Kolkata West Bengal, India Travel Guide
This is the main international airport serving Kolkata and West Bengal. It is approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) northeast of the city center, in Dum Dum.
Kolkata enjoys strong connectivity with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other major Indian cities. Direct connectivity to Europe is also growing.
High Season (Oct-Mar): Higher flight prices due to peak tourist demand plus festivals. Book well in advance. Low Season (May-Sep): Prices generally lower. Booking 3-6 months ahead for peak season often yields better fares.
CCU has lounges, different food and beverage options, duty-free shopping, ATMs, currency exchange, SIM card counters, baggage wrapping, medical assistance, and free Wi-Fi for a limited duration.
Pre-paid taxis, app-based ride-sharing (Uber/Ola), yellow metered taxis, airport bus services, and accommodation shuttles are available. Pre-paid taxis or ride-sharing apps offer good convenience.
Pre-paid taxis or ride-sharing apps offer the most convenience.
Always check the latest airline schedules as connectivity evolves.
Thorough preparation for air travel sets a good start to your Kolkata journey.
Kolkata is a major railway hub in Eastern India with excellent connectivity across the country.
An extensive network connects Kolkata to towns and cities across West Bengal and adjacent states, and a few international routes.
Self-driving in Kolkata or for long distances is generally not for foreign visitors due to heavy traffic, aggressive driving, and variable road conditions.
Hiring a chauffeured car for inter-city travel or day trips is a common, safer, and more practical option. Kolkata a major gateway to Bangladesh.
Kolkata, a historic riverine port, offers limited sea/river arrival options for international tourists, but local river transportation is a distinctive experience.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for general tourist entry to Kolkata, as there are no international passenger seaport terminals handling tourist arrivals.
Exploring Kolkata via its river offers unique perspectives and a glimpse into its historical identity as a riverine city. Image: A local ferry crosses the Hooghly River, a common mode of transport.
The views of the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) against the evening sky from a ferry are beautiful and memorable.
The riverfront offers ample opportunities for capturing the city's dynamic blend of nature and urban landscape.
No separate exit fees or taxes are usually for departing international passengers at Kolkata airport. These charges are usually included in your air ticket price.
Kolkata airport and major railway stations offer various facilities to departing travelers.
Lounges, food and beverage options, shopping (duty-free for international), restrooms, Wi-Fi.
Counters convert remaining INR to foreign currency. Keep original exchange receipts for conversion.
India does not currently have a VAT refund scheme for tourists on most purchases.
Image: The departure hall interior of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
