Taking the train Kolkata to Mumbai is quite literally a journey from one side of India to the other. But what is it really like travelling across India by train? How long does it take?
Here is everything about the journey including tickets, classes of train travel, tips to survive (and thrive!) and each of the options for taking the train from Kolkata to Mumbai.
- Kolkata To Mumbai
- Train Options Kolkata to Mumbai
- Which Train to Choose?
- Why Did We Take the Train?
- What is Train Travel Like in India?
- Our (Honest) Review of the Journey
- Classes of Train Travel in India
Classes of Train Kolkata to Mumbai - Departing Kolkata
- Arriving in Mumbai
- Tickets
- Things To Know
- Where To Stay in Kolkata and Mumbai
From Kolkata to Mumbai
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, serves as the capital of West Bengal and stands as India’s third-largest metropolis. Originally established by the British as a vital Far East trading post, its strategic position on the Hooghly River eventually saw it become the prestigious capital of the British Raj. Today, the city is a living museum of Victorian-style architecture, possessing a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere that sets it apart from any other Indian urban center.
Across the subcontinent to the west lies Mumbai, India’s most populous city. As a powerhouse of finance and commerce, it is perhaps most famous globally as the home of Bollywood, the world’s most prolific film industry.
The contrast between these two giants is striking:
- Kolkata remains one of the final places on Earth where traditional hand-pulled rickshaws navigate the streets, preserving a sense of old-world heritage.
- Mumbai is a futuristic hub of aspiration, housing some of the wealthiest individuals in Asia and a skyline that never stops growing.
Despite being on opposite ends of the country—and possessing entirely different cultures and styles—both cities stand as the proud anchors of India’s most culturally rich travel destinations.
The challenge ergo, is how best to move between the two cities of Kolkata and Mumbai to see both.
How To Travel Between Kolkata and Mumbai
As two of India’s most significant urban hubs, Kolkata and Mumbai are exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the country.
You have three main ways to bridge the distance:
- By Air (Fastest Option): A direct domestic flight is the most efficient choice, whisking you across the subcontinent in just under three hours.
- By Road (Longest Haul): Covering the 1,883.9km distance by road is a massive undertaking. The same journey would take more than 40 hours to cover the distance between the two cities.
- By Rail (Our Choice): The third option — and our choice — is the train Kolkata to Mumbai.
Train Options From Kolkata to Mumbai
If you are planning to cross the subcontinent by rail, there are six primary train services that connect Kolkata directly to Mumbai. While each offers a unique window into the changing landscape of India, it is important to note that their schedules vary, and not every service runs daily.
Here are the key options for your journey by train Kolkata to Mumbai:
- #12860 Gitanjali Express: Departs Kolkata (HWH) at 13:50 and arrives at Mumbai (CSMT) the following evening at 21:20.
- #18030 SHM LTT Express: Departs Kolkata (SHM) at 15:00 and arrives at Mumbai (LTT) two days later at 04:20.
- #12810 HWH CSMT Mail: Departs Kolkata (HWH) at 19:35 and arrives at Mumbai (CSMT) two days later at 04:25.
- #12101 Jananeswari Express: Departs Kolkata (SHM) at 20:20 and arrives at Mumbai (LTT) two days later at 04:10.
- #12321 Mumbai Mail: Departs Kolkata (HWH) at 23:35 and arrives at Mumbai (CSMT) two days later at 13:15.
- #01108 SRC LTT Special: Departs Kolkata (SRC) at 15:50 and arrives at Mumbai (LTT) the following night at 23:45.
Are The Options of Train Very different?
The main differences between the trains operating the route Kolkata to Mumbai are the schedules, the departure and arrival stations in each city and the classes of ticket available for travel.
Not all the trains Kolkata to Mumbai operate daily:
- GITANJALI EXP: Daily
- SHM LTT EXPRESS: Daily
- HWH CSMT MAIL: Daily
- JANANESQARI EXP: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs
- MUMBAI MAIL: Daily
- SRC LTT SPL: Thurs
Read more about the Departure and Arrival Stations and Classes of Travel below.
How Long is the Train Kolkata to Mumbai?
Each of the journeys by train Kolkata to Mumbai takes between 31 – 38 hours:
- GITANJALI EXP: 31hr 30min
- SHM LTT EXPRESS: 37hr 20min
- HWH CSMT MAIL: 32hr 50min
- JANANESQARI EXP: 31hr 50min
- MUMBAI MAIL: 37hr 40min
- SRC LTT SPL: 31hr 55min
Yup! That’s a seriously long time on a train.
Is It The Longest Train Journey in India?
Believe it or not, this is not the longest train journey in India.
In fact, it’s not even close.
The longest train journey on the subcontinent connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, traversing approximately 4,200 km.
It only operates weekly and takes around 80 hours to complete its route, making over 50 stops along the way. Imagine that! 😲
Why Did We Take The Train?
So why did we take the train all that way instead of flying?
Well, that’s a very good question! It was our third year of fulltime travel and before setting off from New Zealand we had booked a month first in Bangladesh.
Our travel route saw us entering India in Kolkata and we wanted to get all the way to the other side of the country, to Jaisalmer, where we had left India the last time while the world was shutting down for the pandemic.
Plus we don’t have such train journeys in New Zealand. So, wherever we are in the world we find train-riding a novelty!
We could see on the map that it would be one of the longest train journeys in India and thought it sounded like a pretty darn cool – and seriously unique – journey to add to our story!
And that, is how we decided to take the long-but-epic journey by train Kolkata to Mumbai. 🙂
Read Our Travel Guide To Bangladesh.
Which Train to Choose?
We took the MUMBAI MAIL Express train from Kolkata to Mumbai.
Our reason for choosing this train was largely due to the departure time and arrival time during the day.
The other trains that arrive in the wee hours of the morning make it trickier to check in to accommodation and mean paying for an extra night.
- Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com.
What is Train Travel Like in India?
We love train travel in India. It is absolutely the best way to get a glimpse into local life in India and it truly is nothing like the images of riding on the rooves of trains that you might be imagining.
There are loads of different types of train and classes of train travel in India that do make a difference. But give or take a few chai’s and chapati, or the wandering cows just outside the railway station, and you could (almost) be anywhere in the world!
Our (Honest) Review of the Train Kolkata to Mumbai
Truly? We had a good experience of taking the train Kolkata to Mumbai. Despite it being an (obviously) lengthy journey, we enjoyed the challenge of a train literally right across the Indian subcontinent.
We had booked AC First Class (1A) tickets and travelled as a family of four which meant we had four private bunks in our cabin. It was spacious and comfortable as far as train journeys go in India. But we did fast learn it was also (again, obviously) very isolated being in our own cabin in the First Class carriage.
We went for a walk and the kids met another family in the neighbouring Second Class (2A) carriage and they ended up coming in to hang out with us and play with the kids for a bit. But apart from that we relaxed and made the most of otherwise-uninterrupted and forced rest time after a very busy previous month in Bangladesh.
Classes of Train Travel in India
There are eight different classes of train travel in India that vary by comfort level, amenities and price.
These are the classes of train travel in India listed in descending order according of price per fare.
- First Class (1A)
- Second AC: 2-Tier AC (2A)
- Third AC: 3-Tier AC (3A)
- AC Executive Chair Class (EC)
- Seated AC: AC Chair Car (CC)
- Sleeper Class (SL)
- General: Second Class Seats (2S, II)
- Unreserved General Class (UR)
However, the decision of which train travel class to take for the route by train Kolkata to Mumbai is less complicated as not all these classes are available.
- Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com.
Classes on the Train Kolkata to Mumbai
To make it simpler, not all the trains Kolkata to Mumbai have all the classes of travel available on Indian Railway.
- GITANJALI EXP: 2A, 3A, SL
- SHM LTT EXPRESS: 2A, 3A, SL
- HWH CSMT MAIL: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL
- JANANESQARI EXP: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL
- MUMBAI MAIL: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL
- SRC LTT SPL: 1A, 2A, 3A
We travelled on the Mumbai Mail train Kolkata to Mumbai in AC First Class (1A).
For shorter-mid train distances during daytime train travel in India we usually try to book Chair Class (CC). However, this is not practical for such a long journey like the train from Kolkata to Mumbai!
Navigating Stations: Kolkata and Mumbai
When booking your cross-country journey, paying close attention to the station names and codes is vital.
While there are five major hubs serving the Kolkata and Howrah region, only three serve as departure points for the direct route by train Kolkata to Mumbai:
- Howrah Junction (HWH): As Kolkata’s primary rail gateway and the second oldest station in India (opened in 1854), Howrah is a massive complex. Note: The station is split into two terminals. Platforms 1–16 are located in the historic Terminal 1, while platforms 17–23 are found in the newer Terminal 2.
- Shalimar (SHM): A quieter alternative to Howrah, often used for long-distance express trains.
- Santragachi Junction (SRC): Another key departure point for special and superfast services heading west.
On the Mumbai side, the city is served by five major hubs. But – your train from Kolkata to Mumbai will conclude its journey at one of these two locations:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT): Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the city’s most iconic central hub.
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT): Located in the Kurla suburb, this station handles a high volume of long-distance trains arriving from the east.
Crucial Tip: Always double-check the station code on your ticket (e.g., HWH to CSMT) before heading out. Unlike the straightforward route from Bikaner to Amritsar, which uses the main city stations, the train Kolkata-Mumbai route involves multiple potential start and end points that are quite far apart!
- Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com.
Departing from Kolkata
If your journey begins at Howrah Junction (HWH), getting to the station is straightforward; you can easily hail a taxi or a rickshaw from anywhere in the city. However, keep in mind that as one of India’s oldest and largest rail hubs, it is notoriously busy. Give yourself plenty of buffer time to navigate the crowds.
- Tip: Check your e-ticket before you leave. Howrah is massive, and knowing whether your train departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 will save you a long, frantic walk across the complex.
If you arrive early, you don’t have to wait on the crowded platforms. Indian Railways provides several comfortable spots to relax:
- AC Waiting Room: This is available to any passenger traveling in 3A, 2A, 1A, CC, or EC classes.
- AC Executive Lounge: For a bit more comfort, you can head to the Executive Lounge. It is a great place to escape the humidity and noise of the main station. Quick Tip: Access to the AC Executive Lounge costs just 50 INR (approx. $0.60 USD) per hour—a small price to pay for a quiet seat and air conditioning! 🙂
Arriving in Mumbai
Your cross-country train Kolkata to Mumbai will conclude at one of Mumbai’s major arrival hubs.
Depending on your train, you will likely disembark at either the historic center or the suburban outskirts:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT): Formerly Victoria Terminus, this isn’t just a station—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, it features 18 platforms and places you right in the heart of South Mumbai, just 5km from the popular Colaba district. It’s the perfect landing spot if you want to start sightseeing immediately. (If you have the energy!).
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT): Situated in the Kurla suburb, this is a massive terminus that handles many of the long-distance arrivals from the east. It is located approximately 30km from Colaba, so if your accommodation is in the south, you’ll need to factor in a longer taxi or rideshare trip through Mumbai’s famous traffic.
Buying Tickets for Indian Railways
Booking train tickets in India can be a bit of a process, but you have several reliable ways to handle it independently.
Here are your best options for 2026:
- In-Person Booking: You can visit any major railway station, such as the International Tourist Bureau in Delhi, to book tickets over the counter. This is a great backup, but popular routes often sell out weeks in advance.
- Official IRCTC Website: You can book directly through the Indian Railways portal at www.irctc.co.in. While this is the official method, it can be notoriously tricky for international travelers as the registration process typically requires an Indian mobile number to receive a verification OTP.
- Third-Party Platforms (Easiest): For most overseas travellers, using a service like 12GoAsia is the most stress-free option. These platforms bypass the technical hurdles of the IRCTC site, allowing you to pay with international credit cards and manage your booking through a much more user-friendly interface.
The easiest option and what we recommend is to go with 12GOAsia.
Pro Tip: Train tickets in India usually open for booking 120 days in advance. For high-demand routes like the train Kolkata to Mumbai, it’s best to book as soon as that window opens to secure your preferred class.
- Read Complete Guide To Train Travel In India and how to buy tickets for India Railways.
Things To Know Before Riding (Any) Trains in India
Before you even step foot into the station in Kolkata, you need to be clear on the “alphabet soup” of your e-ticket. Being prepared will help you navigate the chaos of the platform with total confidence.
Locate these five key details on your booking:
- Train Name & Number: e.g., MUMBAI MAIL #12321
- Railway Station & Code: e.g., Howrah Junction (HWH)
- Platform Number: e.g., PL 8
- Coach/Carriage Code: e.g., HA1 (First Class/AC 2-Tier combo) or A2 (AC 2-Tier)
- Seat or Berth Number: e.g., 11 or 12
Once you arrive at the station, your first stop should be the large electronic departure boards. These screens provide real-time updates on scheduled times, any potential delays, and the confirmed platform number for your train.
Pro Tip: Look for “Coach Position” indicators on the platform. These small digital signs hanging from the ceiling will tell you exactly where your specific carriage (like A2 or B1) will stop, saving you from a frantic sprint with your luggage when the train pulls in!
Boarding Your Train: From Kolkata to Mumbai
Once you arrive at the station, your first task is to confirm your platform. You can do this by matching your train name or number—found on your e-ticket—with the information on the large electronic departure boards located in the main concourse.
- AC First-Class: If you are travelling in AC First Class (1A) on the Mumbai Mail, don’t panic if your ticket doesn’t show a seat number yet! The final seating plan for First Class is typically only finalized 1–2 hours before departure. You can find your specific cabin assignment on the printed paper charts posted on the platform or near the carriage door.
- Precision Boarding: Look for the small digital displays hanging along the length of the platform. These signs cycle between the arriving train number and the specific coach position (e.g., A2, B1, or S3).
Pro Tip: Indian trains can be incredibly long—sometimes over 20 carriages! Check your carriage code (e.g., HA1) against the platform indicators and wait in that exact spot. This ensures you can step right onto your coach rather than hauling your luggage through several crowded carriages once the train is in motion.
Are Meals Included on the Mumbai Mail?
A common question for this long-haul journey is whether you’ll be fed along the way. On the Mumbai Mail, meals are not included in your ticket price—this applies even if you are traveling in the premium First Class (1A) cabins.
However, you certainly won’t go hungry! Here is how the onboard catering works:
- Ordering Your Meals: Throughout the day (and the evening prior), Indian Railway catering staff will walk through the carriages to take orders for upcoming meals. They typically offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- The Menu: The standard offering is a Vegetarian Thali. It’s a tasty boxed meal that usually includes rice, roti, dal (lentils), a vegetable curry, a paneer dish, and a small sweet for dessert. We rate it as far as train meals go.
- Snacks and Drinks: Between major mealtimes, ‘Pantry Car’ vendors frequently pass through the aisles selling hot chai, bottled water, sodas, and various savoury snacks like samosas or biscuits.
Price Guide
Expect to pay between 100 and 250 INR (approx. $1.20 – $3.00 USD) for a full meal on board. It’s a very affordable way to stay fueled while you watch the landscapes of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra roll by! 🙂
Does the Train Stop at Stations?
The train does stop at certain stations for 2 – 10 minutes.
If you are keen you can ask staff to alert you for a longer station stop. Or you can check the train timetable and schedule on the IXIGO App.
For some of the longer stops you might have time to jump off and buy something from the station. Though obviously don’t go far or risk missing the train!
- Tip: Download the IXIGO App to your phone before you travel.
What Are the Toilets Like on Board?
Without fluffing around, the toilets on the trains in India are basic.
If you are travelling in AC First or Second Class (1A, 2A) – including on the Mumbai Mail – there is the option of a Western toilet or squat toilet in each carriage.
The other classes (3A and SL) don’t always have a Western style toilet. However, there are usually two options of a squat toilet in between the carriages so you can pick and choose the best of the situation in the moment…
Read How To Use A Squat Toilet In Asia. (Go on; you know you want to know!).
Have More Time in India?
Here are some itinerary ideas and inspiration for planning an epic trip in India.
- Ultimate 1 Week Golden Triangle Itinerary: Two Options.
- 10 Day Rajasthan India Itinerary.
- 10 Day Punjab India to Pakistan Itinerary.
- 5 Days in Kerala, South India.
- Ultimate 3 Week India Itinerary.
- 2-Day Detailed Varanasi Itinerary.
- The Perfect One Day in Delhi Itinerary.
Where To Stay in Kolkata and Mumbai
Between the two cities each with over 20 million people, finding a place to stay can be both easy and extremely difficult.
Kolkata is not well regarded for the quality of accommodation available by international standards. While Mumbai is seriously spread out with budget areas and equally budget accommodation unless you are staying at the world-famous Taj Hotel.
However, here are some places we have stayed in and accommodation in Kolkata and Mumbai that we can recommend:
- Kolkata – Budget: Treebo Globe International
Casual budget hotel with on-site restaurant and in an area with shops and eateries in South Kolkata.
- Kolkata: Hotel Golden Palace
Close to New Market with very friendly service and a great in-house room service restaurant.
- Mumbai – Budget: Hotel Kumkum
Clean and relatively quiet, basic hotel near Grant Road Train Station but far from Colaba.
- Mumbai – Boutique-Budget: The Ferreiras
Small, boutique style hotel only 1km from Chowpatty Beach set back on a quiet(er) pedestrian only street.
- Mumbai: Gulf Hotel
Good location in Colaba just a few mins walk to Gateway of India. Basic rooms, oddly lots of mirrors, a very old elevator and very basic breakfast included.
Read More From Travel in India & South Asia
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Things To Do In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- Getting A Local Bus In India.
- Choosing The Best Camel Safari In Jaisalmer.
- Our Complete Packing List For Travel In India.
- How To Apply For A Pakistan e-Visa: Can You Use It At The Wagah Border?
- Crossing The Wagah Border India To Pakistan.
- Using ATM’s: Withdrawing & Carrying Your Money Safely In India.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime and can recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!