Howrah Railway Station
India's busiest and oldest railway complex, a historic gateway to Eastern India with iconic colonial architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, calmer atmosphere
Howrah Railway Station
Best Time
Less crowded, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
India's busiest and oldest railway complex, a historic gateway to Eastern India with iconic colonial architecture.
"It is over crowded as before. Only positive changes that porters are using trolly to carry luggage instead of putting luggage on head."
🎯 Metro is Your Friend
For a faster, less chaotic journey to/from the airport, take the metro from Howrah Station.
⏰ Arrive Early
With millions of passengers, give yourself ample time to navigate the station and find your platform.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Architecture
Admire the iconic red-brick colonial design, a testament to British-era engineering and a symbol of Kolkata's heritage.
Platform Buzz
Experience the sheer scale and energy of India's largest railway complex, with 23 platforms bustling with activity.
Gateway to Eastern India
Understand its vital role as a major transport hub connecting millions to diverse destinations across the country.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Crowds
Historical Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Metro is Your Friend
For a faster, less chaotic journey to/from the airport, take the metro from Howrah Station.
⏰ Arrive Early
With millions of passengers, give yourself ample time to navigate the station and find your platform.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The station's colonial architecture and bustling platforms offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🧳 Porter Assistance
Porters now use trolleys for luggage, making it easier to manage your bags. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Metro is Your Friend
For a faster, less chaotic journey to/from the airport, take the metro from Howrah Station.
⏰ Arrive Early
With millions of passengers, give yourself ample time to navigate the station and find your platform.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The station's colonial architecture and bustling platforms offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🧳 Porter Assistance
Porters now use trolleys for luggage, making it easier to manage your bags. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Howrah Junction is a historic and iconic railway station, celebrated for its massive scale and colonial architecture. While its connectivity and role as a gateway to Eastern India are highly praised, many visitors note that cleanliness and crowd management could be improved. The station's vibrant energy is a key characteristic, though it can be overwhelming for some.
"Howrah Junction is India’s busiest railway terminus, connecting Eastern India via extensive long-distance routes across the entire nation. Its iconic red-brick architecture makes it a historical landmark and a massive, foundational hub for pan-Indian travel.
The junction serves as the nerve center for Kolkata's suburban rail network, providing vital services for daily commuters. Crucially, the adjacent Howrah Metro station provides seamless underground access to a part of the nation's first commissioned metro system.
A standout modern feature is the unique car-to-platform entry system. This allows private cars and taxis to drop travelers directly onto distinct platforms, greatly simplifying access for the elderly and those navigating heavy luggage.
For enhanced passenger comfort, the station provides dedicated retiring rooms for long-term stays and premium executive paid lounges. These amenities, alongside essential facilities like clean washrooms and diverse food options, ensure a comfortable waiting experience.
Passenger safety is secured by extensive CCTV monitoring and constant Railway Protection Force (RPF) presence. Overall, Howrah Junction functions as an immensely high-capacity, efficient, and well-equipped transport gateway for millions of travelers."
Rizwan Uddin
"Howrah Junction, also known as Howrah railway station, is located in Howrah, West Bengal, and serves the Kolkata metropolitan area. It is the largest and busiest railway station in India with 23 platforms and 25 tracks, handling more than 600 trains daily including local, long-distance, superfast, and suburban trains. The station was opened in 1854 and is one of the oldest surviving railway complexes in India.
Facilities at Howrah Junction include waiting halls, food stalls, book shops, ticket counters, escalators, digital display boards, first-class lounges, clean toilets, cloakrooms for luggage, and free Wi-Fi. There are also retiring rooms and dormitories for transit passengers. The station is wheelchair accessible and well-maintained despite heavy footfall.
Howrah Junction also has an underground metro station as part of the Kolkata Metro Green Line, which connects to Mahakaran station in Kolkata through India’s first under-river metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly River.
The station is a major transportation hub connecting Howrah and Kolkata with many cities across India by Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway networks. It is linked to the iconic Howrah Bridge, a famous local landmark, making it a key point for travelers and commuters in the region."
Rakesh Rai
"It is the largest and busiest railway complex in India and one of the oldest surviving railway stations in the country. The station serves as a critical hub connecting Kolkata to the rest of India via numerous major cities. It has 23 platforms divided into two terminals: Terminal 1 (platforms 1 to 15) and Terminal 2 (platforms 17 to 23), with multiple ongoing expansions to increase capacity. The station accommodates long-distance trains, suburban EMU trains, goods trains, and offers various passenger facilities such as waiting areas, free Wi-Fi, dormitory accommodations, and air-conditioned lounges for first-class passengers. Howrah railway station is a vital transportation and cultural landmark in India, serving as a gateway to Kolkata and a key node in the Indian railway network."
Jibon Borah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The metro is recommended for a fast and economical journey to the airport. It offers a less crowded experience compared to other options.
Howrah Station is well-connected by various public transport options, including buses and the metro. The metro is often the most efficient way to avoid traffic congestion.
Yes, Howrah Junction is a major hub with direct trains to almost every corner of India, including New Delhi and Mumbai.,
Key routes include the Howrah–Delhi Main Line, Howrah–Chennai Main Line, and Howrah–Guwahati Line, serving millions of passengers daily.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are generally available outside the station, but expect queues during peak hours. [^Review]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket counters are available within the station. For convenience, you can also book tickets online through IRCTC. [^Review]
Ticket counters typically operate 24/7, but it's advisable to check specific timings for advance booking windows. [^Review]
Yes, Howrah Station offers retiring rooms and dormitories for travelers needing accommodation. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand. [^Review]
There is no entry fee to enter the general areas of Howrah Railway Station. You only need a valid train ticket to access platforms and waiting areas. [^Review]
Digital boards are available throughout the station displaying real-time updates on train status and platform numbers. [^Review]
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Facilities include waiting halls, food stalls, book shops, ticket counters, escalators, digital boards, retiring rooms, and cloakrooms. [^Review]
While efforts are made for cleanliness, the station can be crowded, and litter can be an issue. Regular maintenance is ongoing. [^Review]
Follow the signage within the station and check the digital display boards for platform numbers. Station staff can also assist. [^Review]
Yes, there are numerous food stalls and eateries offering a variety of local and popular snacks and meals. [^Review]
Porters are available and now use trolleys to help carry luggage, making it more convenient. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are food stalls, the variety might be limited for picky eaters. Bringing snacks from home can be a good idea. The station has escalators, which can be helpful for strollers, but be mindful of crowds when using them. [^Review]
💰 Budget Travelers
While retiring rooms and dormitories are available, they can get booked quickly. If you're on a tight budget, consider exploring budget-friendly accommodation options in the surrounding areas of Howrah or Kolkata. [^Review]
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The bustling platforms, with their constant movement and diverse characters, provide endless opportunities for capturing the spirit of Indian railways. Don't miss the chance to frame your shots with the iconic Howrah Bridge in the background. Experiment with different perspectives, from wide-angle views of the station's grandeur to close-ups of the daily life unfolding on the platforms.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historical Landmark
As one of the oldest and largest railway complexes in India, it has witnessed decades of transformation while retaining its historical charm. The station's architecture blends functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a point of pride for the region and a must-see for history enthusiasts. [^Review]
Its strategic location on the west bank of the Hooghly River, directly linked to the iconic Howrah Bridge, further cements its status as a landmark. The station's enduring presence tells a story of India's progress and its deep connection with the railway network.
Navigating the Bustle
To manage the crowds effectively, arriving early for your train is crucial. Utilize the digital display boards for real-time updates on train status and platform assignments. For those seeking a less congested route to and from the station, especially to the airport, the metro is a highly recommended option.
Despite the constant activity, the station offers essential facilities like waiting halls, food stalls, and booking counters. While cleanliness can be a challenge due to the sheer volume of people, ongoing maintenance and upgrades aim to improve the passenger experience. [^Review]
Photography Opportunities
The bustling platforms are a photographer's dream, capturing the essence of Indian railways. The constant movement of trains, passengers, and porters creates a lively and authentic narrative. Look for unique angles and moments that showcase the station's energy and scale.
Don't forget to capture the iconic Howrah Bridge in the background, which adds another layer of visual interest to your shots. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day can create dramatic effects, making it a rewarding location for both amateur and professional photographers.
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