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How to Get from Howrah to Siliguri

How to get from Howrah and Kolkata to Siliguri: trains to New Jalpaiguri, overnight services and direct flights to Bagdogra.

India

Last updated: October 28, 2026

How to Get from Howrah to Siliguri
Contents

Leaving the colonial grandeur and chaotic energy of Howrah and Kolkata for the cool breezes of the Himalayan foothills is a rite of passage for many travelers in West Bengal. Siliguri is the vital gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the tea gardens of the Dooars, and the landscape shifts from the humid plains of the Ganges delta to the rising shadows of the great mountains.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Whether you chase the sunrise at Tiger Hill or head toward the border of Bhutan, the journey north is as much about the change in atmosphere as about the distance. You can go by overnight express, by day train or by a quick flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Howrah to Siliguri by Train

The train is the most iconic way to travel this route, and most services end at New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the main railway hub for Siliguri. NJP is 2 km from Siliguri Junction.[1] Three services are listed by Indian Railways:

  • 12041 Shatabdi Express: Howrah 14:15 to New Jalpaiguri 22:30, a daytime chair-car train.[2]
  • 22309 Howrah-NJP AC Express: Howrah 23:05 to New Jalpaiguri 09:00, overnight in air-conditioned coaches.[3]
  • 12343 Darjeeling Mail: Sealdah 22:05 to New Jalpaiguri 08:00, the classic overnight train from Kolkata's other main terminus.[3]

On the overnight services you wake up as the silhouette of the Himalayas appears on the horizon. Choose AC First Class (1A), AC 2-Tier (2A) or AC 3-Tier (3A) for a night berth, or the non-air-conditioned Sleeper Class (SL) for a true Indian Railways experience, though it can be dusty and crowded. Check the current trains on the IRCTC booking site.

Kolkata to Siliguri by Flight

If time is your primary concern, flying is the fastest way to reach the gateway to the Himalayas. IndiGo operates direct flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Bagdogra (IXB) every day.[4] The flight takes about 1 hour 5 minutes.[5] Bagdogra Airport lies on the western side of Siliguri, about 10 km from the city.[1] Kolkata's airport is 17 km from the city centre.[4]

Tips for Traveling from Howrah to Siliguri

  • Book trains early: This is one of the most popular rail routes in India. AC tickets often sell out weeks in advance, especially during the Durga Puja holidays and the summer trekking season.
  • Bagdogra to Siliguri: If you fly, prepaid taxis wait at Bagdogra airport and take you into the city or straight up to Darjeeling.[6]
  • Stay hydrated: Carry plenty of bottled water on a non-AC train class. The plains of West Bengal can be warm.
  • Arrival station: From New Jalpaiguri you find rickshaws and taxis to the center of Siliguri or to the bus stands for onward travel.
  • Check the weather: Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays on roads and railways because of heavy rain.

Timetable

Kolkata - Siliguri More info / Tickets
Flight Kolkata - Siliguri $ 57.80โ€“96.48 1h 5m โ€“ 1h 15m
  • โ†’ย  Economy 07:35, 12:45, 12:55, 17:05, 18:10
Bus Kolkata - Siliguri $ 5.94โ€“42.52 11h 30m โ€“ 14h 30m
  • โ†’ย  Non-AC Seater 06:30, 15:00, 15:15, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 19:00
  • โ†’ย  A/C Semi Sleeper 17:30, 18:00, 19:00
  • โ†’ย  AC Seater 17:00, 18:15, 18:30, 19:30, 20:00, 21:00, 21:20
  • โ†’ย  AC Sleeper 17:00, 18:00, 18:30, 18:35, 18:45, 19:00, 19:15, 19:30, 20:00, 20:15, 20:20, 20:30, 21:00
Howrah - Siliguri More info / Tickets
Train Howrah - Siliguri $ 6.83โ€“34.83 7h 20m โ€“ 10h 40m
  • โ†’ย  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 16:05, 18:20
  • โ†’ย  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 16:05, 18:20, 18:35
  • โ†’ย  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 16:05, 18:20, 18:35
  • โ†’ย  CC - AC Chair Class 05:55, 14:25
  • โ†’ย  SL - Sleeper Class 16:05, 18:35
  • โ†’ย  EC - Extended AC Chair Class 05:55, 14:25
  • โ†’ย  EV - Vistadome AC 14:25

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Howrah to Siliguri?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Howrah to Siliguri, including current prices and schedules.

What is the fastest way to get from Howrah to Siliguri?

Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra. IndiGo operates direct flights, and the flight takes about 1 hour 5 minutes.

Which trains go from Howrah to Siliguri?

Indian Railways lists the 12041 Shatabdi Express (Howrah 14:15, New Jalpaiguri 22:30), the 22309 AC Express (Howrah 23:05, New Jalpaiguri 09:00) and the 12343 Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah (22:05, arriving 08:00).

Which railway station should I use in Siliguri?

Most long-distance trains arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP), 2 km from Siliguri Junction. It also has connections to Darjeeling.

How far is Bagdogra Airport from Siliguri?

Bagdogra Airport is about 10 km from Siliguri, on the western side of the city.

How do I continue from Siliguri to Darjeeling?

By road via NH 55, 77 km. Buses leave from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri, and shared vehicles and prepaid taxis run from the railway station and the airport.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Darjeeling Himalayan Railway / Indian Railways Portal: How do I reach DHR & FAQ (last reviewed 07-08-2014). Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  2. [2] Indian Railways: Shatabdi Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  3. [3] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  4. [4] IndiGo: Kolkata to Bagdogra Flights. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  5. [5] IndiGo: Bagdogra to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
  6. [6] Darjeeling District, Government of West Bengal: How to Reach. Retrieved October 28, 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.