When you are traveling to and from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
- Brief Overview of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, India
- About Airport’s Terminals
- Parking at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Airlines Operating at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Facilities and Services Available at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Hotels On-site and Nearby Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Ground Transport Options at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Conclusion
Brief Overview of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, India
Situated in Dum Dum, at a distance of about 17 km (11 miles) from the Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) metropolitan city center in India’s state of West Bengal, lies the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, one of the country’s oldest airports.
Previously, the airport was called Dum Dum Airport and locally as Kolkata Airport, until its name was changed in the year 1995, in honor and memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who played a prominent role in India’s struggle for freedom from the British Raj in the early twentieth century.
The airport is administered by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
IATA: CCU
Address:
AAI, NSCBI Airport
Jessore Road, Dum Dum
Kolkata – 700 052
West Bengal, India
Airport Contact: +1 (033) 2511 8036
Website: https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/kolkata
Operation Hours: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.
About Airport’s Terminals
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport previously had two passenger terminals, namely Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 handled all international flights, whereas Terminal 2 handled all domestic flights.
However, a change was made to integrate the existing terminals into one. Thus, the airport now has only a six-story single-passenger terminal building called T2 that handles both domestic and international flights. Also, facilities such as check-in kiosks, ticketing counters, cafes, stores, etc. have been added.
Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.
Parking at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at every terminal of the Airport. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking.
Parking fees charged for up to 30 minutes is INR 40 ($0.53 US), INR 100 ($1.32 US) from 2 hours up to 7 hours, and INR 300 ($3.96 US) up to 24 hours.
Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.
Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is not available at the airport.
Airlines Operating at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is served by many domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s Terminal include:
Air India, Air Asia, Bhutan Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, China Eastern, Dragon Air, Druk Air, Emirates, Go Air, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect, Qatar Airways, Regent Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, Thai Airways and United Airlines.
Facilities and Services Available at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.
Help Desk
When you are at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of the Terminal.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to “Tata Docomo Wi-Fi” network) is offered for 45 minutes only.
To use Wi-Fi internet service, users are required to enter their details on the portal’s log-in page in order to get a unique Wi-Fi serial number and PIN via SMS on their mobile phone.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. Mobile charging power outlets can be found in the Domestic Departures area. However, the availability of equipped power sockets may be limited. There is no fee charged to use it.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. The left Luggage facility provides paid locker facilities and luggage storage services at the airport. The facility allows passengers to keep their baggage for up to 30 days.
Fees may be charged from INR 20 ($0.26 US) per bag for up to 24 hours, and INR 40 ($0.53 US) per bag per day and for each day beyond that up to 30 days. Luggage is scanned using an X-ray and random hand search. Luggage storage lockers are located in Arrivals, Counter 18, near Gate 3C, and Departures, Airport Manager’s office, near Gate 3C. These are open 24 hours.
Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping services are available at the airport. Bags are wrapped in plastic to protect them from damage and theft. Their counter is located in the International Check-in area. A service fee of INR 399 ($5.26 US) per bag is charged.
Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage trolleys are available at the airport for free. These can be found at several locations throughout the airport’s terminal.
Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.
There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounge and Business Conference Centre
At Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.
A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:
Travel Club Lounge Annex:
The lounge is located on the airside of the Domestic Terminal, Mezzanine Level. Access to the lounge is via lounge membership programs.
Travel Club (Domestic):
The lounge is located on the airside of the Domestic Terminal, Mezzanine Level. Access to the lounge is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.
Travel Club (International):
The lounge is located on the airside of the International Terminal, Mezzanine Level. Access to the lounge is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.
Travel Club (International, Gate 10):
The lounge is located on the airside of the International Terminal, opposite Gate 10. Access to the lounge is via the lounge membership program.
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminal and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.
Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located throughout the airside and landside of the airport’s terminal.
Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminal and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions have been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside.
Other Amenities Available at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
There are a few other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
Prayer Room:
There is a prayer room available at the airport.
Spa:
Masti Health and Beauty offers spa services at the airport. It is located in the airside of the Domestic Hall.
Baby Care Facilities:
There are Child Care rooms available at the airport. Parents or guardians traveling with infants can use the facility for breastfeeding, changing diapers, etc. These are located in Departures and Arrivals, Lower Level.
Medical Services:
Emergency medical assistance is available at the airport. There is a Medical Inspection Room located on both Departures and Arrivals levels. It is open 24 hours.
Pharmacy:
Apollo Pharmacy is located on the landside of Domestic Hall.
Postal Services:
There is a post office available at the airport. Passengers can easily send their last-minute postcards to their friends, family, or relative. It is located in Arrivals Hall.
ATM:
ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at the airside and landside areas of the Terminal.
Currency Exchange Counter:
The currency used in Kolkata is Indian Rupees (INR or Rs.). you can get Currency exchange counters at the airport which are located nearby the Arrivals area of the Airport.
Banking Services:
Banking facilities are not available at the airport.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Kolkata in India.
A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
Retiring Rooms:
The airport offers lodging at the airport to passengers with a confirmed flight ticket. Located in the old terminal just 500 meters north of the new terminal, there are eight furnished retiring rooms, a 10-bed Women’s Dormitory, and a 24-bed Men’s Dormitory. Accommodation is subject to availability and is served on a first come first serve basis, and must be requested either in person or via fax to the Airport Manager’s office. The maximum stay period allowed is 24 hours.
Hotel Airways:
The hotel is located across from the Domestic Terminal building outside of the airport area. An airport pick-up service is offered for a fee of INR 200 ($2.64 US) and the airport drop-off is free.
Airport City Hotel:
The hotel is located about 1.6 km (1 mile) from the airport. There is a free airport transfer service available to travelers upon request.
Ground Transport Options at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Getting to and from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.
Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the airport, and which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is an airport shuttle service offered to passengers.
Hotel Shuttle Service
A few hotels on-site and in several parts of the city center may offer free or paid shuttle services to and from the airport.
Bus Service
A public bus transportation service is available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. The West Bengal State Transport Corporation (WBSTC) bus service operates to and from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and various parts of Kolkata city center. The buses are equipped with air-conditioning. Bus stands are located at the airport’s Terminal.
Train and Metro Services
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is connected with train and metro services. The Kolkata Suburban Railway system services areas from and to the airport to other parts of the metropolitan city of Kolkata. Biman Bandar is the airport station that is connected via a 4 km (2.4 miles) elevated track to the Dum Dum Cantonment. The Railway Reservation office is located in the Arrivals area.
Metro Line 4 (Biman Bandar) services route between Noapara and Barasat via Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Metro Line 6 is a future project to service route New Garia with Kolkata Airport at Biman Bandar (Metro Line 4).
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Travelers visiting the city can take a ride on one of these prepaid taxis that can be booked on request. Taxi stands can be found on-site.
Car Hire/Rental Service
You can hire a car at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. You can get an Airport car service offer 24-hour for car hire/rental at the airport. The car hire/rental agency or company has its own counter/stand located on-site.
Ride-Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to the airport, ride-sharing services are also offered.
Conclusion
The city of Kolkata (Calcutta) in the state of West Bengal, India, has plenty to offer to visitors from around the world. From visiting various places of interest, such as the popular Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Nicco Park, China Town, Kalighat, and more, to trying out delicacies and a variety of sweets (called locally as ‘Misty’), there’s a lot to explore.
Traveling to and from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in India will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.