Getting Around Kolkata — Metro, Trams & Transport Guide

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

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

For planning help, see our trip planning guide.