Kolkota transport options

Airlines

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport at Dum Dum, is the international and domestic airport of Calcutta, and is located at around 16 km from the heart of the city. The Dumdum metro station is about 5 kms from the airport. Recently a new train line connection with a station adjacent to the airport has been started operating. Taxi-cab is the popular mode of communicating to and from the city. Check Airlines timing

Train

There are two major train stations in the city: Howrah and Sealdah. Recently, some long distance trains are starting from Biddhannagar and other stations too. Howrah station is located on the other side of river Hoogly. Local trains spanning through a network of around 100 kilometres carry millions of commuters every day to and from the city. See train routes

METRO (undergound railway)

India's first underground railway connects between southern and northern part of the city (between Tollygunge and Dumdum ). The track passes through the heart of the city. Some stations are well decorated with art works based on themes related to local area.  Check list of metro stations.

BUS

The most widely used mode of transportation between suburbs and the main city. Buses come in different types, like, CSTC (Calcutta State Transport Corporation) Govt. buses, privately owned bus routes (majority of the buses are privately owned), mini buses, specials, limited stops, express service etc. Fares start from Rs.4 ( as of 2005 Jan, the fare changes frequently) . Some special buses' fare start from Rs.5/6 . Most buses have two doors, some have one. All buses have some seats reserved for ladies and elderly people (senior citizens). In most of the cases, ticket collector (conductor) collects the ticket after boarding.  Check different local bus routes. Long distance buses are available from Esplanade and Howrah. Some long distance buses have luxury elements like video displays, sleep berth etc.

Trams

Though decommissioned in some part of the city, electric trams (runs on track) are still one of the means of traveling between places within the city. They move slow on the laid tracks in traffic jammed streets, but they are environment friendly (no emission). Check list of tram routes

Taxi (cab)

There are plenty of them through out the city. Prepaid taxis are available from Airport and Howrah train stations. Taxi fares are confusing as the taxis are equipped with different kinds of meters. Some have old meters where the fare is usually 200-300% on the top of the metered price. Taxis with new electronic meters have less confusion, but usually 150% of the amount displayed is payable. Whatever it is, the passenger can ask for a rate conversion chart which displays the conversion list between metered amount and the payable amount.

Auto Rickshaws

These three wheeled vehicles runs between short distances and are available through out the city mostly in suburban area. Most of them have designated routes and need a minimum number of 4 or 5 passengers to start. But they are flexible. Being smaller in size compared to other vehicles, sometimes they are able to move faster in the crowded city streets.

Rickshaws

Bicycle Pedalled Rickshaw Three wheeled vehicle with bicycle pedals. Mostly run between short distances in narrow lanes and streets. Can accommodate two passengers, but usually allow kids. Manual Pull Ricksaw T wo wheeled cart pulled by one man. Mostly used for very short distance. Has been banned in the city. Hard to find these days. Cycle Van Rickshaw W idely available in rural and suburbs. Used for carrying goods as well.

Ferry Boats

Very popular among daily commuters who had to cross the river. It is a nice way to avoid infamous traffic jam on Howrah Bridge. The fare is between Rs. 2.00-5.00 and it takes around 15-20 minutes.

 

 

METRO RAILWAY:

Cauvery Emporium stall at the Great Mall

Kolkata�s pride,� the Metro railway, is the most efficient mode of transportation. It usually runs on schedule, is fast, clean and pollution-free. Fare charts are displayed at the ticket counters. On weekdays, the Metro starts at 7 am and the last train leaves at 9:20pm. On Sundays, it operates between 2:45pm and 9:20pm. Frequency of the trains varies between eight minutes from 9am to 11am to 15 minutes during the rest of the day. The disadvantage of the Metro is that the route is somewhat limited, and the service is not 24 hours.

BUSES: The people of Kolkata are extremely friendly and generous with directions. The best way to travel by bus is to ask your host or hotel to tell you the bus number/route to your destination. The fares are minimal and the conductors honest and reliable. In case of doubt, don�t hesitate to ask your fellow passengers for help. However, be careful with your belongings, as an outsider in a crowded bus could be an invitation to pickpockets. Avoid rush hours if you can help it.

TAXIS: Kolkata has a huge fleet of black and yellow taxis, most of which are Ambassadors. They run on a meter, but often the meters are outdated and calculations become complicated. The lowest rate is Rs 20. The best thing to do is ask for a tariff conversion card and pay according to that. Please ensure that the meter is flagged down at the beginning of the journey. Drivers charge a bit extra (between Rs 10-20) between 10 pm and 6 am. You are not expected to tip the cabbie.

TRAMS:

Customers at Amarsons

Kolkata is the only Indian city where trams ply. They are a leisurely way of seeing certain parts of the city, since they run only on specific routes. You should try and get a window seat and watch the city go by, as trams are less crowded than buses and much cheaper than taxis. It�s a comfortable way of travelling. Fare charts are displayed inside the trams. Wait for the conductor to come and ask you for the fare.

AUTORICKSHAWS:

Kaatz Jewellery

Autorickshaws here do not run on meters like they do in other cities. Autos, as they are called, are allowed to ply only on certain fixed routes. In keeping with the spirit of the city, 5-6 people usually share an auto, as it�s economical for the passengers and viable for the driver/owner. The rate for a certain route is fixed by the association; ask the driver about the rate before you get in.

TIPPING: This is just an indication. In restaurants and hotels, tips are pooled and shared by all working staff. Be generous as most people run their lives more on tips rather than the salaries. When in doubt, 10 per cent will do nicely.

Fancy restaurants: 10%; Not-so-fancy restaurants � 10% (max: Rs 50); Cafes � Rs 10/-

Hotel staff: Depends on how happy you are with their services.

Drivers: If you have hired a driver for a day, it is usual to provide his lunch and/or dinner. The standard rate is Rs 30 per meal and the driver is usually given a tip of around Rs 50 at the end of the day.

BARGAINING: Streetside vendors expect you to bargain. Even in some shops, you can ask for a discount as most of the times the shopkeepers expect it and gladly oblige.

RETURNS/EXCHANGES: In Kolkata, as in the rest of India, there is no concept of returning goods once bought. However, goods can be exchanged for an amount either equivalent to your old bill or more, but never less. Do retain your purchase bill. Some shops have specific hours for exchange, so if you have any doubt about a product, ask the shopkeeper about their exchange policy at the time of purchase.

PHONES: Carry a lot of Re 1 coins for pay phones or look for ISD/STD/PCO signs. Here you pay as per the computer printout. However if you are making a local call from such booths then the usual rate is Rs 1.50 per call or Rs 2 per call.

DRESS: Informal loose clothing, like jeans or skirts and you will be comfortable. Skimpily or conspicuously dressed visitors (no matter how regular by Western standards) will be stared at. If you are invited to a Bengali home or to eat out in the evening, smart casual clothes or saris or salwaar kameez will do. However, if you are visiting one of the elite clubs of Kolkata, ask your host the dress code. Suits are the norm at business meetings.

ETIQUETTE: The people of Kolkata are very informal, mostly curious and like talking to visitors. While visiting people at home, you may have to take off your shoes before entering. A pile of shoes at the side of the door is a good indication. Footwear should never be worn in places of worship like temples, mosques and gurudwaras.

INVITATIONS: Most dinners start by 8.30 pm, and lunch by 1 pm. If someone invites you to a club or a restaurant, they are usually punctual. You should be punctual for business dinners and weddings. Wine, which is expensive, is not always drunk but most people drink spirits or beer until dinner is served. Dinner also indicates the end of the party, so it isn�t impolite to eat and run.

EATING OUT: Most bars and restaurants close by 11 pm (last orders 10:30pm). However, some restaurants remain open till midnight. Eating and drinking after the closing time is best in a 24-hour coffee shop at a five-star hotel.

HEALTH: Drink only mineral water or aerated drinks from sealed bottles. Toilet paper is not always available, so it is advisable to carry a roll.

BEGGARS: Instead of giving them money, give them edibles like cookies, bananas or sweets.

CRIME: While travelling in the city never carry too much cash or valuables/passports etc; they are safest at the hotel safe. Please keep a photocopy of your passport, travellers� cheques and other important documents at your room. Be sensible, don�t flash wads of notes or leave handbags unsupervised. If lost, ask around.



ONE LAST WORD OF ADVICE: Enjoy our city and expect surpises. After all, what is a journey without them!