How to Reach Kolkata Airport from City Center

✈️ How to Reach Kolkata Airport from City Center – Complete 2025 Guide

✈️ How to Reach Kolkata Airport from City Center – Complete 2025 Guide

Planning a flight from Kolkata? Here’s your guide on how to reach Kolkata Airport from city center—with options like metro, cabs, buses, and travel time. From TheIndiaTourism.in.

🧭 Introduction: Navigate Your Departure Without Delay

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is located in Dumdum, approximately 16–18 km from the city center (Esplanade, Park Street, or Howrah areas). Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or arriving late at night, this guide explains how to reach Kolkata Airport from city center via metro, taxi, app cabs, buses, and more.


🚗 5 Best Ways to Reach Kolkata Airport from the City Center


🚕 1. App Cabs (Uber, Ola, Rapido) – Fastest & Easiest

  • ⏱️ Travel Time: 45–60 mins (depending on traffic)

  • 💰 Cost: ₹300–₹500

  • 📍 Pickup from: Any location (Esplanade, Park Street, Sealdah, etc.)

✅ Best for early flights, luggage convenience, AC comfort
✅ Choose “Airport Priority” in apps for quicker drop zone access


🚇 2. Metro (Up to Dumdum or Airport Metro Extension)

  • ⏱️ Travel Time: 40–60 mins

  • 💰 Cost: ₹10–₹30

  • 📍 Line: North-South Metro to Dumdum, then auto to airport (10 min)

  • 🆕 New East-West Metro (to Airport) expanding soon

✅ Best for budget travellers
✅ Avoids traffic; runs till ~9:30 PM


🚌 3. AC Bus Services (WBTC & Airport Shuttles)

  • ⏱️ Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours

  • 💰 Cost: ₹50–₹100

  • 📍 Available from:

    • Esplanade

    • Howrah Station

    • Garia

    • Tollygunge

✅ Economical & safe; slightly slower during rush hour


🛺 4. Prepaid Taxi Counters (Kolkata Traffic Police Authorized)

  • ⏱️ Travel Time: 45–75 mins

  • 💰 Cost: ₹350–₹450

  • 📍 Book from prepaid counters at Esplanade, Sealdah, or Howrah

✅ Avoids app surge pricing
✅ Flat rates; no bargaining


🛵 5. Bike Taxi / Two-Wheeler Rentals (for Solo Travelers)

  • ⏱️ Travel Time: 30–45 mins

  • 💰 Cost: ₹100–₹200

  • 📍 Available via Rapido, Bounce, or local rental hubs

✅ Best for solo commuters in a hurry
✅ Avoids congested lanes


📍 Approximate Distances from Popular Points

Location Distance to Airport Avg. Travel Time
Esplanade 16 km 45–60 mins
Sealdah Station 13 km 40–50 mins
Howrah Station 19 km 50–70 mins
Park Street 18 km 50–65 mins
Salt Lake (Sector V) 11 km 30–45 mins

🕒 Best Time to Leave for the Airport

Flight Time Leave From City Center By
Before 8:00 AM 2 hours before departure
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 2.5–3 hours before
After 6:00 PM 2–2.5 hours before

✅ Account for traffic near VIP Road, Ultadanga & Jessore Road


🔗 Suggestions


❓FAQs: How to Reach Kolkata Airport from City Center

Is metro available directly to Kolkata Airport?

Not yet. You can take the metro to Dumdum and then switch to auto/cab. The Noapara–Airport metro line is under expansion.

Are app cabs reliable early morning?

Yes, especially Uber and Ola. Use “Scheduled Rides” for extra assurance.

Can I get public transport late at night?

Limited options post 10 PM. App cabs or prepaid taxis are recommended for late-night travel.


🌼 Conclusion: Reach Smart, Travel Smooth

Whether you’re a budget traveler or need a quick airport drop, there are safe and reliable ways to reach Kolkata Airport from anywhere in the city. Plan ahead, choose the right mode, and let TheIndiaTourism.in help you make your departure as seamless as your journey.


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