vital for the 3.5-hour journey from Bagdogra Airport or the 15-hour drive from Kolkata.
But now the question arises, how to avail these Cooch Behar car rental services in the first place? Well, you have three primary ways to book and utilise car rentals for Cooch Behar. Either by booking a direct cab from your residence or pre-booking a cab when arriving in Cooch Behar.
If you’re up for a road trip, plenty of agencies in Kolkata offer outstation cabs to Cooch Behar. The route will include Kolkata to NH12/SH7, then Malda to Siliguri, and finally reach Cooch Behar. However, the one-way drops range from ₹12,000 to ₹16,000 depending on the vehicle (Hatchback vs SUV).
Pre-booking for Arrival at New Cooch Behar (NCB) Station and Local Agencies
Many travellers from Kolkata often choose the Teesta Torsa Express, Saraighat Express, or Padatik Express. Here, you can book via apps like MakeMyTrip or Uber at least 24 hours before your train reaches the station. You can expect drivers usually meet you at the main gate of New Cooch Behar Station.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a local touch, you can contact Cooch Behar-based agencies once you arrive. Many are conveniently located near the Cooch Behar Palace or Bhabaniganj Bazar. Now, let us look at some top-rated car rental services in Cooch Behar
| Smartfly Travels | Located near Rajbari Stadium, known for professional drivers. |
| Coochbehar Travel | Based on Biswa Singha Road, it offers fantastic tour packages for the Dooars. |
| Loknath Car Rent Service | Highly rated for one-way drops to Bagdogra or Siliguri. |
| Coochbehar Self Drive | A rare provider offering both self-drive cars and Royal Enfield rentals for enthusiasts. |
What You Should Look into the Cooch Behar Car Rental Services
Before making a long-term decision, there are a few things that you should definitely look into. For example, if you’re heading towards Alipurduar or crossing the Assam border, make sure the car has a valid West Bengal State Permit. On the other hand, while North Bengal tends to be cooler, the plains can get quite humid, so it’s best to make sure the AC is working before setting off on a long trip.
Furthermore, skip the “Point-to-Point” option for sightseeing—it’s usually cheaper to rent a car for a full day than to book individual trips to the Palace, Temple, and Lake. Also, keep in mind that during peak seasons, which begin from October and extends upto January, local car availability drops significantly. Book at least 2 weeks in advance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a history buff captivated by the Koch Dynasty’s architecture or a nature lover bound for the Dooars, Cooch Behar is now easier than ever to reach from Kolkata. With digital booking platforms and dependable local agencies on the rise, there’s no need to leave your plans to chance when you arrive.
For a smooth and comfortable trip, hop on an overnight train from Sealdah or Howrah and grab your pre-booked rental car at New Cooch Behar Station. This way, you skip the exhausting 17-hour drive from Kolkata and have a ride ready for all the royal sightseeing and forest safaris ahead. The Cooch Behar car rental services are robust enough to make your journey smooth and safe.
FAQs
- How long is the drive from Kolkata to Cooch Behar?
- The ~700 km journey takes 15–18 hours. Because of the long duration, most travellers prefer taking an overnight train and renting a car locally upon arrival to save time and energy.
- Can I get a self-driving car in Cooch Behar?
- Yes, self-drive hatchbacks and SUVs are available through local providers like Coochbehar Self Drive. You will need to provide a valid Driving License and an Aadhar card for verification.
- Is it cheaper to hire a cab from Kolkata or locally?
- Renting locally is significantly cheaper. A one-way cab from Kolkata costs ₹12,000+, whereas local daily rentals start at roughly ₹1,800. For the best value, take the train and book a car at New Cooch Behar station.
- Are fuel and tolls included in the rental price?
- Usually, no. Most “Full Day” rates cover the car and driver only. Fuel, parking, and tolls are billed separately. For outstation trips, always confirm if the driver’s daily allowance (DA) is included in your quote.
