Howrah Bridge
Kolkata, West Bengal · Kolkata travel guide
Iconic, busy cantilever steel bridge over the Hooghly River.
An iconic cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, the Howrah Bridge is one of the world's busiest. This engineering marvel, officially Rabindra Setu, is a symbol of the city itself, famous for its massive steel structure that connects Kolkata with Howrah without any pylons in the river.
Plan your visit
| Time to spend | About 30 min (15 min–1 h) |
|---|---|
| Best time of day | 5:30–7 AM — Mullick Ghat flower market below the bridge at dawn; 5:30–7 PM — sunset over the Hooghly, bridge lit up |
| Avoid | 12–3 PM — hot, hazy, heavy traffic |
| Best months | Oct–Feb |
| Months to avoid | May–Jun |
| Entry fee | Free entry |
| Setting | Outdoor |
| Effort | Easy — ~700 m walk across on crowded footpaths |
| Good for | Families, Couples, Solo, Groups |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 on Google (1,30,527 reviews) |
Oct–Feb is pleasant; May–June is hot and humid, Jul–Sep brings heavy monsoon rain.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need at Howrah Bridge?
Most visitors spend about 30 min; 15 min–1 h depending on pace.
What is the best time to visit Howrah Bridge?
5:30–7 AM, for Mullick Ghat flower market below the bridge at dawn. The best months are Oct–Feb.
What is the entry fee for Howrah Bridge?
Entry is free.