How to Reach Howrah from Haridwar

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:

1. By Train (Most Popular and Convenient Option)

Train travel is a very common and often preferred method for this long-distance journey, offering a balance of comfort and cost.

Journey Time: Direct trains from Haridwar to Howrah typically take between 26 to 33 hours, depending on the specific train, its speed, and the number of stops. For instance, a Superfast Express might take around 27-28 hours, while a Mail/Express train could take over 30 hours.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the primary boarding station.
To Howrah: Howrah Junction (HWH) is the main arrival station in Kolkata/Howrah.

Direct Train Availability: There are a few direct trains connecting Haridwar to Howrah. Some popular options include:

Kumbha Express (12370): Known for being one of the faster and more reliable direct trains, running a few times a week.
Upasana Express (12328): Another direct service, often running on different days than Kumbha Express (e.g., Wed, Sat).
Doon Express (13010): A daily train, though it generally takes a bit longer than the Superfast options.

Frequency: Most direct trains are not daily; they might run 2-5 times a week. It’s crucial to check the schedule well in advance.

Types of Coaches: You can choose from various classes to suit your comfort and budget:

Sleeper (SL): Most economical, non-air-conditioned, with open berths.
AC 3-Tier (3A): Air-conditioned, comfortable berths, a good balance of cost and comfort.
AC 2-Tier (2A): More spacious and private than 3A, with fewer berths.
AC 1st Class (1A): Most luxurious, offering private cabins.

Ticket Price Estimates: As of July 2025, fares can vary based on the class and train type. For example, AC 2-Tier tickets might range from ₹2,400 – ₹2,600, while Sleeper Class could be ₹600 – ₹700. Booking in advance (often weeks to months) is highly recommended, especially for AC classes and during peak seasons.

Pros: Comfortable for long journeys, especially in AC coaches. Generally economical. Allows you to carry more luggage. You arrive directly at a major city hub.

Cons: Very long travel time. Tickets can be hard to get during peak periods.

Tips: Always check the latest train schedules and book tickets through the official IRCTC website or other authorized platforms (like MakeMyTrip, RailYatri, Goibibo). For such a long journey, consider carrying your own food and water, though pantry car services are available on most long-distance trains.

2. By Air (Fastest Overall Travel Time)

While there’s no direct airport in Haridwar, combining a short road trip to Dehradun’s airport with a flight to Kolkata is the fastest way to travel.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): First, take a taxi from Haridwar to Jolly Grant Airport. This 37-41 km journey usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Taxi fares can range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,800, depending on the vehicle type and service (e.g., Hatchback, Sedan, SUV, or Uber Intercity options).
Dehradun (DED) to Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport – CCU): Take a flight from Dehradun to Kolkata.
- Flight Duration: Direct flights typically take around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. Connecting flights (often via Delhi) will take longer, usually 5-10+ hours depending on the layover.
- Airlines: Major Indian airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and Vistara operate on this route, with varying direct and connecting options. IndiGo, for instance, has direct flights taking about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares fluctuate significantly based on booking time, airline, and demand. Expect prices to range from ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 or more for a one-way direct flight.
Kolkata Airport (CCU) to Howrah: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is well-connected to Howrah. You can take a pre-paid taxi, app-based cab (Ola/Uber), or a local bus/train from the nearest railway station (Dum Dum Cantonment, though a taxi is usually more direct to Howrah). The drive to Howrah from the airport can take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, with taxi fares for a sedan around ₹800 – ₹1,200.

Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road transfers and flight time, can be completed in approximately 5 to 8 hours for direct flights and efficient transfers.

Pros: Significantly reduces travel time. More comfortable for many travelers compared to a very long train or bus journey.

Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires transfers between modes of transport.

Tips: Book flights well in advance for better prices. Pre-book taxis for airport transfers in both Dehradun and Kolkata to ensure a smooth transition.

3. By Road (Long and Demanding Drive)

Driving from Haridwar to Howrah is a very long and challenging journey, typically not recommended as the primary mode of travel unless it’s part of a specific road trip with multiple drivers.

Distance: Approximately 1,500 – 1,700 kilometers.

Journey Time: A continuous drive would take at least 25-30 hours, not including significant stops for food, rest, and sleep. This journey realistically requires at least one, and preferably two, overnight stops.

Routes: The route generally involves heading south from Haridwar towards Delhi, then taking national highways (like NH19/NH2, part of the Golden Quadrilateral) across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and finally into West Bengal towards Howrah.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Complete flexibility for stops, routes, and sightseeing.
Cons: Extremely long and tiring. High fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Requires careful planning and multiple drivers.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Convenient as you don’t have to drive. Door-to-door service.
Cons: Very expensive due to the long distance and the driver’s return journey. Can still be very tiring for passengers. Fares could range from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 or more.

Tips: If opting for this, meticulously plan your route and overnight stops. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition and that you have multiple drivers for safety.

4. By Bus (Very Long and Less Common Direct Route)

While bus services connect many parts of India, a direct bus from Haridwar to Howrah (Kolkata) is extremely long and less common compared to trains or flights. You might find services that require changes in major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, or Varanasi.

Journey Time: A direct bus, if available, could take 30-40 hours or more. With changes, it would be even longer and more fragmented.

Pros: Potentially the most economical option, especially if opting for multiple budget segments.

Cons: Extremely long and tiring. Less comfortable than trains or flights for such a distance. Frequent stops and potential for delays. Not ideal for travelers with significant luggage.

Tips: This mode is generally not recommended for this long a journey due to discomfort and time. If considering, thoroughly verify direct services and comfortable bus types through major bus booking platforms.

Given the substantial distance, trains are a popular and balanced choice for traveling from Haridwar to Howrah, offering comfort and cost-effectiveness. However, if time is your absolute priority, combining a flight with road transfers will get you to Howrah the fastest.

How to Reach Howrah from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Howrah (Kolkata)