Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

Overview

Formerly known as simply Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata's main airport is now saddled with the long-winded name Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (but locals refer to it as just Kolkata Airport).

The airport is located 11 miles (17km) outside of downtown Kolkata, and is a basic facility with only a few shops and restaurants to keep passengers entertained. The real fun at Kolkata Airport is to be had in people-watching, with a diverse mix of eastern and western passengers running about the terminal. Passengers may also stroll around and admire the writings of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, which are inscribed on the walls of the terminal.

Seeing nearly 10 million passengers each year, the airport tends to be a bit crowded, however renovations are underway, along with the addition of a fourth terminal that will hopefully relieve the congestion.

Location

The airport is located 17km (11 miles), or 60 minutes drive, from the city centre

Getting to the city

Train: NSCBI Airport is linked to the Kolkata Suburban Railway system via the junction at nearby Dum Dum, three miles (5km) away. Trains leave for surrounding areas every 10- 15 minutes at peak times and every hour off-peak. There is a station at the airport itself, but as trains run infrequently, it might be quicker and easier to take a taxi to the station at Dum Dum and move on from there. From Dum Dum, you can also catch the underground Kolkata Metro train to surrounding areas.

Taxi: The airport offers a pre-paid car hailing service, whereby metered yellow cabs, Radio cabs, Mega cabs and Kolkata cabs can be availed on your behalf. A trip to the city takes 30- 40 minutes at best and up to two hours in heavy traffic. It'll cost about INR 400 to get into town.

Bus: Air-conditioned Volvo buses travel between the airport and city every 10- 15 minutes from early morning to around 10pm. They also travel to the station at Dum Dum.

Time

Local time is UTC/GMT +5.5 hours

Contacts

+91 (0)33 2511 9977, +91 (0)33 511 8787

see full airport guide

Kolkata Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.