Kolkata to Howrah: 5 km Road Guide NH-117 · 0h 30m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Kolkata to Howrah? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 5km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Kolkata to Howrah
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 0h 30m | ₹48 Fuel & Tolls |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹56 – ₹116 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹150 – ₹250 |
How to Reach Howrah from Kolkata: Car, Train, Bus Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Kolkata to Howrah (5 km, 0h 30m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 5km journey, driving is your best option. The 0h 30m drive gives you flexibility to stop at attractions along the way and explore at your own pace.
What to Eat in Kolkata Before You Hit the Road
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Must-Try Food in Kolkata Before Your Drive
- local_dining Rosogolla - A syrupy cheese-based dessert (try at KC Das)
- local_dining Macher Jhol - Fish curry (try at 6 Ballygunge Place)
- local_dining Biryani - Kolkata-style biryani with potatoes and eggs
6 Ballygunge Place • Ballygunge
Direct Route
This is a direct route with limited major stops between Kolkata and Howrah. Perfect for a focused journey!
Top Attractions in Howrah: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Howrah, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
-
Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 Free • 🕐 24 hoursBest Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for photography
💡 Insider Tip: Take a ferry ride from Howrah Ghat for the best panoramic views of the bridge. This avoids the pedestrian crowds.
-
Howrah Railway Station
⏱ 30 minutes • 💰 Free • 🕐 24 hoursBest Time to Visit: Anytime, but less chaotic late night
💡 Insider Tip: Grab a cup of chai from a platform vendor to experience the authentic station atmosphere. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.
-
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 rupees 10 (Indians), rupees 100 (foreigners) • 🕐 10am-5pmBest Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
💡 Insider Tip: Locate the Great Banyan Tree first; it is the main highlight. Wear comfortable shoes for walking long distances.
-
Belur Math
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 6am-11:30am, 4pm-7pm (summers); 6:30am-11:30am, 3:30pm-6pm (winters)Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
💡 Insider Tip: Visit during the evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) for a deeply spiritual experience. Check timings beforehand.
-
Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge)
⏱ 30 minutes • 💰 Free (view from bridge) • 🕐 24 hoursBest Time to Visit: Evening for city lights
💡 Insider Tip: Take a taxi or ride-sharing service across the bridge at night. The illuminated cables and city lights are quite striking.
Where to Eat in Howrah: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Howrah
Don't leave Howrah without tasting these local specialties:
- Mishti Doi - Sweetened thick yogurt, often served in earthen pots, available at local sweet shops, rupees 30-60
- Kathi Roll - Skewered meat or paneer wrapped in a paratha, popular at street stalls near Howrah Station, rupees 50-150
- Luchi and Alur Dom - Deep-fried flatbread with spicy potato curry, found at local eateries, rupees 80-150
- Fish Curry (Macher Jhol) - Bengali style fish curry with rice, available at traditional Bengali restaurants, rupees 200-400
- Puchka (Golgappa) - Crispy hollow balls filled with spiced potatoes and tangy water, street vendors everywhere, rupees 20-50 for a plate
- Rosogolla - Spongy sweet dumplings made of chhena, available at any sweet shop, rupees 15-30 per piece
Recommended Restaurants in Howrah
Bhojohori Manna (Kolkata)
Bengali •
Sonar Bangla Restaurant
Indian, Bengali •
The Bridge - The Park (Kolkata)
Multi-cuisine •
Arsalan (Kolkata)
Mughlai, Biryani •
Where to Stay in Howrah: Hotels for Every Budget
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Hotel Akash Ganga
Price:
rupees 800-1500. Basic rooms, close to Howrah Station. Limited amenities, good for short stays.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Hotel East Palace
Price:
rupees 2000-3500. Comfortable rooms, air conditioning, restaurant. Located near Kona Expressway.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata
Price:
rupees 7000+. Located in Kolkata, a short drive from Howrah. Offers premium services, multiple dining options, spa. No true luxury options exist directly in Howrah.
Best Time to Visit Howrah: Season & Weather Travel Guide
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Howrah:
Best Time
Temperature: 18-28 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant, dry, sunny days with cool evenings.
Why Visit: Ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Many festivals occur during this period.
Shoulder Season
Temperature: 28-38 degrees C
Weather: Hot and humid, pre-monsoon showers in April. September is post-monsoon, still humid.
Why Visit: Good for budget travelers. Less crowded attractions.
Avoid Season
Temperature: 30-40 degrees C
Weather: Hot, humid, and heavy monsoon rains. Frequent thunderstorms.
Why Visit: N/A
Howrah Travel Tips: Money, Safety & Local Advice
💰 Money & Budget
🏥 Health & Safety
📱 Communication
👕 What to Wear
Light, breathable cotton clothing is best for most of the year due to heat and humidity. For temples and religious sites, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. There is no strict dress code for general city exploration, but conservative attire is always respected.
Kolkata to Howrah FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
More Road Trips from Kolkata: Popular Nearby Routes
Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Kolkata:
🏖️ Planning a Weekend Getaway?
Discover the best weekend trips from Kolkata and Howrah - perfect 2-3 day escapes within 200km!
Explore More of India
Discover comprehensive travel guides, hidden gems, and local insights for cities across India. Plan your perfect journey with our detailed destination guides.