The Vande Bharat Express between Howrah (HWH) and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is one of Indian Railways’ most premium daytime trains in eastern India. Launched to connect Kolkata with North Bengal quickly, it’s ideal for business travelers, tourists headed to Darjeeling–Siliguri region, and frequent flyers who want a fast, comfortable rail alternative.
Route Overview
- Distance Covered: ~561–566 km between Howrah and New Jalpaiguri.
- Journey Time: ~7 hrs 30–35 mins each way.
- Average Speed: ~75 km/h to 80 km/h (premium express).
- Why It’s Popular: Fastest day train in the region with few stops — saves hours compared with regular express trains.
Howrah ↔ New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
This service runs six days a week, typically except on Wednesdays (reconfirm on IRCTC).
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howrah → New Jalpaiguri | 22301 | Howrah Jn (HWH) – 05:55 AM | New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – ~1:25 PM |
| New Jalpaiguri → Howrah | 22302 | New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – ~3:05 PM | Howrah Jn (HWH) – ~10:35 PM |
Timings may vary slightly with seasonal timetable changes. Always double-check on IRCTC before travelling.
Detailed Time Table (Howrah–NJP)
Use this table for practical planning and station pickup details.
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Howrah Junction (HWH) | — | 05:55 AM |
| 2 | Bolpur Shantiniketan (BHP) | 07:25–07:43 AM | 07:27–07:45 AM |
| 3 | Malda Town (MLDT) | 10:22–10:32 AM | 10:25–10:35 AM |
| 4 | Barsoi Junction (BOE) | 11:28–11:38 AM | 11:30–11:40 AM |
| 5 | New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | ~01:25–01:30 PM | — |
📌 Departure: Howrah Jn
📌 Arrival: New Jalpaiguri
📌 Approx. Journey Duration: ~7 hrs 30 min
Vande Bharat Howrah to NJP Ticket Prices
Vande Bharat is a premium service with dynamic pricing. These are estimated typical one-way fares:
| Class | Quota Type | Approx Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹ 1585 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹ 1800–2200 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹ 2845 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹ 3200–3800 |
Important Notes
- Fares vary dynamically depending on demand.
- Tatkal opens at fixed times on booking day; plan ahead.
- Catering charges may be included or optional depending on booking choice.
What’s Included in Your Ticket
✔ Comfortable reclining AC Chair Car / Executive Chair Car seats
✔ Complimentary or optional meals depending on booking choice
✔ Clean toilets & onboard staff support
✔ Faster priority running with limited stops
Stations & Major Stops Explained
- Howrah Jn (HWH): Major hub for Kolkata metro region.
- Bolpur Shantiniketan: Gateway for Santiniketan and cultural tourism.
- Malda Town: Important commercial city in North Bengal.
- Barsoi Jn: Key junction before entering Northeast Frontier zone.
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP): Primary railhead for Siliguri, Darjeeling, and NE India.
How to Book Tickets
Online via IRCTC
- Open the IRCTC website/app.
- Enter From: Howrah (HWH), To: New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
- Select your travel date.
- Choose 22301/22302 Vande Bharat Express.
- Pick class & quota (General/Tatkal).
- Enter passenger details & pay.
- Save your e-ticket (SMS/Email/Wallet).
Tatkal Booking
- Open at specified time (usually the day before travel).
- Book AC Chair Car / Executive Chair Car under Tatkal.
- Faster seats book early—set reminders.
Assisted Booking Support
Use local travel agents or IRCTC customer care if needed.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Best Days to Book: Weekends & festival seasons fill fastest.
- Early Birds: Book as soon as Tatkal opens for better chances.
- Peak Hours: Morning departure is popular for business travellers.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
- Fastest day connection between Kolkata and North Bengal.
- Few stops + priority on tracks = Consistently shorter travel time.
- More comfortable than overnight trains for same-day travel.
- Ideal if you want to save a night’s stay or flight time.
Travel Tips
- Reach station 15–20 min early.
- Carry valid ID for verification.
- Bring light snacks/water even if catering is booked.
- Check platform & live status on app before departure.
FAQs
The Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22301) departs Howrah Junction at about 05:55 and reaches New Jalpaiguri (NJP) at ~13:25, covering ~561 km in approx 7 hrs 30 min with limited stops.
The Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday — with Wednesday as the weekly non-running day under the Indian Railways schedule.
This train offers fully air-conditioned seating in AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) classes with airline-style seats and modern amenities as per Indian Railways Vande Bharat configuration.
One-way fares on the Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express are about ₹1,585 for AC Chair Car (CC) and ₹2,845 for Executive Chair Car (EC) inclusive of catering charges as per Indian Railways fare structure.
The Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express covers the ~561 km route in about 7 hrs 30 min, making it one of the fastest rail options between Howrah Junction and New Jalpaiguri.
Yes, the Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express provides onboard catering included in the ticket fare with meal options and water, following Indian Railways service guidelines.
Indian Railways offers standard booking quotas on the Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express, including General, Tatkal, Ladies and other applicable quotas through IRCTC as per official rules.
Key scheduled halts for the Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express include Bolpur Shantiniketan, Malda Town and Barsoi Junction before arriving at New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
The Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express operates as Train No. 22301 from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri and Train No. 22302 on the return leg under Indian Railways.
Yes, Indian Railways equips the Howrah to NJP Vande Bharat Express with onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment, electric outlets, reading lights and safety features like the Kavach system for passenger comfort. (Standard Vande Bharat features)
Final Verdict
For most travellers between Kolkata/Howrah and North Bengal, the Vande Bharat Express is the best option for a fast, comfortable, and reliable daytime journey. Always book early and check live IRCTC details as timings or fares can change.
I’m Rohit Kumar Sonkar, a senior travel writer and Indian Railways expert with 6+ years of hands-on experience in train route analysis, ticket fares, schedules, and IRCTC booking systems. I specialize in premium and scenic rail services such as the Vande Bharat Express, Vistadome Coach, and Tejas Express, and I focus on creating accurate, traveler-friendly content that helps people plan smooth and hassle-free train journeys across India.