Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, is the main gateway to the city of Kolkata in West Bengal. Howrah Station is one of the busiest railway terminals in India, located across the Hooghly River from central Kolkata. This route is commonly traveled by tourists and locals alike for onward train journeys or city transfers.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata Airport to Howrah Station. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Getting from Kolkata Airport to Howrah Station – Main Options

Taxi

Taxis are a popular and convenient choice for travelers with luggage or those seeking direct transport. They offer door-to-door service but can be affected by city traffic during peak hours.

• Prepaid taxi counters are available at Kolkata Airport near the arrival area; fares to Howrah Station typically range from ₹300 to ₹450 depending on traffic and time of day.

• The journey covers about 20 km via NH12 and Vidyasagar Setu, taking approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic congestion.

• Ola and Uber app-based cabs operate from the airport with fare estimates similar to prepaid taxis; booking via apps can offer cashless payments and fare transparency.

• Traffic jams are common during morning and evening peak hours, especially on the Vidyasagar Setu bridge, so plan extra time if traveling then.

• Taxi drivers usually wait at the airport taxi stand, but avoid accepting offers from touts outside the terminal to prevent overcharging.

Bus

Buses are the most economical option but less comfortable and slower due to frequent stops and traffic. They are suitable for budget travelers without heavy luggage.

• Private and state-run buses connect Kolkata Airport to Howrah Station, with routes passing through Salt Lake and central Kolkata areas.

• Bus fare ranges from ₹20 to ₹50, making it the cheapest option, but the journey can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and waiting times.

• Bus stops are located outside the airport terminals; look for buses heading towards Esplanade or Howrah via VIP Road and AJC Bose Road.

• Buses can get crowded during peak hours and monsoon season, so be prepared for standing room and possible delays.

• Food stalls and small shops are available near bus stops for snacks and water, but avoid drinking tap water during travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Self-driving is an option for experienced drivers familiar with Kolkata traffic and road rules. It offers flexibility but requires careful navigation through busy city roads.

• Renting a car from the airport or city agencies costs around ₹1500 to ₹2500 per day, excluding fuel and tolls.

• The route to Howrah Station is about 20 km via NH12 and Vidyasagar Setu, with toll plazas on the bridge charging a small fee.

• Driving time varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic; avoid peak hours to reduce delays.

• Parking near Howrah Station is limited and can be expensive; plan parking in advance or use nearby paid lots.

• Keep an updated GPS or map app for real-time traffic updates and alternate routes to avoid jams.

Train

There is no direct train from Kolkata Airport to Howrah Station, but you can use the Kolkata Metro and suburban trains for a cost-effective and relatively fast journey.

• From the airport, take a taxi or bus to the nearest metro station, Dum Dum Metro, about 15 km away, as the airport is not directly connected to the metro.

• From Dum Dum, take the metro to Howrah Maidan station, then use local transport or walk about 2 km to Howrah Station.

• Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹30 depending on distance; suburban trains from Howrah Maidan to Howrah Station are frequent and inexpensive.

• This option is best suited for travelers comfortable with multiple transfers and light luggage.

• Metro trains run from 6 AM to 10:30 PM, with trains every 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours, offering a reliable alternative to road transport.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Kolkata Airport to Howrah Station for the first time, follow this simple plan to avoid confusion and delays.

• After collecting your luggage, head to the prepaid taxi counter inside the arrival terminal to book a safe and fixed-fare taxi to Howrah Station. This helps avoid overcharging and ensures a reliable ride.

• If you prefer a cheaper option, walk to the bus stop outside the terminal and check the bus schedules for routes heading towards Howrah or Esplanade. Carry small change for bus fare and keep your belongings secure.

• If you choose to self-drive, confirm your rental booking in advance and use a GPS app for navigation. Start your journey early to avoid peak hour traffic and toll delays on Vidyasagar Setu.

• For metro travel, take a taxi or bus to Dum Dum Metro station, then board the metro towards Howrah Maidan. From there, use an auto-rickshaw or walk to Howrah Station.

• Keep your train or onward travel tickets ready before reaching Howrah Station to save time and avoid last-minute rushes.

• Use mobile apps like Ola, Uber, or IRCTC Rail Connect for bookings and real-time updates during your journey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from the airport to avoid scams and inflated fares common with unauthorized drivers.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or metro, as food options on the route can be limited or unhygienic.

• Book your taxi or rental car in advance during festival seasons like Durga Puja or Christmas when demand spikes and prices rise sharply.

• Use local transport apps and Google Maps to check live traffic conditions and plan your departure time accordingly.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid displaying valuables openly in crowded buses or metro trains to prevent theft.

• During monsoon season, roads can flood causing delays; check weather forecasts and leave extra time for your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The route from Kolkata Airport to Howrah Station experiences varying traffic and weather conditions throughout the year. Planning your travel time can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Peak traffic occurs during morning (8 AM to 11 AM) and evening (5 PM to 8 PM) rush hours on weekdays, especially on the Vidyasagar Setu bridge connecting Kolkata and Howrah. Avoid these times if possible.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja and New Year holidays when city traffic increases dramatically and transport services are crowded.

• The monsoon season (June to September) often causes waterlogging on roads near the airport and Howrah, leading to slower journeys and occasional route diversions.

• Winter mornings (December to January) can have fog reducing visibility and slowing traffic, so allocate extra travel time during early hours.

• Midday departures between 11 AM and 3 PM usually have lighter traffic, offering smoother and faster travel.

Arrival at Howrah Station & What to Expect

When you arrive at Howrah Station, you will find one of India’s largest and busiest railway hubs. The station has multiple entrances and exits, so note your train platform and gate in advance.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber available outside the station. You can also use local buses or the Kolkata Metro from Howrah Maidan station nearby. Popular nearby areas to stay include Shibpur, Bally, and central Kolkata, all accessible by short taxi rides.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Howrah Station from Kolkata Airport is by prepaid taxi or app-based cab, offering direct and comfortable travel with manageable fares. For budget travelers, buses and metro combinations are available but require more time and effort.

Plan your journey considering traffic patterns and seasonal weather to avoid delays. Booking transport in advance and using mobile apps for real-time updates will help you travel confidently. With this guide, you can navigate the route smoothly and focus on enjoying your trip ahead.