Owais Crawford
If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover, the answer is yes, you can! A layover is a great opportunity to explore a new city, and Kolkata is no exception. Kolkata Airport offers retiring rooms and dormitories for transit passengers with a maximum transit period of 24 hours, which can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The airport also provides amenities such as smoking rooms, an Apollo pharmacy, and lounges with complimentary Wi-Fi and various cuisines. If you decide to venture out, nearby attractions include Eco Park, Chinar Park, and Misti Hub, where you can sample traditional Bengali sweets. However, remember to plan ahead, stay informed about your flight status, and consider factors like luggage storage and potential traffic jams when returning to the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Possible, but it is recommended to limit your visit to 1-2 places due to time and traffic constraints |
| Nearby attractions | Chinar Park, Eco Park, Misti Hub, City Center 2 |
| Food | Kolkata Biryani, Chicken roll, sweets of Bengal |
| Airport facilities | Retiring rooms and dormitories, smoking rooms, lounges, pharmacy, wheelchair access |
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What You'll Learn
Kolkata Airport facilities
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, also known as Kolkata Airport, is located in the municipality of Dum Dum, about 10 miles from the city centre. It is the only international airport serving the southern part of West Bengal. The airport accommodates both international and domestic flights and sees nearly 20 million passengers annually.
Kolkata Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers with a layover. The airport has more than 30 restaurants and food establishments, including Flurys, Tea Junction, an American cafe, a fried chicken joint, Kailash Parbat, Ganguram Sweets, Haldiram's, and The Irish House. There are also about 20 boutiques and duty-free shops, including outlets of Ganguram and Bhikharam, where passengers can buy sweets and savoury snacks to take on their flights. Additionally, the airport has lounges in both the domestic and international departures, offering amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines.
For passengers with long layovers, Kolkata Airport provides retiring rooms and dormitories on a 'first come first serve' basis. These rooms can be used to sleep, relax, and rejuvenate before the next departure. The airport also has smoking rooms located across the terminal and provides on-call first aid, luggage trolleys, wheelchairs, and important assistance for physically handicapped visitors.
Passengers with long layovers who wish to leave the airport can explore nearby attractions such as the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Eco Park, and The Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. The closest metro station to the airport is Dum Dum Cantonment Station, which is about 3.7 miles away and can be reached by train or metro. Passengers can also take a taxi or bus to the city centre, with buses offering a cheap and convenient option.
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Nearby attractions
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, also known as Kolkata Airport, is located about 10 miles from the city centre. The city has many historical places that showcase its rich legacy.
Eco Park
Eco Park is an urban oasis that features wetlands, grasslands, walking trails, and whimsical gardens. It is located about 10 kilometres from the airport at Rajarhat and covers 104 acres. The ecological area has three main parts: grasslands, urban forest, and wetlands. The second region has open spaces and theme gardens, while the third part has urban recreational spaces. You can participate in many games in the play area and rejuvenate yourself.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is about a 20-minute ride from the airport. It sits on the banks of the Hooghly River and offers scenic tours and boat rides. The temple was built in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni and is quite serene due to its setting.
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a museum built in honour of the late Queen Victoria after her death. It is located about 17 kilometres from the airport. The grand marble structure has 25 galleries that display rare artefacts from many periods. The garden outside the memorial is well-decorated with a large variety of plants and flowers.
Rabindra Bharati Museum
The Rabindra Bharati Museum is located about 7.6 kilometres from the airport. It is the ancestral home of the legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to receive a Nobel Prize. The museum houses artefacts from the Tagore family's way of life at that time.
City Centre II Mall
The CC2 shopping mall is a 10-15 minute cab ride from the airport. It has good coffee places and is a nice spot to chill.
Eateries
There are various eateries located near the airport. Michael Nagar Dhaba, for instance, serves good tea and North Indian food. Asian eateries such as Friends of Pho and Denzong Kitchen are also nearby. For Kolkata's famous biryani, you can head to Arsalan in the Chinar Park area.
The Mother House
The Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity is a 45-minute trip from the airport. This landmark convent for the underprivileged was opened in 1950 by Mother Teresa. Guests can view the saint's tomb and learn about her work at the onsite museum, where her personal belongings are displayed.
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Transport and timing
If you have a long layover in Kolkata and wish to leave the airport, it is important to plan ahead. First, verify with your airline whether your checked bags will be transferred from one flight to the next. If not, consider leaving your luggage in storage. Kolkata Airport offers retiring rooms and dormitories on a 'first come first serve basis', where you can sleep, relax, and shower.
In terms of transport, Eco Park is a half-hour journey from the airport and is a nice spot to relax. On your way back to the airport, you can stop at Misti Hub to try traditional Bengali sweets. Chinar Park, a short distance from the airport, offers a variety of restaurants serving Kolkata-style biryani and other local dishes.
If you wish to stay near the airport, Kolkata Airport has lounges with world-class amenities, including various cuisines, plush seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a range of newspapers and magazines. Smoking rooms are also available across the terminal.
Remember to stay informed about your flight status and allow time for unexpected delays and traffic.
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Luggage storage
If you're planning to leave the airport during a layover in Kolkata, it's important to consider what you'll do with your luggage. Leaving the airport with your luggage in tow can be cumbersome, especially if you're planning to visit crowded places or use public transportation. Fortunately, there are several luggage storage options available to you in Kolkata.
Kolkata Airport does provide left luggage/baggage storage facilities where you can store your luggage for a few hours or up to 30 days. The facility operates 24/7, and bookings can be made at the Arrival Level - Counter No. 18 (near Gate 3C). The charges are Rs. 20/- per bag for the first 24 hours and Rs. 40/- per day per bag thereafter. This option is ideal if you're planning a short excursion and want to keep your luggage within the airport premises.
If you're looking for luggage storage options outside the airport, there are several services available in Kolkata:
- LuggageHero: LuggageHero offers an extensive network of shops and stores in Kolkata where you can drop off your luggage. They provide flexible hourly and daily rates, and you can store luggage of any size or shape. Their locations are verified, and each piece of luggage can be insured. The LuggageHero map makes it easy to find shops near metro stops and attractions.
- Lugsto: Lugsto is India's first and largest instant luggage storage service provider. They offer on-demand, short-term luggage storage services near Kolkata's railway station, Victoria Memorial, and other popular tourist destinations. Lugsto provides safe and secure daily, weekly, and monthly plans, and you can book your nearest store online in less than 5 minutes.
When considering luggage storage options, it's important to plan ahead and research the various services available. Additionally, always prioritize the safety and security of your belongings. Some services, like Lugsto, offer tamper-proof security seals and insurance for your peace of mind. By choosing a reliable luggage storage option, you can explore Kolkata during your layover without the burden of carrying your luggage.
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Food and refreshments
Kolkata Airport offers a wide range of food and refreshment options for travellers during their layover. The airport has various lounges, including the Bengaluru International Lounge and Taj SATS Lounge, which offer comfortable seating and refreshments alongside business facilities. Many lounges also provide shower facilities.
Additionally, Kolkata Airport boasts a 24-hour food service, ensuring that travellers can access refreshments at any time of day. For those who wish to explore the local area, Kolkata, known as the cultural capital of India, offers a unique blend of history, art, and delicious food. The city has a well-connected metro system and bus network, making it easy to navigate and discover local eateries.
If you are looking for a quick bite or a snack, the airport also provides vending machines and convenience stores located throughout the terminals. These options are ideal for travellers who want to grab something on the go without sacrificing their exploration time outside the airport.
For those who prefer to relax and rejuvenate during their layover, Kolkata Airport offers a range of wellness centres and spa treatments. You can indulge in a refreshing foot massage, reflexology, or an Ayurvedic treatment to unwind and recharge before your next flight. The airport also provides a peaceful retreat amidst greenery at Rabindra Sarobar, known as the "lake of Rabindranath Tagore," located just 20-30 minutes from the airport.
It is important to note that Kolkata Airport does not provide dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones inside the terminal. However, retiring rooms and dormitories are available for transit passengers with a maximum stay of 24 hours. These rooms offer comfortable beds, attached washrooms, and various amenities to make your layover more relaxing and convenient.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Kolkata. However, it is important to plan ahead, stay connected, and be aware of your flight status to avoid missing your connecting flight.
Here are some important things to consider:
- Verify with the airline if they will transfer your checked bags to your next flight. If not, consider luggage lockers or storage solutions outside the airport.
- Stay informed about your flight status and follow airport guidelines for security and boarding procedures.
- Utilize the airport amenities like lounges, relaxation areas, and shower facilities during longer layovers.
If you have a short layover, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Eco Park, Chinar Park, and Misti Hub. These places offer a chance to relax, enjoy nature, and indulge in local sweets and cuisine, including the famous Kolkata-style biryani.
Yes, the Kolkata Airport offers various facilities for passenger convenience. These include smoking rooms, a pharmacy, and lounges with complimentary Wi-Fi, cuisines from around the world, and comfortable seating. Retiring rooms and dormitories are also available for transit passengers with a maximum transit period of 24 hours.
