Before the era of budget airlines, an incredible overland journey connected the UK to India. Known as the London–Calcutta bus service, this route operated briefly in the late 1950s (specifically 1957 and 1958).
Organized by Albert Travel, the trip was an epic logistical feat covering over 10,000 miles. The double-decker bus took about 50 days to traverse 15 countries, including Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), all for a fare of roughly £85 (about $130 at the time).
While it sounds like an adventurous traveler’s dream today, the reality was grueling. Mechanical breakdowns, extreme weather, and complex border crossings plagued the service. Despite the initial excitement, the route proved unsustainable and was discontinued after just a few trips. Today, it stands as a fascinating historical footnote on pre-globalization travel.
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