Local Transport in Kolkata
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system.
Overview
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system.
Transport Options
By taxi or cab
Taxis and cabs are a popular mode of transport in Kolkata. Both are easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory.
By taxi or cab
Taxis and cabs are a popular mode of transport in Kolkata. Both are easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. The usual way to call such vehicles is to hail one on the street.
- •Taxis and cabs are a popular mode of transport in Kolkata.
- •The yellow cabs, also called heritage cabs, are one of the most popular vehicles for hire in Kolkata.
- •The white taxis are air conditioned, and there is a 25% extra charge for turning the air-conditioner on.
By metro
The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. As of 2025, five lines are operational and more are under construction.
By metro
The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. As of 2025, five lines are operational and more are under construction. The four-seat sections at each end of a coach are reserved for senior citizens and the physically challenged.
- •The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer.
- •The four-seat sections at each end of a coach are reserved for senior citizens and the physically challenged.
By tram
Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India and the oldest surviving electric tram network in Asia. Though decommissioned in some parts of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city.
By tram
Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India and the oldest surviving electric tram network in Asia. Though decommissioned in some parts of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city.
- •Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India and the oldest surviving electric tram network in Asia.
By train
Most daily commuters to Kolkata rely upon the electrified suburban rail network of the Eastern Railway (ER), commonly referred to as "local trains". The network is extensive and includes the Kolkata Circular Rail or chakra rail.
By train
Most daily commuters to Kolkata rely upon the electrified suburban rail network of the Eastern Railway (ER), commonly referred to as "local trains". The network is extensive and includes the Kolkata Circular Rail or chakra rail. Depending on the route, local trains can be extremely crowded.
- •Most daily commuters to Kolkata rely upon the electrified suburban rail network of the Eastern Railway (ER), commonly referred to as "local trains".
By bus
The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport. The routes are written all over the colourful buses in Bengali and also in English.
By bus
The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport. The routes are written all over the colourful buses in Bengali and also in English.
- •The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport.
- •Esplanade is a major bus terminus in Kolkata.
- •Among the buses that ply the city streets, the deluxe buses run by JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) and WBTC (West Bengal Transport Corporation) are probably the better option.
By rickshaw
There are four types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human-pulled rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and electric rickshaws. Rickshaws pulled by men are a common sight in Kolkata and they are mainly found in some old localities of Kolkata.
By rickshaw
There are four types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human-pulled rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and electric rickshaws. Rickshaws pulled by men are a common sight in Kolkata and they are mainly found in some old localities of Kolkata. These rickshaws usually operate over short distances and mainly run on narrow lanes and they are not allowed to ply over main roads.
- •There are four types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human-pulled rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and electric rickshaws.
- •Rickshaws pulled by men are a common sight in Kolkata and they are mainly found in some old localities of Kolkata.
- •Cycle rickshaws are the most convenient mean of transport in Kolkata.
Practical Tips
- •Taxis and cabs are a popular mode of transport in Kolkata.
- •The yellow cabs, also called heritage cabs, are one of the most popular vehicles for hire in Kolkata.
- •The white taxis are air conditioned, and there is a 25% extra charge for turning the air-conditioner on.
- •The app cabs are online ride-hailing services, and these are easily available (round-the-clock), reasonably priced and comfortable.
- •However, taxi and cab drivers sometimes refuse to go to some remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passengers while returning.
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