The journey from the Temple City of Odisha to the bustling colonial heart of Kolkata represents a transition from serene sandstone heritage to the high-energy chaos of one of India's most historic metropolitan hubs. While Bhubaneswar offers a window into ancient Kalinga architecture, the approach into Howrah over the iconic cantilever bridge serves as a dramatic entrance to the West Bengal capital. This route is a vital artery for business travelers, students, and tourists alike, connecting the Bay of Bengal's coastal plains to the Hooghly River.
Navigating this path requires choosing between the efficiency of the Indian Railways network, the flexibility of private bus operators, or the speed of a short hop by air. Each mode offers a vastly different perspective of the landscape, from the lush green paddy fields of rural Bengal seen from a train window to the bird's-eye view of the Mahanadi delta. You can easily compare these options and book your tickets on GoAsia.cc to ensure a smooth transition between these two eastern Indian landmarks.
Bhubaneswar to Howrah by Train
The train is undoubtedly the most iconic and popular way to travel between these two cities. The rail connection is robust, with several high-speed expresses and long-distance haulers making the trip in as little as 5 hours and 51 minutes. Prices are highly accessible, ranging from $6 for basic seating to $34 for the luxury of a first-class sleeper. Most trains arrive at Howrah Junction, one of the largest and oldest railway complexes in India, though some may serve other stations in the Kolkata area.
Seating and Comfort Classes
For those prioritizing speed and comfort during daylight hours, the AC Chair Class (CC) and Extended AC Chair Class (EC) are excellent choices found on premium trains like the Shatabdi or Vande Bharat. These provide comfortable reclining seats and climate control, making the 6-hour journey feel quite short. If you are traveling on a budget, the Second Sitting Class (2S) is the most economical, though it can be crowded.
Sleeper Options
For overnight journeys or those who prefer to lie down, the options are extensive. The AC First Class Sleeper (1A) offers the most privacy with lockable compartments, while the AC 2-Tier (2A) and 3-Tier (3A/3E) provide a balance of comfort and value. The Sleeper Class (SL) is the standard non-air-conditioned option, popular with locals and budget-conscious backpackers who enjoy the open-window breeze and the sounds of the tracks.
Bhubaneswar to Howrah by Bus
Buses offer a flexible alternative, especially for travelers who prefer departing in the late evening to arrive in Kolkata by early morning. The bus journey typically takes between 7 hours and 50 minutes to 11 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. Prices for bus travel vary significantly based on the level of luxury, ranging from $5 to $50.
Operators provide a variety of configurations. The AC Sleeper and A/C Semi Sleeper units are highly recommended for the overnight haul, allowing you to rest relatively comfortably on a bunk or a deep-reclining seat. For shorter day trips or those on a strict budget, the Non-AC Seater and AC Seater options are available. Most buses depart from the Baramunda Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar and drop passengers at major points in Kolkata like Esplanade or Babughat, which are a short taxi or ferry ride away from Howrah.
Bhubaneswar to Howrah by Flight
If time is your primary concern, flying is the fastest way to bridge the distance. The flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) takes only about 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. While the airfare is higher, ranging from $81 to $108, the time saved can be significant for those on a tight schedule.
Economy class is the standard offering for this short domestic hop. Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will need to factor in the time and cost of a taxi or pre-paid cab from the airport to Howrah, which can take an additional 45 to 90 minutes depending on the city's notorious traffic. This option is best suited for business travelers or those connecting to international flights.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | $6 - $34 | 5h 51min - 9h | High |
| Bus | $5 - $50 | 7h 50min - 11h | Medium |
| Flight | $81 - $108 | 1h 5min - 1h 20min | High |
Tips for Traveling from Bhubaneswar to Howrah
- Book Early: Indian Railways tickets, especially for premium classes like 1A and CC, often sell out weeks in advance. Try to secure your seat as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
- Station Choice: While Howrah is the main destination, some trains from Bhubaneswar might stop at Kharagpur or terminate at Sealdah or Kolkata Station (Chitpur). Always check your final stop.
- Carry Snacks: While many premium trains include meals in the ticket price, it is always a good idea to carry water and some light snacks, especially for the bus or slower train journeys.
- Monsoon Travel: During the monsoon months (June to September), heavy rains can sometimes cause delays in both bus and train schedules. Check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Howrah Bridge: If arriving at Howrah Junction, taking a yellow taxi across the Howrah Bridge into the main city is a quintessential Kolkata experience, but be prepared for heavy congestion during peak hours.
Timetable
| Flight Bhubaneswar - Kolkata $ 45.88–54.38 1h 5m – 1h 20m | |
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| Bus Bhubaneswar - Kolkata $ 5.93–50.05 7h 50m – 12h | |
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| Train Bhubaneswar - Howrah $ 5.43–33.18 5h 51m – 9h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Bhubaneswar to Howrah directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to travel is by bus or train. Non-AC bus seats start at approximately $5, while Second Sitting (2S) train tickets are available for around $6. Both options are very budget-friendly for the distance covered.
The fastest way is to fly, with a flight time of just 1 hour and 5 minutes. However, when considering airport check-in and travel to/from the airports, a high-speed train taking 5 hours and 51 minutes is often a comparable door-to-door alternative.
Travel time varies by mode: flights take about 1 to 1.5 hours, trains take between 6 and 9 hours, and buses generally take between 8 and 11 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, both trains and buses offer overnight services. Several trains feature sleeper berths (1A, 2A, 3A, and SL), and there are multiple AC Sleeper bus departures late in the evening that arrive in Kolkata the following morning.
For a daytime trip, the AC Chair Class (CC) or Extended AC Chair Class (EC) are the best options. They provide comfortable seating, air conditioning, and often include meal services on premium express trains.
Yes, once you land in Kolkata, you can use pre-paid taxi counters or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola. The drive to Howrah usually takes about an hour, though it can be longer during rush hour.