From Howrah to Sealdah Station

mousourik,

Many, many thanks for your accurate information. I'll take care about the pickpockets in Sealdah (I always do it as I normally travel alone, but I'll take still more attention).

All the best

Jorge

Hi there,

Our train reaches Howrah at 6 PM (but I believe it is usually late by a cpl of hours...) and we need to catch a train from Sealdah at 10 PM the same evening. What is the best way to get to Sealdah? Is it true that the distance between the stations is less than 4 km?

I believe Howrah bridge is the main bottle-neck on the way to Sealdah. Is a ferry service available to cross the river? If so, where should we go to catch a ferry?

Thanks in advance.
- whoami

Ferry Service is available, but it will not be useful to go to Sealdah. Considering that you would not have much transit time if the train is late, take a taxi, even if you have to pay extra. Keep in mind that it may take anytime between 30 min - 1hr to reach Sealdah, depending upon the traffic, although the distance is not much. As you will most probably have luggage, bus is not recommended.

Howrah bridge is not the problem, the traffic jam in the streets of Kolkata after the bridge is the problem. The main jam is between 6 and 9, or even 8. So you should definitely be able to make it well before 10. No need to worry about that.

Be generous with the taxi driver as he is stuck with you in that same traffic for quite some time. As you are getting a prepaid taxi from Howrah station, I hope, you are already paying a little more than the already moderate rates in Kolkata. Forget ferries and other options. You will arrive safely and in time.

P.S. One problem with Sealdah station is that taxis cannot enter the compound without paying something which taxis from another place want to avoid (are perhaps they require a special permit). So be prepared that you may have to vacate the car outside on the roadside, and that that is normal procedure, unless the rules have changed meanwhile.

Kausiks and atala,

Thanks for the info. Good to know that traffic is generally not an issue beyond 9!

- whoami

Hi,

I am planning for a trip to darjeeling. I will be travelling from mumbai to howrah, sealdah, new jalpaiguree and darjeeling.

I am planning to travel by train.. I want to check the route from NJP to Darjeeling by train.

Is it convinient to travel so or are there any other options.

Please suggest and which is the best time to visit Darjeeling.


Thanks in advance//

NJP to Darjeeling can be traveled by the Toy Train. It will take almost 8 hours as the train winds up the hill. You can travel by road - it will take around 3 hours. If you are visiting Darjeeling for the views of the Himalayas, Nov - March would be the best time as the skies are expected to be clear. Better to avoid the rainy season. Also the holiday periods in India better be avoided, as it becomes tooo crowded.

Thanks a lot Kausiks

A bit late after the posts from April but might help for the future. A few weeks ago wanted to go from Sealdah to Howrah and taxi drivers wanted to rip us of quoting 200-300 Rps on the advice of a helpful gentleman we got a bus for 6 Rps only, lt took if remember around 20 Min.So if it runs one way sure it must run from Howrah to Sealdah.

Absolutely, except it may take more than 20 minutes in rush hour traffic (whether you are in a bus or a taxi).

Also, in Calcutta, all taxis run by meter - unless you allow yourself to get ripped off.

Taxis run on the meter - maybe for an Indian but every last one refused in the station to go by meter,maybe if wanted the hassle there is a way to make them use the meter,but being tired and wanting to put our feet up opted for the easier option,saved some money also as even with meter would be more than 12 Rps for us

If you are not too pressed for time, stand in the queue for pre-paid taxis. They will charge you the fixed published rate.

No prepaid taxis from Sealdah only from Howrah

Hi,

Prepaid taxies are there at howrah and Sealdah station. Used them in May 2006
Howrah @ 6 AM was quite straigth forward no issues ( about Rs 80 I think.)
Sealdah @ 9-10AM was irritating as no one was willing to leave at the fixed rate. But held on to our guns and got going.

Was travelling alone with my 5 year old son and dint have a problem.

Hope this is of help.

Regards
Mani

Hi,
I read an advice from you to another user during browsing the website to find out some informations about transportation in West Bengal. Please can I turn to you if I had any questions. Is it possible to catch you by e-mail. E.G. do you know how often go trains between sealdah and canning and back also.
Thank you very much.
Petr P.