Practical in Kolkata
KOLKATA

PRACTICAL

Kolkata metro, trams, yellow taxis, airport transfers, and getting between neighbourhoods. Complete transport guide for the City of Joy.

Kolkata metro, trams, yellow taxis, airport transfers, and getting between neighbourhoods. Complete transport guide for the City of Joy.

Kolkata has India's oldest metro, its only trams, and yellow Ambassador taxis (though fading). Here's how to navigate.

Airport to City

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

Located 17 km northeast of central Kolkata.

By Uber/Ola

To Park Street area: ₹400-600 To Howrah: ₹500-700 Time: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic

Indian SIM required for OTP verification.

By Prepaid Taxi

Counter inside arrivals. Fixed rates.

  • To Esplanade: ₹450-550
  • To Park Street: ₹400-500
  • To Howrah: ₹500-600

Add 25% for night (10 PM - 6 AM).

By Airport Bus

AC bus to Esplanade. ₹70. Runs regularly. Takes 1-1.5 hours. Stops along the way.

Metro (Coming)

Airport metro line under construction. Will connect to existing network when complete.

Kolkata Metro

Overview

India's first metro (1984). Clean, efficient, cheap. Main line runs north-south, with newer east-west line expanding.

Key Stations

Station Near
Esplanade Central hub, malls
Park Street Park Street restaurants, bars
Maidan Victoria Memorial, racecourse
Rabindra Sadan Academy area
Kalighat Kalighat Temple
Dum Dum North, near airport
Howrah (planned) Howrah Station

Fares

  • ₹5-25 depending on distance
  • Token from counter
  • Smart cards available for frequent use

Hours

  • 6:45 AM to 10:00 PM (Sunday from 9:45 AM)
  • Trains every 5-10 minutes

Tips

  • Air-conditioned relief in summer
  • Avoid rush hours (9-11 AM, 5-8 PM)
  • Ladies' compartment available

Trams

The Experience

Kolkata has India's only surviving tram network. Running since 1902. Slow, charming, atmospheric.

Why Ride

  • Heritage experience — feel old Kolkata
  • Photography — beautiful vintage vehicles
  • Slow touring — see the city roll by

Routes

Cover central Kolkata — Esplanade, Shyambazar, College Street, Kalighat areas.

Practical Info

  • Fare: ₹6-8
  • Speed: 4-5 km/h
  • Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes

Best Tram Experience

Take a tram from Esplanade to Shyambazar through central Kolkata. Allow 1-2 hours. Enjoy the ride.

Taxis

Yellow Ambassador Taxis

The iconic yellow Ambassadors are fading but still exist. Metered, relatively honest.

How it works:

  • Flag down taxi
  • Confirm destination
  • Meter runs (check it starts)
  • Pay fare shown

Approximate fares:

  • Minimum: ₹30
  • Per km: ₹10-12

Uber and Ola

Widely available. Reliable, AC, GPS-tracked.

Typical fares:

  • Within central Kolkata: ₹100-200
  • Airport to Park Street: ₹400-600
  • Across city: ₹200-400

Auto Rickshaws

Green three-wheelers operate in outer areas. Less common in central Kolkata than in other cities.

Fares: Similar to taxis. Negotiate or insist on meter.

Hand-Pulled Rickshaws

Kolkata is the last city with hand-pulled rickshaws. Controversial — some see exploitation, others see livelihoods.

Where: North Kolkata narrow lanes If you use: Tip generously. These are among Kolkata's poorest workers.

Ferries

Hooghly River Ferries

Routes: Between various ghats (Howrah to BBD Bagh, etc.) Cost: ₹5-10 Best for: River views, Howrah Bridge perspective

Tips

  • Runs during daytime
  • Basic vessels, no frills
  • Scenic, cheap, local experience

Getting Between Areas

Park Street to Howrah Bridge

Metro: Park Street → Esplanade, then walk/taxi Taxi: 20-40 minutes (₹100-200)

Victoria Memorial to Kumartuli

Taxi/Uber: 30-45 minutes (₹150-250) Best option — metro doesn't connect directly

Esplanade to Dakshineswar Temple

Ferry + auto: Scenic, time-consuming Taxi: 45-60 minutes (₹300-400)

Central Kolkata to Airport

Uber/taxi: 45-90 minutes (₹400-600) Bus: 1-1.5 hours (₹70)

Day Trips

To Shantiniketan

Train: From Howrah Station (2.5-3 hours) Car: 3-4 hours

To Sundarbans

Organised tour recommended (8-10 hours driving + boat) Overnight tours available

To Darjeeling

Flight: To Bagdogra, then 3-hour drive Train: Overnight from Sealdah, then toy train

During Durga Puja

Transport changes dramatically:

Metro: Operates late (until 1-2 AM) Roads: Gridlocked in many areas Walking: Often the only option Plan ahead: Pandal-hopping is mostly on foot

Transport Costs Summary

Mode Best For Cost Range
Metro North-south travel ₹5-25
Tram Heritage experience ₹6-8
Yellow taxi Short trips ₹30-150
Uber/Ola Convenience ₹100-600
Ferry River crossing ₹5-10
Airport bus Budget option ₹70

Tips

  1. Download Uber/Ola before arriving
  2. Get SIM at airport for app bookings
  3. Metro is your friend — fast and cheap
  4. Try the tram — at least once
  5. Walk — central Kolkata is walkable
  6. During Puja — accept transport chaos, walk more

For planning help, see our trip planning guide.

More in Kolkata

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Kolkata airport to the city?

Uber/Ola to central Kolkata costs ₹400-600 (1-1.5 hours depending on traffic). Prepaid taxi ₹450-600. Airport bus to Esplanade ₹70 (slower). No metro yet to airport (under construction).

Should I use Kolkata metro?

Yes. India's oldest metro system connects key areas. Clean, cheap (₹5-25), efficient. Main line runs north-south through the city center. Useful for Victoria Memorial, Park Street, Esplanade, Howrah.

Can you still ride trams in Kolkata?

Yes. Kolkata has India's only operational tram network. Slow (4-5 km/h) but atmospheric. Routes through central Kolkata. More for experience than efficiency. ₹6-8 per ride.

What time does Kolkata Metro stop running?

Kolkata Metro operates until 9:30 PM on weekdays and Sundays, with the last train departing around 9:30 PM from terminal stations. Services start at 7:00 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on Sundays.

How much do yellow taxis cost in Kolkata?

Yellow taxi fares start around ₹25 (/bin/sh.30) for the first kilometer and ₹12-15 per additional kilometer. Always negotiate the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter, especially for longer distances.

Are Kolkata trams still running?

Yes, but only on select routes. The main operational route runs from Esplanade to Tollygunge. Trams cost ₹5-10 (/bin/sh.06-0.12) and offer a unique heritage experience, though they're slower than other transport options.

How much does a taxi from Kolkata airport to the city cost?

Prepaid taxis from Kolkata airport to central areas cost ₹300-400 (.60-4.80). Book at the prepaid taxi counter in the arrivals hall to avoid haggling. Journey time is 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and destination.

Is there metro connectivity to Kolkata airport?

Yes, Kolkata airport connects to the city via metro. Take the airport shuttle bus to New Garia metro station, then board the Blue Line. Total journey to Park Street takes about 90 minutes including transfers.

What facilities are available at Kolkata airport?

Kolkata airport offers currency exchange, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping, free WiFi, charging stations, and prayer rooms. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights while Terminal 2 serves international routes.

How much does a tram ride cost in Kolkata?

Tram fares in Kolkata range from ₹5-10 (/bin/sh.06-0.12) depending on the distance. This makes it one of the cheapest ways to travel in the city while experiencing living heritage.

Which tram routes are still operational in Kolkata?

Major operating routes include Esplanade to Kidderpore, Tollygunge to Ballygunge, and Shyama Charan Mukherjee Street to Kidderpore. Check current schedules as routes change frequently.

When is the best time to ride Kolkata trams?

Visit between 10 AM-4 PM on weekdays to avoid rush hour crowds. Early morning rides offer better photo opportunities with softer lighting and fewer passengers.