Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) — complete Kolkata airport guide
Quick answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Dum Dum is eastern India's main gateway and among the country's busiest. It operates from a single large integrated terminal (officially T2, opened 2013) that handles both domestic and international flights, internally split into a domestic section and an international section. It sits roughly 16 km from central Kolkata (about 45-75 minutes by road, traffic-dependent). Busiest links are Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru domestically, plus Bangkok, Dhaka and Gulf cities. The one thing to know: there is just one terminal building, so head to the correct domestic/international section. Confirm details on the official airport site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Kolkata fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
Kolkata airport (CCU) — quick facts
- IATA / ICAO code: CCU / VECC
- City served: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Distance to city: ≈ 16 km to central Kolkata (Park Street area)
- Operator: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Traffic: ~20 million passengers a year — eastern India's busiest airport.
Terminals at Kolkata airport
Despite older 'T1/T2' labels, Kolkata effectively has one integrated terminal building; the previous separate terminals were decommissioned in 2013. Within it, the domestic section serves carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, while the international section handles flights to Southeast Asia, the Gulf, Bhutan and beyond. Because everything is under one roof, there is no separate inter-terminal transfer; transit passengers move between the domestic and international zones inside the same building. Verify your section on the official airport website before travel.
How to get from Kolkata airport to the city
- App cabs (Uber, Ola): pickup from the designated arrivals zone; surge pricing is common during peak hours and after late-night arrivals.
- Prepaid yellow taxis: government prepaid counters in the arrivals area (around gates 3-4) issue a fixed-fare slip 24x7, a good option if you prefer set pricing over metered rides.
- Radio/call taxis: metered AC radio-cab services operate round the clock from the terminal kerb for door-to-door transfers.
- AC city buses: West Bengal Transport Corporation runs air-conditioned buses (Volvo-type) linking the airport with Howrah, Esplanade, Garia and other points during daytime hours.
- Kolkata Metro: an Orange Line (East-West corridor) station at the airport is in final commissioning toward 2026 — check whether airport metro services have begun before relying on it.
- Car rental / self-drive: rental desks and chauffeur-driven hire are available for multi-day trips or onward travel beyond the city.
- Pre-booked hotel/outstation cabs: many hotels and operators offer meet-and-greet pickups, useful for late arrivals or trips to Digha, Santiniketan or other out-of-town spots.
Airlines flying from Kolkata (CCU)
Domestic carriers IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet dominate, with heavy frequencies to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Northeast hubs like Guwahati, Bagdogra, Agartala and Port Blair. Internationally, Kolkata connects strongly to Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur), Dhaka and Kathmandu, plus Gulf points; long-haul and European links operate via select carriers. Check current schedules on the airline or airport site.
Lounges at CCU
Kolkata is run by the Airports Authority of India, so commercial lounges are run by independent operators rather than an Adani/GMR brand. There are lounges in both the domestic and international departure areas (after security, typically on the mezzanine level). Access is usually via Priority Pass, eligible credit/debit cards, airline programmes, or pay-at-the-door walk-in. Lounge brands and entry prices change with tender cycles, so confirm the current operator and your card's eligibility before you fly.
Popular flights from Kolkata
Compare live fares on the busiest Kolkata routes:
Frequently asked questions
Which terminal do I use for my flight?
There is one integrated terminal building. Domestic flights (IndiGo, Air India, Akasa, SpiceJet) use the domestic section and international flights use the international section of the same building. Follow the domestic/international signage from the entrance; confirm on the official airport site.
Is there parking at Kolkata airport?
Yes, the airport has multi-level and surface parking for short and long stays, with separate pick-up/drop-off lanes. Rates are tiered by duration and vehicle type and change periodically, so check the official airport parking page for current charges before you travel.
How early should I arrive?
As a general guide, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic departure and around 3-3.5 hours before an international one, allowing extra time during early-morning and evening peaks. Always follow your airline's stated cut-off, which can be stricter.
Prepaid taxi or app cab from the airport?
Prepaid yellow taxis from the government counter give a fixed fare with no surge and a printed slip, ideal at night. App cabs (Uber/Ola) can be cheaper off-peak but may surge after late arrivals; both pick up from designated arrivals zones.
Is there free WiFi and food at the airport?
Yes, complimentary WiFi is offered (typically via an OTP sent to your mobile), and the terminal has cafes, fast-food outlets and sit-down restaurants in both domestic and international areas, including regional Bengali options. Outlet availability varies by zone and time.
Are there hotels near Kolkata airport?
Yes, several hotels and guesthouses cluster around the VIP Road, Kaikhali and Dum Dum areas within a short drive, ranging from budget to upscale. Many offer airport shuttles. For very early or red-eye flights, an airport-area stay can save a stressful early commute.
Book Kolkata flights with FlightGPT
FlightGPT is an AI flight search built for Indian travellers. Ask in plain English — "cheapest flight from Kolkata next weekend" — and we compare live CCU fares across every airline, OTA and trusted travel agent, then hand you straight to the provider to book. No markups, no surprise fees.