How to Reach Kolkata by Train from Nearby Cities

Rail is the simplest way into Kolkata from across the region — here's how the main routes work, what to expect, and which stations put you closest to the city's hotel districts.

imptkolkata.in editorial team · Reviewed 5 November 2026

Short answer

Trains from Chennai reach Kolkata via the coastal corridor through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, typically arriving at Howrah or Santragachi. This is a long haul — 24 to 30 hours depending on the service — so most travellers take an overnight or two-night train and book a sleeper or AC class. The most common departure point is Chennai Central, with a handful of services from Egmore. From Visakhapatnam, the journey shortens to around 12 to 14 hours, making it a practical feeder city if you are coming from the north of Andhra.

From the south: Chennai and the Coromandel Coast

If your priority is arriving close to the hotel districts of central Kolkata, aim for Howrah. It sits across the Hooghly from the BBD Bagh and Esplanade areas, connected by the Howrah Bridge and the newer Vidyasagar Setu. A taxi from Howrah to Sudder Street or Park Street takes 20 to 35 minutes outside peak hours; the metro at Howrah station links to Esplanade in about 10 minutes. Santragachi, south of the city, is useful if you are heading to Bhowanipore or Alipore, but it is less convenient for the northern hotel clusters around Shyambazar.

From the north: New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and the hill route

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the main railhead for Siliguri and the Darjeeling hills, and it has frequent overnight services to Kolkata. The journey takes 10 to 12 hours on most trains, with departures through the evening and arrivals into Howrah or Sealdah the next morning. This is the route most travellers use after a hill trip, and it is worth booking an AC 2-tier or 3-tier berth in advance — the popular trains fill up weeks ahead in the March to May and October to November windows.

Sealdah is the better arrival point if your hotel is in the Salt Lake or New Town areas, or if you are continuing to the airport. From Sealdah, the airport is 30 to 40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic on the EM Bypass; there is also a suburban rail link to Dum Dum followed by a short taxi or auto ride. Howrah is more convenient for the central hotel belt around Park Street, Sudder Street and Esplanade. For a first visit to Kolkata, I would book a hotel within walking distance of Park Street or Esplanade and arrive at Howrah.

From the west and central India: Mumbai, Nagpur and beyond

Trains from Mumbai to Kolkata run via Nagpur and Raipur, taking 26 to 32 hours depending on the service. Most depart from Mumbai LTT or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and arrive at Howrah. From Nagpur, the journey is around 18 to 20 hours; from Raipur, 12 to 14 hours. These are long-distance trains, so book early and expect the usual delays on the Nagpur-Raipur section during the monsoon months of June to September.

For travellers coming from Pune or Nashik, the usual approach is to connect through Mumbai or Nagpur rather than look for a direct service. If you are arriving at Howrah after a long run, the metro is the cheapest way into the city — Esplanade is three stops away — but a prepaid taxi from the station counter is simpler with luggage. Hotels around Sudder Street and New Market suit budget travellers arriving late; Park Street and Ballygunge have more mid-range and upscale options within a short taxi ride of Howrah.

From the east: Guwahati and the northeast

Guwahati to Kolkata is an overnight run of about 16 to 18 hours, with services arriving at Howrah or Sealdah. This is the main rail corridor from the northeast, and it is busy year-round. Book AC 2-tier or 3-tier well in advance, especially for travel around Bihu in April and during the December holiday season. From Shillong, the usual approach is a shared or private taxi to Guwahati — around 3 hours — and then the train.

If you are arriving at Sealdah from the northeast, the airport is a straightforward 30-to-40-minute taxi ride, which makes it a good choice if you are flying out the same day or staying in Salt Lake. Otherwise, continue to Esplanade by metro for the central hotel districts. For a Kolkata stay built around sightseeing — the Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Kumartuli and the riverfront — I would choose a hotel between Park Street and BBD Bagh, and arrive at Howrah or Sealdah depending on which gives the better connection from your origin.

FAQ

Which Kolkata station is best for central hotels?

Howrah is the most convenient for Park Street, Sudder Street and Esplanade — a short metro ride or 20-to-35-minute taxi. Sealdah suits Salt Lake, New Town and airport connections better. Santragachi works for southern neighbourhoods like Alipore and Bhowanipore but is less useful for the northern hotel clusters.

How far ahead should I book train tickets?

Book as early as your dates allow, particularly for overnight trains from New Jalpaiguri, Guwahati and Mumbai. Popular AC classes fill weeks ahead in the March-to-May and October-to-November windows. For monsoon travel from June to September, allow for delays on the Nagpur-Raipur section and avoid tight onward connections.

How do I get from the station to my hotel?

At Howrah and Sealdah, use the prepaid taxi counters inside the station rather than accepting offers on the platform. The metro is cheaper and faster at peak times: Howrah to Esplanade takes about 10 minutes. With heavy luggage or a late arrival, a prepaid taxi is the simpler choice.