3-Hour Layover in Kolkata: What To Do
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport (CCU) · India
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Key Facts
- Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport (CCU)
- Country: India
- Layover window: 3 hours
- Recommended time outside: Stay airside — 3h is too tight
- Visa & Entry: Same India rules as Chennai — e-visa USD 25-100. Note: Kolkata airport processes more domestic than international flights — confirm terminal at booking.
Insider Tip
CCU is 17km from centre — Ola + Uber are the cheapest reliable options (INR 350-650 / €4-7). Kolkata traffic is the worst in India — allow 60+ min always. The Metro is cheap + air-conditioned but doesn't reach the airport directly.
Getting to Kolkata City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-paid taxi (rank outside) | INR 500–800 (€5.50–9) | 40–60 min |
| Ola / Uber | INR 350–650 (€4–7) | 40–60 min |
| Bus + Metro (cheapest) | INR 50–80 (€0.55–0.90) | 90+ min |
Top Kolkata: Where to Go
Victoria Memorial
50 min from city centreMarble Edwardian-era memorial to Queen Victoria (1921). Iconic Kolkata symbol. INR 30 garden + INR 200 museum. 2 hours.
Howrah Bridge + Mullick Ghat
55 min from city centreIconic 1942 cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River. Mullick Ghat flower market beneath the bridge is most-atmospheric Kolkata photo. Free walking.
Indian Museum
50 min from city centreIndia's oldest (1814) + largest museum. Egyptian mummy + Buddhist art + natural history. INR 500. 2-3 hours.
Park Street + Tagore's House
50 min from city centreKolkata's hipster street + the poet Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home (Jorasanko Thakur Bari, INR 250). Christmas lights in December are iconic.
Eat Like a Local in Kolkata
Roshogolla (Bengali sweet) at K.C. Das (the original, since 1868). Mishti doi (sweet yogurt) at Mihijam. Bhetki fry + biryani at Arsalan. Mughlai paratha at any street stall.
3-Hour Itinerary
0–30 min
Clear immigration & collect baggage (if exiting)
Leave airside only if you have the correct visa/stamp. Many airports offer transit without visa.
30–90 min
Airport terminal exploration & dining
Most airports have excellent food courts landside and airside. Kolkata airport is known for good dining options.
90–150 min
Airport lounge or duty-free shopping
Priority Pass lounges are available in most major airports. Day passes cost $30–50.
150–180 min
Return to gate
Allow 30+ minutes to clear security and reach your departure gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 3-hour layover in Kolkata?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many countries offer free transit visas or visa-on-arrival for layovers under 96 hours. Check your specific passport requirements before travel and confirm with your airline.
Is 3 hours enough to leave Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport?
3 hours is tight for leaving the airport. Consider staying airside and using the airport lounges and restaurants instead.
What is the best way to get from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to Kolkata city centre?
Pre-paid taxi (rank outside) is typically the fastest and most affordable option at INR 500–800 (€5.50–9), taking approximately 40–60 min. Rideshare apps are a convenient alternative.
Is there luggage storage at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose?
Yes, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport has left-luggage facilities in the arrivals and departures hall. Typical cost is $5–15 per bag for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, many airport hotels offer left-luggage for non-guests.
Connect with other travellers at CCU
Book a transfer or rental from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport
Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.
Trains & buses from Kolkata
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Kolkata
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