Overview
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the capital of West Bengal, is India's cultural and intellectual heart — a city of grand colonial architecture, literary heritage, art, and legendary street food. It is the main gateway to eastern India and a treasured destination for UK travellers, many visiting family and friends and others exploring Bengal's rich history. The city is served by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). Whether it's a first visit or a regular journey home, comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Kolkata quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Kolkata
Kolkata is best in the cooler season. The most comfortable months run from November to February, with mild, dry weather perfect for sightseeing. Summers are hot and humid, and the monsoon brings heavy rain from June to September. The city comes alive during the famous Durga Puja festival in autumn, when demand is high. Fares tend to rise around the winter holidays and festivals, so travelling in the shoulder weeks usually stretches your budget further — see the price charts on this page for your dates.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Kolkata, so UK travellers connect via a hub. Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) and Air India (via Delhi or Mumbai) all serve Kolkata from the UK, with total journey times commonly around twelve to fifteen hours depending on the connection. Travellers from Manchester and other UK cities connect through these same hubs. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Kolkata
Kolkata rewards curious travellers with history, art and atmosphere:
- Victoria Memorial: a magnificent white-marble monument set in landscaped gardens.
- Howrah Bridge: the iconic cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly river.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple: a revered riverside temple complex.
- Indian Museum: the oldest and largest museum in India, rich in antiquities and art.
- Park Street: the city's buzzing hub of restaurants, cafes and nightlife.
At Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Kolkata's airport lies about 15 km north-east of the city centre and offers duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and dining. Prepaid taxis, app-based ride-hailing and airport buses connect to the city; allow extra time for the transfer as traffic can be heavy.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kolkata
- Book roughly 6–10 weeks ahead — last-minute fares to Kolkata are usually higher.
- Avoid the winter holiday and Durga Puja peaks; the shoulder weeks bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare one-stop routes via the Gulf, Delhi or Singapore; the right connection can save a good deal.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers need a visa for India — most apply online through the convenient e-Visa system before departure.
- The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR).
- Kolkata is 4.5 hours ahead of the UK, so allow a little time to adjust to the time difference.
