Kolkata Airport: Overnight Stay Options?

can we stay overnight at kolkata airport

Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, offers a range of options for those looking to stay overnight within the airport or nearby. The airport has retiring rooms and dormitories available for transit passengers with a maximum transit period of 24 hours. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance. The airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers, but the terminal can be cold, noisy, and brightly lit. Nearby hotels, such as Swissotel, Kings Crown, O2, and Ethnotel, provide a more comfortable alternative for those seeking a good night's sleep. These hotels are easily accessible from the airport, with some offering pick-up and drop-off services.

Characteristics Values
Airport Staff Tolerance Generally tolerant of overnight sleepers
Terminal Comfort Cold, noisy, and brightly lit
Nearby Hotels Kings Crown, O2, Swissotel, Ethnotel
Mosquitoes Mosquitoes have been spotted inside the terminal
Safety It's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your valuables
Retiring Rooms Available for passengers with a confirmed onward flight ticket, with a maximum stay of 24 hours
Room Rates Rs 1000/- per bed (twin-sharing) in a Retiring Room, Rs 1500/- per room for a family Retiring Room, and Rs 700/- per bed for the Dormitory
Food 24-hour food options available
WiFi Free WiFi available for 45 minutes
Medical Facilities Round-the-clock medical facilities are available
Currency Exchange Seven foreign exchange counters are available
Child Care Child care rooms are available at departure (three) and arrival (one) level
ATMs Various banks' ATMs are located throughout the airport

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Staying overnight at Kolkata Airport: retiring rooms and dorms are available for Rs 700-1500

Staying overnight at Kolkata Airport is possible, as the airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers. However, the terminal is reportedly cold, noisy, and brightly lit, so it may be uncomfortable. If you do choose to sleep in the terminal, it is recommended that you bring extra layers or a travel blanket, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask. To ensure your safety and the security of your valuables, it is also recommended that you stay near other travellers or close to security and keep your valuables hidden.

For a more comfortable option, there are retiring rooms and dorms available inside the terminal. The Old Terminal has eight furnished retiring rooms, a 10-bed ladies' dormitory, and a 24-bed men's dormitory. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be requested in person or via fax to the airport manager's office. The current rates are Rs 1000 per bed (twin-sharing) in a retiring room, Rs 1500 per room for a family retiring room, and Rs 700 per bed for the dormitory. In the New Terminal, there are 12 double rooms located about 50 metres from the luggage carousel.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, there are several options located near the airport, including Kings Crown, O2, Swissotel, and Ethnotel. These hotels offer more comfort and convenience, but they may be more expensive and require additional travel time.

In addition to accommodation, Kolkata Airport also offers various facilities such as free WiFi for 45 minutes, medical facilities, foreign exchange counters, child care rooms, and ATMs. There are also lounges available in the Domestic and International wings of Terminal 2, as well as paid lounges in departures with better facilities and food included in the price.

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Staying in the airport terminal: noisy, cold, and bright

Staying overnight at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, India, is possible, but the terminal has been described as cold, noisy, and brightly lit.

If you plan to stay overnight, it is recommended that you bring extra layers or a travel blanket to combat the cold, as well as earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out the noise. An eye mask or eye shades may also be useful to block out the bright lights.

There are a few options for places to sleep within the airport. There are day rooms available inside the terminal, which may offer a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep than sleeping in the main terminal. The airport also offers retiring rooms and dormitories for transit passengers with a maximum transit period of 24 hours. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance. The Old Terminal has eight furnished retiring rooms, a 10-bed ladies' dormitory, and a 24-bed men's dormitory. The New Terminal has 12 double rooms located about 50 meters from the luggage carousel. The rates for these rooms range from Rs 700/- to Rs 1500/-.

If you prefer to stay outside the airport, there are several nearby hotels, including Kings Crown, O2, Swissotel, and Ethnotel. These hotels offer more comfortable accommodations and may be a better option if you prioritize comfort and safety. However, staying in a hotel will require additional time for transportation to and from the airport.

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Staying in a hotel: nearby options include Kings Crown, O2, Swissotel, and Ethnotel

If you're looking for a hotel near Kolkata Airport, there are a few options to choose from. Here are four hotels nearby: Kings Crown, O2, Swissotel, and Ethnotel.

Kings Crown

Kings Crown VIP Road Kolkata Airport is an affordable hotel located near the airport. It offers easy access to several well-known attractions and neighbourhoods, such as Park Circus Railway Station and Kolkata Chitpur Railway Station. The property has received complaints about small room sizes, unhygienic bathrooms, and poor room service. It is suitable for short transit stays but not recommended for family vacations.

O2

Hotel O2 Oxygen is a well-managed accommodation close to Kolkata Airport. It features well-appointed rooms, multiple dining options, and a well-equipped fitness centre. The staff are supportive and create a welcoming environment. The hotel has received mixed reviews regarding the room space, maintenance, and value for money.

Swissotel

Swissotel Kolkata is a luxury hotel located near the airport. It offers extensive meeting and function spaces, including a Grand Ballroom and several function rooms. The hotel also features an Indian speciality restaurant, a rooftop al fresco restaurant, and a spa facility.

Ethnotel

Ethnotel is a three-star hotel located just five minutes away from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. It offers elegance, luxury, and comfort at affordable prices.

These hotels provide convenient options for travellers looking for accommodation near Kolkata Airport. Remember to consider factors such as price, amenities, and guest reviews when making your decision.

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Staying safe: tips for sleeping in the airport

Spending the night in an airport is not ideal, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and comfortable while sleeping in an airport:

Do Your Research

Before your trip, research the airport to familiarise yourself with the facilities and services available. Knowing what to expect will help you plan and prepare for your overnight stay. Check for the availability of lounges, WiFi, charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels.

Dress Appropriately

Airports can be cold due to air conditioning, so bring an extra layer or a travel blanket to keep yourself warm. If you're sensitive to light, an eye mask can help block out the bright lights.

Protect Yourself from Insects

Mosquitoes have been known to inhabit certain airport terminals, so bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.

Choose a Safe Spot

Look for a spot that is well-lit and preferably near security or other travellers. This will provide an extra layer of security and deter potential thieves. It's also a good idea to know where the security office is located and be aware of the presence of video cameras in the area.

Secure Your Valuables

Keep your valuables close to you and hidden from plain sight. You can sleep with your bag hugged to your body, with your arms or legs through the straps, so you'll be alerted if someone tries to take it.

Consider Alternative Options

If sleeping in the airport doesn't feel safe or comfortable, consider retiring rooms inside the terminal or hotels located nearby. These options may provide a more restful sleep, especially if you have access to day rooms or hotels with better amenities.

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Airport facilities: food, medical, and currency exchange

Kolkata Airport offers a range of facilities to cater to the needs of travellers. When it comes to food, there are multiple options available. For those who enjoy Indian cuisine, there is the Copper Chimney, which serves delights from the North West Frontier province and Northern India, and Kailaash Parbat, which offers North Indian Chaats. There's also Haldiram's, a popular spot for traditional sweets and savoury 'bhujiya'. If you're craving something more familiar, Pizza Hut, Cookie Man, and Coffee & More are available. For coffee enthusiasts, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf offer a wide variety of coffee and tea options, while The Irish House provides a pub experience with a well-stocked bar and kitchen.

In terms of medical facilities, Kolkata Airport provides round-the-clock medical services at Terminal 2, managed by the AAI and Medica Super Speciality Hospital. There are medical inspection rooms at both the departure and arrival levels, ensuring easy access to medical assistance.

Currency exchange services are also available at Kolkata Airport, although some sources advise against using airport currency exchange counters due to their high rates. These counters often charge higher fees to compensate for their fixed costs, such as rent and salaries. As an alternative, travellers can consider using online platforms or services like BookMyForex, which offer more competitive rates and convenient order processes.

While the airport does not explicitly promote staying overnight on its premises, it does provide facilities that can accommodate travellers with layovers or those requiring an overnight stay. The airport has retiring rooms and dormitories, offering a maximum stay of 24 hours. Additionally, there are day rooms available for those seeking uninterrupted sleep, and nearby hotels provide additional accommodation options.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Kolkata Airport is open 24 hours and travellers are permitted to stay overnight.

Yes, there are retiring rooms and dormitories available within the airport. The Old Terminal has eight furnished retiring rooms, a 10-bed Ladies' Dormitory, and a 24-bed Men's Dormitory. The New Terminal has 12 double rooms. The maximum stay is 24 hours and the rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, there are several hotels located near the airport, including Swissotel, Kings Crown, O2, and Ethnotel.

The terminal can be cold, noisy, and brightly lit, so it is recommended to bring extra layers, travel blankets, earplugs/noise-cancelling earphones, and an eye mask. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables hidden.

Yes, there are 24-hour food options available at the airport. However, one traveller noted that most shops were closed when they arrived at 2 AM.

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