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Did you know between 1957 and 1976, there was a regular bus service between London and Calcutta, India. The 32,000km, 50 day, 2-way bus route is the longest in the world. The bus had sleeping bunks and even a kitchen! For just £145, you get to travel with food & accommodation. The bus would stop at attractions and for shopping in Vienna, Istanbul & Iran. The bus ride took passengers from England to Belgium, West Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India.

One of the most remarkable yet little-known chapters in travel history was the legendary bus service that operated between London and Calcutta from 1957 to 1976. Often described as the longest bus route in the world, this extraordinary journey covered approximately 32,000 kilometers on a round trip and took around 50 days to complete one way. Operated by adventurous travel companies, the service offered a unique blend of transportation, sightseeing, and cultural exploration long before modern backpacking became popular.

Far more than an ordinary bus, the vehicle was designed for long-distance comfort. It featured sleeping bunks, a small kitchen, heating facilities, and ample luggage space. For a fare of about £145, passengers received not only transportation but also food and accommodation throughout the journey. The trip attracted students, tourists, adventurers, and overland travelers eager to experience multiple countries in a single expedition.

The route passed through an incredible array of nations and cultures. Beginning in London, passengers traveled through Belgium, West Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and finally into northern India before reaching Calcutta. Along the way, the bus made extended stops at famous attractions and shopping centers in cities such as Vienna, Istanbul, and Tehran, allowing travelers to explore local landmarks and experience diverse traditions.

The journey represented a unique era when international overland travel was relatively open and uncomplicated. Passengers crossed mountains, deserts, plains, and historic trade routes that had connected civilizations for centuries. However, political instability in several regions during the 1970s eventually made the route difficult to maintain, leading to its closure in 1976.

Today, the London–Calcutta bus remains a symbol of adventure, curiosity, and global connection. It stands as one of the most ambitious public transport services ever operated, linking Europe and Asia through an unforgettable road journey across continents.

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