How to Get from Howrah to Mumbai
Discover the best ways to travel from Howrah to Mumbai. Compare the Duronto Express with flights for your journey across India.
Contents
Bridging the gap between the intellectual heart of West Bengal and the high-octane energy of India's financial capital means crossing the whole country. Howrah sits as the gateway to the east, and Mumbai beckons with its colonial architecture and Arabian Sea breeze. The route links two of India's biggest cities through a landscape that shifts from lush greenery to rugged Deccan terrain.
Choosing between the rhythmic clatter of the rails and the speed of a flight depends on whether you have a day to spare or a meeting to catch. You can compare options and book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Howrah to Mumbai by Train
The train from Howrah Junction to Mumbai is one of the great Indian railway experiences. It crosses a large part of the country's width and gives you a front-row seat to the changing face of rural India. The Duronto Express 12262 leaves Howrah at 08:20 and reaches Mumbai CSMT at 10:30 the next day. In the other direction, the 12261 leaves CSMT at 17:15 and arrives in Howrah at 19:40 the day after.[1] Expect about a day and a night on board, with meals and stories shared along the way.
Classes of Service
Indian Railways offers a range of classes to suit different budgets and comfort requirements.
- 1A - AC First Class Sleeper: This is the most private and comfortable way to travel. It features lockable compartments with either two or four berths, providing bedding and a much quieter environment.
- 2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper: A popular choice for middle-range travelers, offering air-conditioned comfort with four berths in a compartment and two berths across the aisle, separated by curtains for privacy.
- 3A and 3E - AC 3-Tier: These are the workhorses of the long-distance fleet. 3A offers six berths per compartment, while 3E (Economy) provides a similar experience at a slightly lower price point. Both are air-conditioned and include bedding.
- SL - Sleeper Class: This is the non-air-conditioned option. While it is the most budget-friendly way to travel, it can be dusty and loud, but it offers the most authentic atmosphere and unobstructed views of the countryside through open windows.
Kolkata to Mumbai by Flight
If time is of the essence, fly from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. The aerial distance is about 1,652 km, and IndiGo quotes fares from about INR 7,000 to INR 10,000 depending on when you book.[2] The flight takes about 2.5 hours.[3] You can have breakfast in the shadow of the Howrah Bridge and dinner near the Gateway of India.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Duronto Express) | About 26 hours[1] | Basic to high, depending on class |
| Flight (economy) | About 2.5 hours[3] | Modern |
Tips for Traveling from Howrah to Mumbai
- Book in Advance: Long-distance trains between the two cities fill quickly. If you want a specific class like AC First Class, book as early as you can.
- Station Logistics: Howrah Junction is huge and crowded. Arrive early enough to find your platform without rushing.
- Food and Water: Carry some dry snacks and a large bottle of water for the journey, even if the train has a pantry car or e-catering.
- Airport Transfers: Kolkata's airport is about 14 km from Howrah station,[4] so allow extra time for Kolkata's traffic.
- Baggage: IndiGo allows up to 15 kg of checked baggage per passenger.[5] Trains are much more relaxed about heavy bags, as long as you can carry them yourself.
Timetable
| Flight Kolkata - Mumbai $ 63.29โ86.47 2h 45m โ 3h 20m | |
|
| Train Howrah - Mumbai $ 12.04โ74.70 1days 2h 40m โ 1days 13h 35m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Howrah to Mumbai, including current prices and schedules.
The train is the budget option, and Sleeper Class (SL) is the cheapest class. It is non-air-conditioned and gives you a basic bunk for the journey.
The fastest way to travel is by flight, which takes about 2.5 hours. That is far quicker than the roughly 26 hours the Duronto Express needs.
A flight takes about 2.5 hours. The Duronto Express leaves Howrah at 08:20 and arrives in Mumbai at 10:30 the next day, about 26 hours later.
In premium classes like AC First Class, meals are often included or can be ordered from the pantry car. For other classes, you can buy food from vendors at stations or use e-catering services to have meals delivered to your seat.
You fly from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata and land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.
Yes. The journey takes about a day, so you spend at least one night on board. The Duronto Express leaves Howrah at 08:20 and reaches Mumbai CSMT at 10:30 the next day.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indian Railways (CRIS): Duronto Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [2] IndiGo: Kolkata to Mumbai Flights. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] IndiGo: Mumbai to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [4] IndiGo: Bhubaneswar to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [5] IndiGo: Chennai to Hyderabad Flights. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.