Kolkata's main railway station, one of the busiest in India, connecting to destinations across the country.

About Howrah Railway Station

Howrah Junction (Howrah Station) is an iconic Indian railway terminus opened in 1854, handling over 600 trains and a million passengers daily. The red-brick colonial building on the western bank of the Hooghly River is one of the largest railway complexes in Asia. It serves as the eastern gateway for long-distance trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and cities across India.

The Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu), a cantilever bridge opened in 1943, connects Howrah to central Kolkata and is one of the busiest bridges in the world—carrying 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily. The area around the station is chaotic but fascinating, with the Mullick Ghat flower market underneath the bridge offering a spectacular early-morning photo opportunity. Across the river, the Belur Math headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission is a short trip away.

Nearby Landmarks

Howrah Bridge Mullick Ghat Flower Market Belur Math Dakshineswar Temple Botanical Gardens

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $6-9
Time 40-60 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $5-7
Time 40-60 min

Arrivals level pickup zone

Step-by-Step Directions

Take AC airport bus or prepaid taxi. Route goes through central Kolkata via Beliaghata and across Howrah Bridge.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $6-9 40-60 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $5-7 40-60 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Pre-paid taxis from the airport run 24/7 to Howrah Station (₹400–550). Howrah Station itself never truly closes, with trains departing and arriving through the night. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available outside the station at all hours. Uber works but can be slow to find drivers near Howrah late at night.

Luggage Tips

Howrah Station is extremely crowded. Licensed porters (coolies in red shirts) can carry heavy luggage for ₹50–150 per bag depending on distance. There are cloakroom facilities for luggage storage (₹20–30 per bag per day) near Platform 1. Keep valuables close and bags locked.

Accessibility

Howrah Station has limited accessibility—platforms are connected by overbridges with stairs, and lifts are available only at select platforms. Wheelchair users should request assistance from the station manager's office in advance (call 139). The pre-paid taxi from the airport directly to the station entrance is the most accessible option.