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Descending from the misty foothills of the Himalayas into the bustling heart of West Bengal is a journey that many travelers undertake after exploring Darjeeling or Sikkim. Siliguri serves as the gateway to the mountains, while Howrah is the historic twin city of Kolkata, home to one of India's busiest and most iconic railway terminuses.
Whether you are a budget backpacker looking for the cheapest overnight option or a traveler who wants to cover the distance in about an hour, there are several ways to make this journey. You can book tickets for these routes on GoAsia.cc to secure your seat before you arrive at the station.
Siliguri to Howrah by Train
The train is the most popular way to travel this route. Trains for Howrah leave from New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the main railway station for Siliguri, and run both as daytime services and as overnight trains. Timings, fares and travel times differ from train to train and from class to class, so check the current options and book on the IRCTC website or app, the official Indian Railways ticketing service.
Daytime Chair Cars
For those who value speed and comfort, the AC Chair Class (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) on the fast express and Vande Bharat services are the best choice for daytime travel. The tracks cut through the green fields of North Bengal, passing rural villages and wide rivers.
Overnight Sleeper Services
If you prefer to save on a night's accommodation, the sleeper trains are a classic choice. You can choose from several tiers:
- 1A - AC First Class Sleeper: The most private and comfortable option, featuring lockable compartments and bedding.
- 2A and 3A - AC Sleeper: Open-plan air-conditioned coaches with tiered bunks. 2A offers more space than 3A.
- SL - Sleeper Class: The non-air-conditioned budget option. It is great for meeting locals and feeling the breeze, though it can get dusty and crowded.
Siliguri to Kolkata by Flight
If time is your primary concern, you can fly from Bagdogra Airport, the airport serving Siliguri, to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. IndiGo operates a non-stop flight on this route with a flight time of about 1 hour 5 minutes, and fares were listed from ₹6,684 for departures between 17 and 21 October 2026. Bagdogra Airport lies about 9 kilometers west of Siliguri, roughly a 20-minute drive.[1]
Kolkata airport is in Dum Dum, on the other side of the city from Howrah: IndiGo gives the distance from the airport to Howrah station as about 14 kilometers.[2] Plan for a taxi or app cab ride of an hour or more in traffic when you land.
Siliguri to Kolkata by Bus
Buses offer a flexible alternative, especially when train tickets are sold out. They run overnight to Kolkata rather than to Howrah station itself, so allow time for the last leg across the city. On booking platforms, the trip takes about 12 to 15 hours and tickets cost from about $6 for a non-AC seater to about $36 for an AC sleeper (October 2026).[3]
There are several categories of buses available:
- AC Sleeper: These feature actual bunks where you can lie down fully. This is the most comfortable way to survive the long highway journey.
- AC Semi Sleeper and Seater: These offer reclining seats and are a good middle-ground for comfort and price.
- Non-AC Seater: The most basic and cheapest option, though not recommended during the humid summer months.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Varies by train and class | Daytime and overnight services | Medium to High |
| Flight | From ₹6,684 (October 2026)[1] | About 1h 5min[1] | High |
| Bus | About $6 - $36 (October 2026)[3] | About 12 - 15 hours[3] | Low to Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Siliguri to Howrah
- Book Trains Early: Indian Railways tickets on this route can sell out weeks in advance, especially during festival seasons like Durga Puja.
- Airport Transfer: When flying, allow plenty of time to get from Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport, as traffic can be unpredictable.
- Howrah Junction: If arriving by train, be prepared for the sheer scale of Howrah Station. Follow signs for the taxi stand or use the ferry service to cross the river to Kolkata for a more scenic arrival.
- Stay Hydrated: Whether on a bus or train, always carry a large bottle of water. While many trains provide water in AC classes, it is better to have your own.
- Bus Boarding Points: Confirm the exact boarding point with your operator, as private buses do not always leave from the main bus terminal.
Timetable
| Flight Siliguri - Kolkata $ 67.95–93.02 1h 5m – 1h 25m | |
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| Bus Siliguri - Kolkata $ 6.00–40.22 11h 15m – 14h 45m | |
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| Train Siliguri - Howrah $ 6.89–34.47 7h 35m – 11h 15m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Siliguri to Howrah, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is usually the cheapest option, with booking platforms listing tickets from about $6 for a non-AC seater (October 2026). A sleeper-class train ticket on Indian Railways is also very affordable, but fares depend on the train, so check IRCTC for the current price.
The fastest way is to fly from Bagdogra Airport to Kolkata, a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes. From Kolkata airport, Howrah station is about 14 kilometers away by taxi or app cab. The fastest daytime trains from New Jalpaiguri are the better choice if you want to avoid airport transfers.
A flight to Kolkata takes about 1 hour 5 minutes, and buses take roughly 12 to 15 hours on booking platforms. Train times depend on the service, from fast daytime trains to slower overnight ones, so check the current Indian Railways timetable.
The train is generally preferred for comfort and reliability, especially the overnight sleepers or a daytime AC chair car, and it takes you straight to Howrah. Buses are a good backup if train tickets are unavailable, but the journey is long and ends in Kolkata rather than at Howrah station.
Most trains to Howrah depart from New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the main railway hub for Siliguri. Check your ticket for the exact station name before you travel.
Meal service depends on the train and class, so check the details when you book. On buses and in other train classes, it is best to bring your own snacks and water.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Bagdogra to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [2] IndiGo: Bhubaneswar to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Siliguri - Kolkata timetable. Retrieved October 16, 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.