Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat - Image 1
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Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat

4.4
·1k reviews·Howrah, India

A vital, budget-friendly ferry connecting Howrah and Kolkata across the Hooghly River, also featuring a popular bathing ghat.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning (5:30 AM - 9:30 AM)

Less crowded, timely departures.

CrowdLow
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Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat - Image 1

Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat

Best Time

Early Morning (5:30 AM - 9:30 AM)

Less crowded, timely departures.

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vital, budget-friendly ferry connecting Howrah and Kolkata across the Hooghly River, also featuring a popular bathing ghat.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A quick, affordable, and pollution-free ride across the Hooghly with great views."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏰ Early Bird Gets the Seat

Commute early morning for a less crowded and more pleasant ferry ride.

💰 Budget-Friendly Commute

This ferry is a very cheap way to travel between Howrah and Kolkata.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ganga River Crossing

Ganga River Crossing

Bandhaghat to Ahiritola

A quick, affordable, and pollution-free ride across the Hooghly with great views.

Reddit
Holy Bathing Ghat

Holy Bathing Ghat

Beside the ferry ghat

An old, popular spot for a sacred dip in the Maa Ganga.

Reddit
Local Market Stroll

Local Market Stroll

Roads near the ghat

Explore cotton shops and temples lining the busy streets.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Rush Hour

The Bandhaghat Ferry Service is a vital lifeline, but it gets packed, especially after office hours. Consider an early morning commute for a smoother, less crowded journey across the Hooghly River. Reddit

Ghat Conditions

While the ferry is a quick and affordable option, be aware that the upkeep of the ghat itself can be poor, and roads nearby can be dirty and congested. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early Morning (5:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
Why
Less crowded, timely departures.
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-day
Why
Fewer commuters, more relaxed.
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening (Post Office Hours)
Why
Can be very overcrowded.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⏰ Early Bird Gets the Seat

Commute early morning for a less crowded and more pleasant ferry ride. Reddit

💰 Budget-Friendly Commute

This ferry is a very cheap way to travel between Howrah and Kolkata. Reddit

⚠️ Watch for Detours

Ferries might take unexpected detours to drop supplies. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Be Prepared for Crowds

Evenings can get very busy; consider alternative times if possible. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Early Bird Gets the Seat

Commute early morning for a less crowded and more pleasant ferry ride. Reddit

💰 Budget-Friendly Commute

This ferry is a very cheap way to travel between Howrah and Kolkata. Reddit

⚠️ Watch for Detours

Ferries might take unexpected detours to drop supplies. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Be Prepared for Crowds

Evenings can get very busy; consider alternative times if possible. Reddit

🧼 Ghat Upkeep

The ghat area might not be well-maintained; be mindful of surroundings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat is a crucial and affordable transport link between Howrah and Kolkata, praised for its frequency and low cost. However, visitors often note the poor upkeep of the ghat and surrounding areas, with evenings being particularly crowded. It offers a glimpse into local life with its bathing ghat and nearby markets.

"It is an old popular bathing ghat of howrah salkia... Many people come here , take a holy bath of maa Ganga.. Apart from this, there is a ferry ghat just beside the bathing ghat, which connects howrah-Kolkata ( ahiritola ghat) at a very cheap rate..
You can find many cotton shops and temples beside the road. But the roads are dirty congested ..."

PUJA DAS

"The Bandhaghat Ferry Service is a convenient and budget-friendly commute option connecting Bandhaghat (Howrah side) to Ahiritola (Kolkata side), especially helpful for office-goers and IT professionals traveling to Salt Lake from North Howrah.

Ferries operate with a good frequency—every 15 minutes—from early morning 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with departures at fixed intervals like 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, and so on. This regularity is a big plus during morning rush hours.

However, a couple of things could be improved:

🚧 Route detours – Sometimes, the ferry unexpectedly takes a detour mid-river to drop off supplies or workers at another anchored ferry, which can be frustrating during office hours when every minute counts.

👥 Evening crowd – In the evening, especially post-office hours, the service gets overcrowded. Increasing the frequency during this time would really help ease the pressure.

Overall, it’s a decent service that plays a key role in connecting two neighboring cities via the Ganga—just needs a bit of streamlining during peak hours."

Rahul Das

"Quick ferry service provided by Ghatal Steam Navigation company to reach Ahiritola, Kolkata for accessing Northern & eastern part of Kolkata. Quick and pollution free ride gives pleasure to all."

Alak Bhattacharyya

What People Like

Affordable ferry tickets
Frequent service
Scenic river views

What People Dislike

Poor ghat upkeep
Congested roads
Evening crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat is located in Howrah. You can reach it by local bus or auto-rickshaw from various parts of Howrah city. It's a well-known point, so asking locals for directions should be easy. Reddit

The Bandhaghat Ferry Service directly connects Bandhaghat (Howrah) to Ahiritola Ghat (Kolkata). It's a quick and affordable alternative to road travel. Reddit

Yes, several local buses and auto-rickshaws ply routes that will take you to or near Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat. Reddit

Ferries operate with good frequency, generally every 15 minutes during peak hours, starting from early morning. Reddit

While you can drive close to the ghat, parking might be challenging due to congestion. The ferry is primarily for pedestrian and two-wheeler commuters. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ferry service is known for being very affordable, making it a budget-friendly commute option. Specific prices are usually displayed at the ticket counter. Reddit

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ferry ghat before boarding. Reddit

The bathing ghat is a public space, and typically there are no entry fees for people wishing to take a holy dip. Reddit

Ferries start very early, around 5:30 AM, and run until late evening. The exact closing time might vary. Reddit

No, advance booking is generally not required for the Bandhaghat ferry. You can buy tickets on the spot. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Reviews suggest that the upkeep of the ghat can be poor, and the surrounding roads might be dirty and congested. Reddit

Besides the ferry and bathing ghat, you can find cotton shops and temples along the nearby roads. Reddit

The ferry service is generally considered safe for daily commuters, but it can get overcrowded in the evenings. Reddit

The ferry offers great views of the Hooghly River, providing a pleasant and breezy ride. Reddit

Information on specific facilities at the ghat is limited, but given the reviews about upkeep, expect basic amenities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the immediate ghat area might have limited options, the surrounding roads in Howrah Salkia are likely to have local eateries and street food vendors. Reddit

It's possible that small vendors might be present, especially during busy hours, but it's not guaranteed. Reddit

Salkia is known for its local Bengali cuisine, street food, and various sweet shops. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ferry ride itself offers scenic views of the Hooghly River and the cityscape, making it a good spot for photography. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light and fewer crowds, potentially leading to better photographic opportunities. Reddit

Generally, casual photography is allowed, but it's always wise to be discreet and respectful of people's privacy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the Bandhaghat Ferry Service offers a unique and affordable way to experience the Hooghly River. While the ghat itself might be basic, the short ferry ride can be an exciting adventure for children. Be mindful of the crowds, especially in the evenings, and consider an early morning trip for a more relaxed experience. The proximity to the bathing ghat and local markets also provides opportunities for cultural immersion, though the cleanliness of the surrounding areas might require extra vigilance. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Bandhaghat Ferry Ghat is a dream for budget travelers. The ferry ride is exceptionally cheap, making it one of the most economical ways to travel between Howrah and Kolkata. You can save significantly on transportation costs. While the ghat area might not be the most picturesque, the experience of crossing the river affordably and seeing local life unfold is a valuable part of a budget-conscious trip. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers

If you're looking for a quick and authentic local experience, a trip to Bandhaghat is ideal. You can take the ferry across to Ahiritola for a different perspective of Kolkata, explore the nearby markets, or witness the religious activities at the bathing ghat. The ferry ride itself is a short, scenic interlude. Just be prepared for potential crowds and the less-than-pristine condition of the ghat area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ferry Service: A Lifeline

The Bandhaghat Ferry Service is more than just a commute; it's a vital connection for thousands of people daily, particularly for those traveling between Howrah and Kolkata. Operated by the Ghatal Steam Navigation company, it offers a quick, affordable, and pollution-free ride across the Hooghly River. For many office-goers and IT professionals heading to Salt Lake from North Howrah, this ferry is a preferred mode of transport, significantly cutting down travel time compared to road options. The regular frequency, with departures every 15 minutes during peak morning hours, ensures that commuters can stick to their schedules. Reddit

Navigating the Ghat Experience

While the ferry service itself is praised for its efficiency, the physical condition of the Bandhaghat Ghat and its surroundings receives mixed reviews. Travelers often note that the upkeep of the ghat can be poor, and the roads leading to it are sometimes dirty and congested. This can detract from the overall experience, especially for first-time visitors. Despite these drawbacks, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the ferry often outweigh the less-than-ideal conditions of the ghat area. Reddit

Beyond the Commute: Local Life

Bandhaghat is not just a transit point; it's also a popular spot for a holy bath in the Maa Ganga. The bathing ghat, located adjacent to the ferry ghat, is an old and well-known site for religious rituals. The area around the ghat is bustling with activity, featuring numerous cotton shops and temples lining the roads. This offers a glimpse into the local culture and commerce, making a visit to Bandhaghat a multifaceted experience that goes beyond just catching a ferry. Reddit

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