Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

Layover Guide

Making the most of your stopover at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.

Your CCU Layover at a Glance

City AccessAccessible
Minimum layover for city6 hours

Best use of a long layover

With a valid visa, a taxi or the new metro line reaches central Kolkata in around 45 minutes; the Victoria Memorial and the colonial-era architecture around BBD Bagh are the classic stops, though the return trip plus re-clearing security means you'll want a genuinely long layover.

Inside the airport

The Air India Lounge or Travel Club Lounge in Terminal 1 are the main sit-down options airside; otherwise there are standard terminal cafés and shops.

Airport-area hotels operate within a short drive of the terminal, useful for a long overnight connection or for travelers without a visa who can't leave for the city.

India does not offer general visa-free leisure transit for most nationalities — you need a valid e-Visa or visa arranged before arrival to leave the airport. A limited Transit Without Visa (TWOV) allowance exists for some nationalities with a confirmed onward connection within a set time, but it must be arranged with your airline in advance and isn't a walk-up option — don't assume you can leave without checking first.
Transit visa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate of India before travel.

Layover Duration Guide

Under 3 hrs
Stay Airside

Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.

3 – 6 hrs
Airport Exploration

Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.

6 – 12 hrs
Quick City Visit

Enough time to visit Kolkata city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.

12 hrs+
Overnight Stay

Book a nearby hotel. You can explore Kolkata properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.

Hotels Near CCU

Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.

Recommended · Hotels
Find Hotels Near CCU

Airport hotels, transit stays and Kolkata city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.

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City Tours from CCU

Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.

Recommended · Tours
Kolkata Layover Tours

Half-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of Kolkata without missing your connection.

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Practical Tips for Your CCU Layover

Use left-luggage storage at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport if you plan to leave the terminal — most airports offer coin lockers or staffed storage near arrivals.
Get a India eSIM before your layover so you have data for maps and translation the moment you land.
Download offline maps for Kolkata in advance — useful if you leave the terminal and connectivity is patchy.
Always allow at least 3 hours buffer before your next departure when leaving the airport — immigration queues are unpredictable.
Check your next airline's check-in deadline. Some require you to be at the gate 45–60 minutes before departure.
Recommended · eSIM
Stay Connected in India

Activate a India eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.

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