Kolkata is a busy hub providing flights to other Asian cities as well as Europe and North America. Indian Airlines connects Kolkata International Airport with all the major hubs within India as well as many others around the world. Known as Subhas Chandra Basu, Kolkata’s airport is located approximately 17kms to the northeast of the city. Among the leading carriers serving the airport are Air India, Bangladesh Biman, Burma Airways and Thai International.

Indian Airlines services the majority of domestic routes from Kolkata Airport to nearly 30 hubs within India. Among these are: Agartala, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Lilabari, Shillong and many more. The city is connected to further international destinations by a number of carriers and reaches Rome, London, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as New York and Moscow.

A regular bus service is run to the airport from the Indian Airlines office and stops at the city’s major hotels for pickups en-route. Taxi, however is probably the most reliable form of transportation and is still wonderfully cheap. Taxis can be hailed across town and from the arrivals terminal outside the airport.

Regular bus services are available between the city and a number of destinations in Bengal. Train services are generally more efficient but be warned that the stations themselves can often be frenetic and a favourite hang out spot for pickpockets. Boat services run from the city’s port to the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

The rail lines running through Kolkata connect the city with many of the country’s major cities. Two main lines run from the city’s main stations known as Howrah and Sealdah. Train routes from a number of neighbouring countries are available to Kolkata. Travelling by train can often be one of the best means of taking in large land masses of a country while sitting in comfort.

The most common routes run from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh to a number of border crossings near Kolkata. The majority of journeys will also involve a bus ride either to the border or after crossing. For information on train routes and timetables the best option is to contact the local station at your destination

More and more travellers with a keen sense of adventure choose to travel to Kolkata by car across land. The main border crossing nearest to the city is Birganj. Although this mode of transport is generally quite safe, remember to take the usual precautions and allow sufficient time for rest along the way.

Once you have arrived in Kolkata there are number of options for getting around the city. The metro system, one of the most modern in the world, runs throughout the city and offers transport across various lines. Lines run from the city centre both north and south and visitors often catch a ride to Dum Dum, the city’s international airport.

Ferry travel is also another novel and enjoyable way of avoiding tiresome traffic jams, especially those along the Howrah Bridge. Ferries run from Howrah to Armenian Ghat from 08:00 to 20:00, every 15 minutes; from Howrah to Fairlie Place from 08:00 to 20:00, every 10 minutes; from Howrah to Chandpal from 07:30 to 20:00, every 15 minutes; and from Howrah to Bagbazar from 08:00 to 20:00, every 15 minutes.

The bus infrastructure around India is pretty well organised and run, and Kolkata is no different. There are many different bus types and services running both in and around the city and on long distances across the country. Most services reserve a certain number of seats for women and elderly passengers, while tickets are usually purchased from a conductor after boarding.

Kolkata State Transport Corporation is the main bus service provider within the city. The most common routes, starting from a number of destinations, reach Rampurhat, Berhampore, Digha and Namkhana to name just a few and stop off at many more sites along the way. Esplanade is the main booking centre and terminal for long distance bus journeys and information can be found at the information desk at the station, by calling, or from local travel agents.

Taxis are found all across the city and can be caught simply by waving your hand. This does not always ensure that you will be picked up and often you may have to wait before you are taken to your destination. Another problem with Kolkata taxis are the metering measures. Many taxis have old meters and confusing systems. Drivers carrying a meter conversion chart onboard are probably more reliable than those who don’t.

One of the most novel and fun ways to sit back and take in the city’s cultural sites is to catch an auto-rickshaw. Three-wheeled, black-and-yellow rickshaws can be found all over the city, waiting on street corners to pick up interested customers. Often drivers will not only be able to take you the city’s hot spots but they will also be able to give you information about the sites in English. The bicycle rickshaw is the auto-rickshaw’s less modern, slower and much more charming brother. Often little old men will pick you up along one of the city’s back alleys and transport you a short distance at a leisurely pace.

Car rental is probably one of the least appealing methods of travel in India. Unless you are really brave and willing to spend a lot of your holiday acclimatising to the Indian road system or lack thereof, while sitting for long periods in traffic, then driving should be left to a native expert. There are a number of both local and international companies that offer car rental services at the airport and in the city. Most car rentals include a driver in the price.