Flights to Kolkata (CCU)

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is the great cultural city of eastern India. Once the capital of British India, it is a place of colonial-era avenues, riverside temples, book markets, art schools and some of the best sweets in the country. It is often called the City of Joy. Singapore has close ties with Kolkata through business, study and family, and flights to Kolkata are popular all year. This guide covers the airport, the seasons, the best areas to stay and the food you should not leave without trying.

About the Airport Serving Kolkata

Location

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is in Dum Dum, in the northeast of the metropolitan area, and is the main airport for eastern India. It sits close to the planned township of New Town and to Salt Lake City, the city's IT and office hub, while the older central districts lie further south. Traffic can be heavy at peak times, so allow a buffer on your way to the airport.

Terminals

The airport uses one large integrated terminal building for both domestic and international flights, with separate zones for each. International arrivals pass immigration and customs before reaching the arrivals hall, where you can change money, buy a local SIM card and book a prepaid taxi. Check your e-ticket for the correct departure zone when you head home.

Getting to and from the Airport

Prepaid taxi counters in the arrivals hall offer fixed fares to set zones, and app-based cabs pick up from marked areas outside the terminal. Air-conditioned buses run from the airport to several parts of the city, including Esplanade and Howrah. The metro network has been extended to a station serving the airport, so check current lines and operating hours if you want to avoid road traffic.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Kolkata

Singapore and Kolkata are linked by non-stop flights, and there are also plenty of one-stop options through other Asian and Indian hubs. Turn on the Direct filter in Traveloka's search results to see the non-stop services on sale for your dates, then compare departure times, since some flights arrive late at night and others early in the morning.

One-stop itineraries can make sense when you want different timings or are combining Kolkata with another Indian city. Look at the total journey time and layover length, and check whether you will need to clear immigration at the first Indian airport. Check the entry requirements for your passport before you fly to India.

When to Fly to Kolkata

Kolkata has three broad seasons. The cool, dry winter from about November to February is the most comfortable time to visit, with sunny days and cooler evenings. March to May is very hot and humid, and the monsoon from around June to September brings heavy rain and occasional waterlogging in the streets. The weeks just after the monsoon, in autumn, are when the city is at its most festive.

Durga Puja, usually in September or October, transforms Kolkata with elaborate pandals, lights and crowds late into the night, and flights and rooms book up early. Diwali and the Christmas season along Park Street are busy too. From Singapore, demand also peaks in the June and December school holidays and around Chinese New Year, so compare months on the fare chart on this page.

Popular Places in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

This grand white marble monument, set in landscaped gardens near the Maidan, is Kolkata's best-known landmark. Its galleries cover the history of the city, and the lawns are a favourite place for an evening walk.

Howrah Bridge and the Hooghly

The steel cantilever Howrah Bridge spans the Hooghly River and carries a constant flow of people and traffic. Walk across it, visit the flower market at Mallick Ghat below, or take a ferry for a view of the city from the water.

Dakshineswar and Belur Math

North of the centre, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple stands on the east bank of the Hooghly, and Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, lies across the river. A boat links the two for an easy half-day visit.

College Street and North Kolkata

College Street is lined with bookstalls and home to the historic Indian Coffee House, a meeting place for writers and students for generations. Further north, by the river, the lanes of Kumartuli are where artisans sculpt clay idols for Durga Puja.

Park Street

Park Street is the city's classic dining and nightlife strip, with long-established restaurants, bakeries and live music venues. It is especially lively in December, when lights and decorations fill the street.

Where to Stay in Kolkata

Park Street and the area around Chowringhee put you in the middle of the city, close to the Maidan, Victoria Memorial, restaurants and shopping. Sudder Street nearby is the traditional base for budget travellers. Ballygunge and the neighbourhoods further south are more residential, with good cafés and a calmer feel.

For business trips or short stays, Salt Lake and New Town in the northeast are close to the airport and to offices, with modern malls and wide roads. The Esplanade and BBD Bagh area around the old business district is convenient for Howrah Station and heritage walks.

Food to Try in Kolkata

Bengali food is subtle, seasonal and full of fish, mustard and sweets, and Kolkata's street food is legendary.

Kathi Roll

A flaky paratha wrapped around skewered chicken, mutton, egg or paneer with onion and chilli, the kathi roll is said to have been invented in Kolkata and is sold from stalls everywhere.

Macher Jhol

This light fish curry with potatoes, turmeric and cumin is everyday Bengali home cooking. Try it with plain rice, or look for richer dishes such as fish in mustard sauce.

Kolkata Biryani

The local biryani is lightly spiced and fragrant, and it famously includes a soft potato alongside the meat and a boiled egg.

Phuchka

Crisp hollow puris filled with spiced potato and tangy tamarind water are eaten in one bite at roadside stalls. Kolkata's version is sharper than most in India.

Rosogolla and Mishti Doi

Finish with rosogolla, soft cheese balls in syrup, and mishti doi, sweet caramelised yoghurt set in clay pots.

Ready to experience the City of Joy? Search flights to Kolkata on Traveloka, compare non-stop and one-stop options, and set a Price Alert for your dates. E-tickets, Easy Reschedule and 24/7 customer service make your trip easy to manage.