Sealdah Railway Station 2025 (SDAH): Complete Traveller’s Guide
Sealdah Railway Station is one of Kolkata’s major rail hubs. It serves as a gateway for suburban commuters and intercity travellers. This guide covers essential details you need, including photos, distances to airports and Howrah, nearby hotels, platform count, station facilities, and practical travel tips.
Sealdah Railway Station – Photos & Visuals
Use these photos in your article to provide readers with immediate visual context. Always credit the source when using third-party images.
About Sealdah Railway Station
Sealdah Station is a busy NSG-category junction serving local suburban lines and long-distance trains. The station area includes several sections and suburban terminals – Main, North, and South. Together, they handle heavy daily traffic. Its central location in the city makes it a popular choice for travellers arriving in Kolkata or moving across eastern India.
Station code and basic details
- Station code: SDAH
- Address: B B Ganguly Street, Sealdah, Kolkata – 700014
- Opened: 19th century (historic station with later expansions)
How many platforms does Sealdah have?
Various official and travel sources report either 20 or 21 platforms. This depends on whether the suburban arms and terminal platforms are counted. For travel planning, think of the station as having 20+ platforms. Always verify the platform number on your ticket or the display boards upon arrival.
Distances: Airport, Howrah, Dum Dum, Shalimar and more
This section provides compact, easy-to-understand distances commonly requested by travellers. Distances are approximate and depend on your chosen route and traffic conditions.
Kolkata Airport (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International – CCU)
Road distance: approx. 14-15 km (30-45 minutes depending on traffic). If you are on a tight schedule, allow extra time during peak hours.
Dum Dum / Domestic Airport area
Road distance: approx. 10-12 km depending on the route. Reachable by taxi or local transport.
Howrah Railway Station (HWH)
Road distance: around 4-6 km depending on the chosen bridge or route; traffic can make the transfer much longer.
Rail route: longer, as passenger services link across the city via network routes.
Shalimar and Santragachi
Shalimar and Santragachi are additional railheads used by some long-distance trains. Distances vary by route. Check live maps or train itineraries if you plan to transfer between these stations and Sealdah.
Tip: road time estimates are affected by Kolkata traffic. For airport transfers, plan for an extra 30-60 minutes during peak commuting hours.
Hotels near Sealdah Railway Station
Sealdah’s central location allows for a wide range of accommodations within easy walking or taxi distance. Below are typical categories and examples you might list on a booking page.
Budget & guesthouses
- Small guesthouses and budget hotels within a 5-10 minute walk; great for overnight stays and quick connections.
Mid-range hotels
- Comfortable city hotels with AC rooms, breakfast, and luggage storage; suitable for families and business travellers.
Premium & business hotels
- Full-service hotels a short taxi ride away that offer meeting rooms and airport transfers.
When recommending hotels on your pages, include walking time to Sealdah, approximate taxi fares, and whether early check-in or luggage storage is available. These details help readers who are booking last-minute stays.
Facilities & accessibility
Sealdah offers standard passenger amenities such as waiting rooms (including AC first-class lounges where applicable), cloak rooms, food stalls, and Wi-Fi services. The station connects to the Kolkata Metro network (Sealdah Metro), allowing for easy transfers between travel modes.
Arriving tip: follow station displays and announcements closely. Large stations like Sealdah can change platform assignments quickly.
Practical travel tips
- Always check platform numbers on official boards or the IRCTC app just before boarding.
- If you’re travelling to or from the airport, allow extra time for traffic and immigration delays if applicable.
- For short stays, choose a hotel within a 10-minute walk for easier transfers with luggage.
- Use local prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safer, metered fares instead of accepting unsolicited offers outside the station.
Helpful links & references
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the station code for Sealdah Railway Station?
Answer: The station code for Sealdah Railway Station is SDAH.
How many platforms are there at Sealdah?
Answer: Sealdah is commonly listed as having 20-21 platforms. To know the exact platform for your trip, check the ticket or station displays before boarding.
