Sealdah Station and Howrah Station are two of the busiest railway hubs in Kolkata, West Bengal. They serve millions of passengers daily and connect the city to various parts of India. Traveling between these stations is common for commuters, tourists, and business travelers.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Howrah Station to Sealdah Station. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and metro options, along with practical tips to help you plan your journey efficiently and comfortably.

Getting from Howrah Station to Sealdah Station – Main Options

Train

Taking a local train is a popular and fast option for traveling between Howrah and Sealdah stations. It suits daily commuters and travelers who want to avoid road traffic.

• The Sealdah-Howrah local trains run frequently from Howrah Station’s platforms 1 to 4, covering about 15 km in 30 to 45 minutes depending on the service and stops.

• Tickets are inexpensive, usually costing between ₹10 to ₹30, and can be bought at the station counters or through the Indian Railways app.

• Trains can get crowded during peak hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM), so avoid traveling at these times if possible for a more comfortable journey.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so check live train status on the IRCTC website before departure.

• Sealdah Station has multiple exits; use the main exit to access taxis and buses easily after arrival.

Bus

Buses connect Howrah and Sealdah stations and are a budget-friendly option, though travel time varies with traffic conditions.

• Several West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) buses run between Howrah Maidan near Howrah Station and Sealdah Bus Stand, covering roughly 12 to 15 km in 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

• Bus fares range from ₹10 to ₹25, payable in cash or via digital wallets accepted on some buses.

• Buses can be crowded during rush hours and monsoon rains, so carry an umbrella and avoid peak times if possible.

• Major bus routes include numbers 12, S12, and 24, which pass through busy roads like Strand Road and AJC Bose Road.

• Bus stops near both stations are well marked, but be prepared for some walking to reach the exact boarding points.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving or hiring a taxi offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.

• The distance between Howrah and Sealdah stations by road is about 15 km via AJC Bose Road and Vidyasagar Setu, taking 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are widely available outside Howrah Station; fares usually range from ₹150 to ₹300.

• Traffic congestion is common during morning and evening peak hours, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays.

• Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) is the fastest route but has toll charges of around ₹30 to ₹50, so keep cash or digital payment ready.

• Parking near Sealdah Station is limited; if self-driving, consider parking in nearby paid lots and walking to the station.

Metro

The Kolkata Metro provides a clean and fast option to travel between Howrah and Sealdah areas, suitable for those who prefer avoiding road traffic.

• The nearest metro station to Howrah Station is Howrah Maidan on the Blue Line, about 1 km away and reachable by short auto or taxi ride.

• From Howrah Maidan, take the metro towards Salt Lake Sector V and get off at Sealdah Metro Station, covering the distance in about 20 to 25 minutes.

• Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹30 depending on distance, and tokens or RFID cards can be purchased at stations.

• Metro trains run every 5 to 10 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency late at night.

• Metro stations have escalators and are generally safe and clean, but avoid traveling during peak hours to escape crowding.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Howrah Station to Sealdah Station to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Trains and metro are fastest, buses are cheapest, and cabs offer convenience.

• Step 2: If choosing train, buy tickets at Howrah Station counters or use the IRCTC app to avoid queues and confirm train timings.

• Step 3: For bus travel, check the nearest bus stop outside Howrah Station and confirm the bus number heading to Sealdah; carry small change for fare.

• Step 4: If hiring a cab, book through Ola or Uber apps in advance to get fixed fares and avoid haggling; confirm the driver knows the route to Sealdah Station.

• Step 5: Start your journey early to avoid peak hour crowds and traffic jams, especially during monsoon or festival seasons.

• Step 6: On arrival at Sealdah, use prepaid taxi counters or app cabs for onward travel to your destination within Kolkata.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for pickpockets, especially during rush hours.

• Drink only bottled water or carry a refillable water bottle with a purifier to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Kolkata.

• Book train tickets in advance via IRCTC or metro tokens early to avoid last-minute rush and sold-out situations.

• Use app-based cabs for safer and more reliable rides; avoid unlicensed taxis or autos near stations.

• Carry light luggage if possible, as last-mile connectivity from stations may require walking or crowded transport.

• During monsoon, carry an umbrella and check weather updates, as heavy rains can delay trains and cause traffic jams.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel between Howrah and Sealdah stations depends on weather and traffic patterns in Kolkata. Avoiding peak hours and monsoon rains will make your journey smoother.

Winter months from November to February offer pleasant weather, while summers can be hot and humid. Monsoon season from June to September may cause delays due to waterlogging.

• Avoid traveling during morning (8-10 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) peak hours to escape heavy crowds and traffic congestion.

• Steer clear of major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when transport services are overcrowded and fares may surge.

• Early mornings (6-8 AM) or late evenings (after 8 PM) are good times for less crowded trains and roads.

• During monsoon, allow extra travel time and carry rain gear to handle sudden downpours and slippery platforms.

Arrival at Sealdah Station & What to Expect

Sealdah Station is a large and busy railway hub with multiple platforms and exits. After arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab pick-up points near the main exit.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and buses connecting to different parts of Kolkata. Popular nearby areas to stay include Burrabazar, Park Circus, and the Salt Lake region.

Conclusion

Traveling from Howrah Station to Sealdah Station is straightforward with several transport options to suit different needs. Local trains and metro offer fast and affordable travel, while buses and cabs provide budget and comfort choices respectively.

Plan your journey by considering traffic, weather, and crowd patterns. Booking tickets in advance and starting early will help you avoid delays. With these tips, you can confidently navigate between these two key Kolkata stations and enjoy a hassle-free trip.