Complete Guide to Howrah Station: Platforms, Trains and Facilities

By: Nish Kumar | onJune 19, 2026

Howrah station, also known as Howrah Junction railway station, is one of the biggest and most important railway stations in India. This station is located in the twin city region of Howrah and Kolkata. Therefore, many people also know it as the Kolkata Howrah railway station.

Howrah Junction serves millions of passengers each year and reaches different corners of the country. So, it is necessary to know about this railway station in detail, which covers its platforms, trains, and services available for passengers.

Overview of Howrah Junction Railway Station

Howrah railway station is one of the busiest junctions located at the western bank of the Hooghly River in Howrah, West Bengal. It is modernized by storing the British era historical architecture. The station is divided into different terminal sections to manage heavy traffic efficiently.

Recent development has integrated the Kolkata metro with an improved passenger handling system and digital ticketing. Howrah railway offers better transportation facilities to passengers to reach out to different corners of the country.

How to Reach Howrah Junction?

Howrah railway station is well connected with Kolkata and different regions. Passengers can reach the station either from North Kolkata, South Kolkata, nearby towns, or airports. Multiple ways are available to reach the station.

From South Kolkata to Howrah Railway Station

Passengers coming from South Kolkata (Garia, Tollygunge, Ballygunge, Jadavpur) can use the Kolkata metro or road to reach the station.

Metro and train combo
Bus Routes
Cab Routes

From North Kolkata to the Station

Train travelers coming from Dum Dum, Salt Lake, Belgachia, and Shyambazar can also use any one of the listed options to reach the Kolkata Howrah Station.

Combo of Metro and Road Option
Taxi or Cab Service
Suburban Train Options

From Dum Dum Airport

Choose any of the listed options to reach the railway station from the airport. However, check the train running status to plan accordingly.

Tax or Cab as the fastest option
Airport Bus Service for affordable and comfortable
Metro but require to switch route.

Platforms at Howrah Junction

To handle the high passenger traffic, this railway station has spread the numbers platform across different terminal buildings. Kolkata Howrah railway station has 23 platforms spread across different terminals that are as follows.

Old Complex (Terminal I)

It has platforms 1 to 15.
Majorly operates trains under the Eastern Railway zone.
It also handles the long-distance trains with suburban services.
Equipped with passenger facilities such as waiting halls and other services.

New Complete (Terminal II)

It has platform numbers 16 to 23.
Especially designed to reduce congestion at the railway station.
Primarily serves the train under the South Eastern Railway zone.
Designed to handle special premium and express trains.
Offers better passenger movement with necessary facilities for travel comfort.

Trains From Howrah Railway Station

Multiple trains source, terminate, and pass through this railway station. Some popular trains are following.

Duronto Express
Howrah Rajdhani Express
Shatabdi Express
Humsafar Express
Vande Bharat Express
Coromandel Express
Poorva Express

Top Routes from Railway Station Howrah

Howrah is connected to different cities through a railway route. Some of the popular railway routes originating from Howrah Junction for the following cities.

New Delhi
Bengaluru
Chennai
Patna
Hyderabad
Guwahati
Mumbai
Bhubaneshwar

Facilities Available at Kolkata Howrah Station

Passengers can find different services and facilities for convenience and comfort. So, let’s explore the railway station Howrah facilities improving passenger comfort.

Waiting Room

Passengers can check the train running status and use the waiting room if the train is delayed. It provides space to sit and relax while waiting for the train.

Retiring Room at Howrah Junction

A retiring room facility is available for passengers looking to visit the city and nearby attractions. It provides accommodation facilities for a certain period at an affordable price.

Also Read:Indian Railway Retiring Room Complete Guide (2026): Facilities, Eligibility and Rules

Food and Refreshment

Travelling can be exhausting if the meal requirement is not fulfilled. Therefore, Howrah station offers food and refreshment facilities in their premises to enjoy the travel with preferred meals.

Drinking Water and Hygiene

The railway station Howrah also offers fresh drinking water to passengers. Regular cleaning ensures hygiene is properly maintained in the station premises.

Online Food Delivery at Howrah Railway Station

Passengers passing through this station can order food in train via RailMitra to enjoy preferred or local cuisine from more than 2500 FSSAI-certified restaurants.

Cloak Room

Train travelers can use the cloakroom service to store their luggage and explore the nearby attractions. This railway service allows passengers to explore Kolkata before departure.

Also Read:Cloak Room Rules: Complete Guide to Luggage Storage at Station

Ticket Counter

Passengers can book train tickets offline by reaching the ticket counter. It helps to book tickets and make cancellations when required. However, don’t forget to check PNR status after ticket booking.

Railway Help Desk

This facility is crucial for train travelers at Howrah Junction. It helps to get assistance for a comfortable journey at the station.

Digital Display Boards

Digital display boards are available at multiple palaces at the railway station offering passengers to stay updated with the latest information. It helps to find the train number and arrival or departure time with the platform number.

Ramps for Wheelchair Accessibility

Railway premises offer better assistance to every individual. Therefore, they offer ramps to make railway premises wheelchair accessible.

Escalators and Elevators

Passengers can use escalators and elevators in railway premises to change platforms or use the overbridge to reach the boarding platform.

Parking Facility at Howrah Station

A parking facility is also available at the Howrah Junction railway station, offering comfort and convenience to passengers.

Metro Connectivity

Railway passengers can also use the metro services that are connected with the modern infrastructure. It helps a large number of travelers to reach and go from the station.

Road Transportation Services

Passengers can also use the local transport to reach out to different regions. It includes bus services, private taxi or cab services.

Nearby Attractions of Kolkata Howrah Railway Station

Train travelers can also explore the nearby places when passing through Howrah station. Passengers can check train schedules and explore these attractions accordingly. Some of the nearby attractions are as follows.

Howrah Bridge: Popular and iconic cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River. Busiest bridge with a stunning view.
Mullik Ghat Flower Market: One of Asia’s largest flower markets located below the Howrah Bridge.
Indian Museum: History and cultural lovers can visit to witness the rich colonial-era collection.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: A beautiful architectural landmark of Kolkata with beautiful stained glass interiors and peaceful surroundings.
Eden Garden: A historic cricket ground and considered the most famous in the world. A must-visit place for sports lovers.
Victoria Memorial Area: Large green space offering evening walks and horse riding in an open field. Victoria Memorial Hall is nearby and considered a major tourist attraction.
Hooghly Ghats (Riverfront): Several Ghats are near Hooghly station, offering ferry rides with peaceful river views and evening sunsets.

Travel Tips for Passengers Visiting Howrah Station

Passengers can follow these tips to improve their travel experience via this railway station.

Arrive Early: Reach out to the boarding station early to avoid the last-minute rush or missing the train.
Find the Right Platform: Check the platform number carefully to avoid inconvenience because this railway station has a large number of platforms.
List Announcement Carefully: Never miss the announcement at the railway station, because it provides real-time updates regarding the arriving trains.
Carry Valid ID Proof: Always carry a valid identity proof to confirm your identity and avoid a TTE fine.
Try to Carry Digital Ticket: Carrying digital tickets can save your time and be easily accessible anytime when required.
Keep Eyes on Luggage: Howrah railway station is always crowded, and not caring for your luggage may cause misplacement and make it harder to find.
Use the cloakroom: Passengers can use the cloakroom services to explore nearby areas without carrying heavy luggage.
Explore the Food Court: Must visit the food and refreshment area to enjoy delicious meals. However, passengers passing through this station can order food on the train via the trusted train food app RailMitra.