This Kolkata travel tips and FAQ page covers practical logistics: airport transport, the Metro system, visa rules, money, safety, SIM cards and cultural norms. Prices are in Indian Rupees (INR) with approximate euro equivalents as of 2026.
How to Get from Kolkata Airport to the City Centre
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is 17km northeast of the city centre in Dum Dum. Prepaid taxi kiosks in the arrivals hall offer fixed-price rides: 400-600 INR (€4.50-7) to Park Street/Esplanade, 300-400 INR to Salt Lake. Journey time 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. App-based rides (Uber, Ola) cost 350-500 INR; pickup is from the designated app-ride zone in the parking lot (follow signs, a 5-minute walk from arrivals). The Kolkata Metro extension to the airport is under construction but not yet operational as of 2026. AC bus AC-39A runs from the airport to Howrah Station via the centre (50 INR, every 30 minutes, 60-90 minutes). Avoid unofficial touts in the arrivals hall offering “cheap taxis” at inflated rates. December-January morning fog can delay flights by 1-3 hours; book afternoon flights if travelling in winter.
Kolkata and India Visa Requirements
India requires a visa for most nationalities. The e-Visa system (indianvisaonline.gov.in) covers tourists from 166 countries with 30-day (€28), 1-year (€45) and 5-year (€80) options. Apply at least 4 days before travel. Upload a passport photo and passport scan. The e-Visa permits entry at CCU airport. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival and have 2 blank pages. UK and Canadian nationals face higher fees and longer processing. Business travellers need a separate e-Business Visa. Print your e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
Getting Around Kolkata: Transport Costs
Kolkata Metro is India’s oldest (1984) with two operational lines: the north-south Blue Line (Dakshineswar to New Garia) and the East-West Green Line (Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V). Single fares cost 5-30 INR depending on distance. Trains run 07:00-22:00 (Sunday from 09:00). The stations at Esplanade, Park Street and Maidan serve the tourist centre. Yellow Ambassador taxis (metered, starting fare 30 INR) and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) are the main surface transport. A taxi across central Kolkata costs 100-200 INR. Kolkata’s famous hand-pulled rickshaws still operate in the New Market and Burrabazar areas (50-100 INR for short trips, negotiate before boarding) but are being phased out. The tram system (Asia’s oldest, since 1873) runs on a single remaining route from Esplanade to Shyambazar (7 INR). For visiting the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and other northern sights, take the Metro to Dakshineswar station (30 INR, 30 minutes from Esplanade).
Money, Tipping and Costs in Kolkata
The currency is Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widespread in Park Street, Esplanade and Salt Lake. Use bank ATMs (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) rather than independent machines. Many ATMs run out of cash on weekends; withdraw on weekdays. In upmarket restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually added; check the bill for “SC” before tipping extra. At mid-range and budget restaurants, leave 5-10% in cash. Hotel porters: 20-50 INR per bag. Taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers: round up to the nearest 10 INR. Daily budgets: backpacker 800-1,500 INR (€9-17), mid-range 3,000-6,000 INR (€33-67), luxury 10,000+ INR (€111+). Kolkata is significantly cheaper than Delhi or Mumbai.
Is Kolkata Safe?
Kolkata has one of India’s lowest crime rates and is considered safer than Delhi or Mumbai for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded areas (New Market, Metro at rush hour, Durga Puja pandals), taxi drivers refusing the meter (insist or use Uber/Ola), and street harassment of women (verbal comments, stares). Solo women travellers report feeling safer in Kolkata than in other Indian metros but should dress conservatively (covering shoulders and knees) and avoid isolated areas after dark. The Sudder Street area is well-lit and busy until 22:00. Emergency numbers: Police 100, Ambulance 102, Women’s Helpline 1091. Tourist Police are stationed at the airport and major railway stations but have limited English. Tap water is unsafe to drink; stick to bottled water (20 INR for 1L at shops, always check the seal is intact).
SIM Cards and Internet in Kolkata
Foreigners can buy Indian SIM cards at the airport (Airtel or Jio kiosks in arrivals) or at city-centre stores. Bring your passport, visa and a passport photo. Activation takes 2-24 hours (airport SIMs activate faster). A 30-day plan with 1.5 GB daily data costs 300-400 INR (€3.30-4.50). Jio offers the best data value; Airtel has better call quality. Wi-Fi is standard in mid-range and luxury hotels. Budget guesthouses may have slow or intermittent connections. Free public Wi-Fi is available at Park Street and Esplanade Metro stations with a one-time mobile number verification.
Suggested Hotels in Kolkata
The Oberoi Grand
Kolkata’s grandest heritage hotel on Chowringhee Road, operational since 1888, with a courtyard pool, 209 colonial-style rooms and the Baan Thai restaurant. Best for luxury travellers wanting Kolkata’s most historic address. Check rates and availability
The Park Kolkata
A contemporary mid-range hotel directly on Park Street with 149 rooms, a rooftop pool and Kolkata’s best central nightlife location. Best for mid-range travellers wanting to be steps from the city’s main dining strip. Check rates and availability
Broadway Hotel
A 1937 budget institution near the Esplanade with basic rooms from 600 INR (€7), an old-world canteen and unchanged colonial atmosphere. Best for budget travellers wanting Kolkata’s most characterful cheap stay. Check rates and availability
Common Questions About Kolkata
How does Kolkata compare to Mumbai or Delhi?
Kolkata is smaller (15 million metro population versus 21 million for Mumbai and 33 million for Delhi), significantly cheaper, less chaotic to navigate, and has a richer intellectual and cultural heritage. It has fewer corporate headquarters and less glitzy nightlife than Mumbai, and less political power and aspirational energy than Delhi. Visitors who enjoy Kolkata tend to be those interested in history, literature, food and architecture rather than shopping, nightlife or luxury tourism. For detailed weather comparisons, see the Kolkata weather by month guide.
How many days do I need in Kolkata?
Three days covers the essential sights: Day 1 for the Victoria Memorial, Maidan and Park Street, Day 2 for the Indian Museum, Kumartuli and north Kolkata, Day 3 for Dakshineswar and Belur Math. Add a fourth day if visiting during Durga Puja. The things to do in Kolkata guide covers all major attractions.
Is Kolkata street food safe to eat?
Kolkata has India’s safest street food culture relative to other metros. Stick to stalls with high turnover where food is cooked in front of you and served hot. Avoid cut fruit, tap water, ice and uncooked chutneys. The puchka (pani puri) at Victoria Memorial’s northern gate and the kati rolls at Kusum’s on Park Street are tourist favourites with reliable hygiene records.
