Special train between Guwahati-Kolkata
Special between Guwahati-Kolkata (Train No. 02517 / 02518) time table, route, frequency and fare
Train No. 02518 Guwahati-Kolkata (Bi-Weekly) Festival Special will leave Guwahati at 21:00 hrs. on every Wednesday and Saturday between 21.10.2025 & 28.11.2025 (12 trips) to reach Kolkata station at 15:00 hrs. on the next day and
Train no. 02517 Kolkata- Guwahati (Bi-Weekly) Festival Special will leave Kolkata station at 21:40 hrs. on every Thursday and Sunday between 22.10.2025 & 29.11.2025 (12 trips)
Here’s the latest verified info on special trains between Guwahati (GHY) and Kolkata Chitpur (KOAA):
Contents
🚆 Special Fare AC Superfast: Train No. 02518 / 02517
- Train 02518 (Guwahati → Kolkata) runs daily, departing Guwahati at ~21:00 IST, arriving Kolkata Chitpur ~14:30 IST the next day. Journey time is approximately 17 h 30 m, covering ~1,004 km with about 13–15 intermediate stops including New Bongaigaon, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Bandel, Nabadwip, and Katwa
- It offers AC 3‑tier Economy (3E) and AC 3‑tier (3A) class only
- Train 02517 is the return service from Kolkata → Guwahati on the same schedule
💸 Fare Estimate (Guwahati → Kolkata)
- Sleeper: ₹640
- 3A: ₹1,700
- 2A: ₹2,335
(Estimated fares; actual ticket pricing may vary)
📅 Is 02518 Currently Active?
- The train is listed as active daily, though some platforms indicate “Train is cancelled” or outdated data; confirmation through IRCTC or live-tracker is strongly advised before booking
🧭 Regular Daily Options (More reliable than specials)
- 12346/12345 – Saraighat Superfast Express:
→ Guwahati → Howrah runs daily, departs ~12:20 IST, arrives ~05:30 IST—~18 hours covering ~999 km, includes 1A, 2A, 3A, SL, with pantry/e‑catering service - 12518/12517 – Kolkata–Guwahati Garib Rath Express:
→ Guwahati → Kolkata runs weekly (Saturday departure), departs ~21:00 IST, arrives ~14:30 IST (~17 h 30 m); fully AC‑3E with catering; train has resumed service from July 2024 onwards - 15959/15960 – Kamrup Express:
→ Daily service between Dibrugarh and Howrah, passing through Guwahati; journey via Guwahati takes 27–33 hours, 1A through SL classes, onboard catering
📋 Comparison Table
| Service Type | Train No. | Frequency | From → To | Duration | Distance | Classes | Catering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Fare AC Superfast | 02518 / 02517 | Daily | GHY → KOAA | ~17 h 30 m | ~1,004 km | 3E, 3A | Likely none |
| Garib Rath Express | 12518 / 12517 | Weekly | GHY → KOAA | ~17 h 30 m | ~1,003 km | 3E only | Onboard (paid) |
| Saraighat SF Express | 12346 / 12345 | Daily | GHY ↔ HWH | ~18 h | ~999 km | 1A, 2A, 3A, SL | Pantry/e‑catering |
| Kamrup Express | 15960 / 15959 | Daily | GHY ↔ HWH/DBRG | ~27–33 h | ~1,350 km | 1A to SL | Onboard catering |
⚠️ Traveler Tips
- Special trains like 02518/02517 can be delayed due to low priority, limited services, and sometimes dusty old rakes—Reddit users frequently warn against depending on them
- Fare surcharges may apply, but amenities are often inferior to regular trains for a similar price.
- For schedule stability, full reserved seating, and onboard meals, Saraighat Express and Kamrup Express remain the most reliable options.
- The Garib Rath offers cheaper AC travel but runs only once a week.
✅ What’s Best for You?
- If you need AC 3‑tier seating on a regular basis with reliable timing, Saraighat Express (12346/12345) is the best daily option.
- Want cheapest AC‑only fare and are flexible with days? Garib Rath Express (12518/12517) on Saturdays fits.
- Avoid depending on 02518 unless you’ve confirmed from IRCTC that it’s fully running.
Would you like help checking liveliness, seat availability, or booking any of these trains on your travel date?