Kalighat Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in South Kolkata. Howrah Station is one of the busiest railway hubs in India, situated on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Many travelers and pilgrims use this route daily to visit the temple for worship or sightseeing.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options from Howrah Station to Kalighat Temple. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and metro services, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan for first-time visitors.

Getting from Howrah Station to Kalighat Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for locals and tourists due to Kolkata’s extensive suburban railway network. It is affordable and fairly quick, but can be crowded during peak hours.

• From Howrah Station, take a local train towards Sealdah or Ballygunge; get down at Ballygunge Station, which is the closest major station to Kalighat Temple, about 4 km away.

• The train journey takes around 15–20 minutes, with fares ranging from ₹5 to ₹15 depending on the class and train type.

• Trains run frequently from early morning till late night, but avoid peak office hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM) to escape heavy crowds and standing passengers.

• From Ballygunge Station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a short cab ride to Kalighat Temple, which takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic.

• Be cautious of pickpockets during crowded times and keep your belongings secure, especially in local trains.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option and cover many routes across Kolkata. However, traffic congestion can affect travel time, especially during rush hours.

• Several buses connect Howrah Station to Kalighat area, including routes 12C, 45, and S7, departing from Howrah Bus Terminus near the station.

• The bus journey can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, with fares usually between ₹10 and ₹25.

• Buses operate from early morning till late evening, but frequency reduces after 9 PM, so plan accordingly.

• Traffic jams are common during monsoon and festival seasons, so expect delays and consider alternate transport during these times.

• Bus stops near Kalighat Temple are well-marked; from there, it is a short walk to the temple entrance.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving or hiring a car offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you travel with family or carry luggage. Kolkata’s roads can be busy, so plan your route carefully.

• The distance from Howrah Station to Kalighat Temple is about 10 km via Vidyasagar Setu and AJC Bose Road, taking around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

• Toll charges apply on Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge), so keep cash or digital payment ready.

• Parking near Kalighat Temple is limited; use nearby paid parking lots or park slightly away and walk to avoid hassle.

• Using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber is convenient; fares range from ₹150 to ₹250 and you can book instantly via smartphone.

• Traffic congestion is heavy during morning and evening peak hours; starting your trip between 10 AM and 3 PM can help avoid delays.

Metro

Kolkata Metro is a fast and affordable way to travel across the city. The Kalighat Metro Station is close to the temple, making this a preferred option for many.

• From Howrah Station, take the metro from Howrah Maidan Metro Station on the Blue Line towards Kavi Subhash.

• Kalighat Metro Station is approximately 6 stops away, and the journey takes about 15 minutes.

• Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹25 depending on distance, and trains run every 5–10 minutes during the day.

• Metro stations have clear signage and are well-maintained, but avoid peak hours (8–10 AM and 6–8 PM) to avoid crowding.

• From Kalighat Metro Station, the temple is a 5-minute walk; follow local signs or ask for directions to the temple entrance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Howrah Station to Kalighat Temple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

• Step 1: Arrive at Howrah Station early to avoid rush and locate your preferred transport mode easily; use station maps or ask staff for directions.

• Step 2: If choosing train, buy tickets via IRCTC app or ticket counters; for metro, purchase tokens or use smart cards at Howrah Maidan Metro Station.

• Step 3: Board the correct train or metro; confirm the destination with station announcements or fellow passengers to avoid mistakes.

• Step 4: Upon arrival at Ballygunge or Kalighat Metro Station, use prepaid auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for last-mile connectivity to the temple.

• Step 5: Carry small change and bottled water; avoid eating street food near stations to prevent stomach issues.

• Step 6: Plan your return trip in advance, especially if traveling late; book cabs or check bus timings to avoid waiting in unsafe areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings close and secure, especially in crowded trains and buses, to avoid pickpocketing common in Kolkata transport.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food near busy stations to prevent health issues.

• Book train or metro tickets online in advance using IRCTC or Kolkata Metro apps to save time and avoid queues.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and hassle-free travel, especially during late hours.

• Carry light luggage as crowded trains and buses have limited space; use backpacks or small bags for easier handling.

• During monsoon, expect waterlogging and traffic delays; carry an umbrella and plan extra travel time.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Kolkata experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to September, which can cause traffic jams and delays on roads and railways. Winters from November to February offer pleasant weather for travel.

Festival seasons like Durga Puja and Kali Puja attract large crowds near Kalighat Temple, making travel slower and accommodation scarce. Plan your visit accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja (September–October) and Kali Puja (October–November) peak days to escape heavy crowds and traffic.

• Monsoon months bring waterlogging on some routes; check weather forecasts and local news before starting your journey.

• Early mornings (7–9 AM) and evenings (5–7 PM) have heavy traffic; mid-morning to afternoon (10 AM–3 PM) is best for smoother travel.

• Winter months provide the most comfortable weather for walking and exploring around Kalighat Temple.

Arrival at Kalighat Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kalighat Temple, you will find a busy area with many devotees and tourists. The temple complex is well-signposted and easy to find from the main road.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and app-based cabs. Prepaid taxi counters are available near major stations and metro exits. Nearby areas like Ballygunge and Rashbehari are popular for accommodation and dining.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kalighat Temple from Howrah Station depends on your priorities. The metro offers a fast, affordable, and comfortable journey with minimal traffic delays. Trains and buses are budget-friendly but can be crowded and slower during peak hours. Hiring a car or cab provides flexibility but may face traffic congestion.

Plan your trip by checking train and metro timings, avoid peak hours and festival days, and use prepaid or app-based cabs for last-mile travel. With these tips, you can confidently navigate Kolkata’s transport system and enjoy a smooth visit to Kalighat Temple.