India

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

Location

The airport is located 17km (11 miles), or 60 minutes drive, from the city centre

Getting to the city

Transport from the airport includes trains, taxis and buses. All modes of transport are easily accessible from the terminals.

Time

Local time is UTC/GMT +5.5 hours

Car rental

A few car rental companies, including Avis, Europcar, and some local companies, have desks in the international arrivals hall.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available at the airport. Taking the metro to the airport requires that you take a taxi to cover the final 3 miles (about 5km).

Facilities

Airport facilities include ATMs and currency exchange offices, baggage wrapping services, a VIP lounge, tourist information centre, first aid room, childcare room and a post office. There are limited duty-free shops and a few gift stores, and some dining establishments. A small selection of cafés offer convenience foods, while tea, coffee and soft drink vending machines are situated throughout the terminal building.

Parking

There is plenty of parking available in the 3,000 underground spaces and 2,000 outdoor parking spaces.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Location

The airport is located 10 miles (16km) south-west of New Delhi city centre.

Getting to the city

The airport express Delhi Metro line connects the airport to central New Delhi. It operates from Terminal 3 between 5am and 11pm. Trains run at 20-minute intervals. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses run every 30 minutes between the airport and central Delhi's Interstate Bus Terminal and Connaught Place. The buses can be found at the 'staging area' near Terminal 3 and opposite the Centaur Hotel. The free DIAL shuttle runs between the staging area and the terminal every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day. Bus fares from the airport vary, depending on your destination. Concessions are available for parents buying tickets for their children.

Time

Local time is GMT +5.5.

Car rental

Carzonrent is located just after the customs area in the arrivals section of Terminal 3.

Airport Taxis

Metered taxis are available at the airport but it is best to use pre-paid taxis. The airport has a relationship with three Cab operators, Meru Cabs, Mega Cabs and Easy Cabs. Approved fares for various locations are displayed at the taxi counters located inside the Arrivals halls. Pick-up points are just outside the terminals. Travel time to the city is about 30 minutes.

Facilities

Airport facilities include banks, ATMs and currency exchange; public telephones and a post office; baggage wrapping and storage; conference facilities and VIP lounges; complementary strollers, a kids play area and baby changing rooms; foot massages, a smoking area, shower facilities, prayer room, drinking water fountains, medical facilities and a pharmacy. There are also sleeping pods available at an hourly fee, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Parking

Parking garages are just 300 feet (100m) from Terminal 1, and there is a multi-level car park attached to the International Terminal.

Website www.newdelhiairport.in

Terminal transfer shuttles connect Terminal 3 (international) and Terminal 1 (domestic). The shuttles are free and run every 20 minutes. Some domestic airlines operate from Terminal 3 (international) so it's best to check with your airline before mistakenly transferring terminals.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)

Location

The airport is located 18 miles (29km) north of Mumbai.

Getting to the city

Taxis are the only direct transport from the airport to the city. Make sure to take a government licensed taxi with a fare conversion chart as unlicensed taxis are known to overcharge travellers. The Mumbai Suburban Railway Network consists of three lines, namely the Western, Central Main, and the Harbour Lines; all of which connect to various parts of the city. The closest station to Terminal 1 (Vile Parle), is located in Santa Cruz, while the nearest station to Terminal 2 (Andheri) is located in Sahar. Both may be reached via a quick bus or taxi trip from the airport. Buses also travel between the airport and the nearby railway stations of Vile Parle and Andheri. Auto Rickshaws are also available for transfers to public transport.

Time

GMT +5.5

Car rental

Car hire, with or without a driver, can be arranged in the Arrivals terminal. Passengers are strongly advised not to try drive themselves around Mumbai.

Airport Taxis

Pre-paid taxis are available outside Arrivals, at both terminals. The journey time is approximately one hour to the city centre of Mumbai.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange and a post office, left luggage services, executive lounges and a business centre, tourist information counters, duty-free shopping, childcare rooms, medical facilities, a prayer room and a smoking lounge. A variety of restaurants and fast food outlets are available.

Parking

CSIA has a car parking facility at both domestic and international terminals. Parking starts at about INR 150 for the first half hour and goes up to INR 1200 for a 24 hour period.

Website www.csia.in

The two terminals are connected by a free bus service which takes 10-15 minutes.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

Location

The airport is located around 23 miles (37km) from central Bangalore.

Getting to the city

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) offers a shuttle service called 'VayuVajra' which operates 24 hours a day. The most current BMTC fares, routes and schedules are displayed in the arrivals hall just before the exit.

Time

Local time is GMT +5.5

Car rental

Driving on the often-chaotic roads of India is not recommended and it is better to rent a car with a driver who knows the roads and the rules of the road. Rental operators are located in the arrivals part of the airport. Operators at the airport include WTi cabs and Carzonrent.

Airport Taxis

The official airport taxis are operated by Mega Cabs, Karmataka Taxi and Meru Cabs. The 23 mile (37km) drive into central Bengaluru can take anything from 30 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. Air conditioned taxis charge higher rates, and there is a 10 percent charge for night fares between midnight and 6am; non air conditioned taxis are cheaper.

Facilities

ATMs and currency exchange facilities are available. Porters are available for hire. Airline lounges have a range of facilities and services. Passengers travelling with infants can also make use of the baby care rooms. There is a duty free shop and a number of other shops as well as a varied assortment of eating options and bars.

Parking

Parking in P2, the Budget Parking lot, is INR 100 for any period of time within the first two hours, and INR 50 per any additional two hours thereafter, up to INR 500 for the first day and INR 300 per day thereafter. P3 Premium Parking cost INR 100 for the first hour and INR 50 per each additional hour. P1 is reserved for two wheel vehicles.

Website www.bengaluruairport.com

Kochi International Airport (Formerly Cochin) (COK)

Location

15 miles (25km) north of Nedumbassery. The drive takes from 45mins to an hour.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available outside the main terminal and there are pre-paid taxi desks in the arrivals halls of both terminals. The KSRTC bus stops outside the departures terminal and buses go to a number of areas throughout Kerala. There is no train station at the airport, however the railway line from Kanyakumari to Delhi is adjacent to the airport between Alwaye and Angamaly Railway Stations.

Time

+5.5.

Airport Taxis

Metered taxis are available outside Arrivals for both terminals. Cochin International Airport offers pre-paid taxis through kiosks found inside both the Domestic and International Terminals, these need to be paid in cash.

Facilities

A 24hr ATM can be found in the car park opposite both terminals. Wi-fi is available throughout the terminal but access to an Indian mobile telephone number is needed in order to register for the service. There are a number of restaurants and snack bars as well as book shops, curio stalls and a money exchange facility.

Parking

Car parking facilities are available opposite the terminals.

Website www.cochin-airport.in

Terminals are located within walking distance of each other.

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)

Location

3.7 miles (6km) from Thiruvananthapuram

Getting to the city

Train: There is no train or subway service to Trivandrum Airport. There are train connections in Thiruvananthapuram to other cities in India.

Bus: There is a city bus service from Trivandrum into Thiruvananthapuram. KSRTC Bus No. 14 runs from outside the International Terminal to the city bus terminal at East Fort, near the Padmanabhaswamy temple. The trip takes about half an hour. KSRTC buses run to other cities fairly regularly as well, but with no real timetable.

Several hotels in the Thiruvananthapuram area offer private shuttles for guests, including Hotel Pankaj, Leela Kempinski, Taj Green Cove, Hotel Uday Samudra, and Hotel Samundra.

Taxi: There is a prepaid taxi desk in the baggage claim area with fares listed to various destinations. To get the advertised fare, collect a coupon from the desk and give it to the driver along with your money. The prices listed are for non-air-conditioned cabs; air-conditioned taxis will cost about 50% more.

Time

GMT +5.5

Car rental

There are no internationally-recognised companies that have car hire offices at Trivandrum, but there are many local companies represented. Most companies provide a driver with the car as driving in India is notoriously difficult and unpleasant. In order to rent a car, you will need to provide your local driver's licence along with your International Drivers' Permit.

Airport Taxis

There are taxis available outside the airport terminal.

Facilities

Money and communications: Bank, currency exchange, post office, and internet kiosks.

Luggage: There is a lost and found office in International Terminal, and free baggage trolleys are available for use in the airport. Conference and business: There are no business or conference facilities at Trivandrum, but there is internet available in the International Terminal, which has a Business Class lounge. Other facilities: Amenities at Trivandrum include medical facilities, dormitories, wheelchairs, child care facilities, phone-charging points, and free local calls.

Wi-Fi: No reliable information on wi-fi access is available.

Information: There are information desks located in all three terminals.

Shopping: There is duty-free shopping in the International Terminal with the usual selection of alcohol, cigarettes and perfume. Other shopping opportunities are slim but you can find books, small gifts and souvenirs and mobile phones in both terminals.

Food and Drink: There are a couple of nondescript restaurants and cafes in each terminal, and kiosks selling snacks and soft drinks.

Parking

Parking at Trivandrum Airport costs INR 60 for up to four hours. Long-term parking is also available.

Website airportsindia.org.in

The terminals are close enough together for you to walk from one to the other.

Dabolim Goa International Airport (GOI)

Location

The airport is located 18 miles (about 29km) southwest of Panaji

Getting to the city

Train: The airport has a train station 1km from the terminals. The Indian Rail line goes to Margoa, about 45 minutes away, as well as to Vasco da Gama, about 2 miles (4km) from the airport.

Bus: There are public buses that leave from just outside the airport terminal every half hour. They go to Panjim, Mapusa, Ponda and Margoa. Public buses also go to the nearby city of Vasco da Gama. There is also a stop at the closer Chicalim bus stop, about 0.93 miles (1.5km) from the airport.

Taxi: Pre-paid taxis are available outside the terminal building.

Time

Local time is GMT +5.5.

Car rental

Although it is not recommended that you do so, you can hire cars through local operator Savaari, which has pick-up points outside both the domestic and international terminals, as well as the railway station.

Airport Taxis

Taxis available outside the arrivals area.

Facilities

Money and communications: Currency exchange services are available, although you might find better rates elsewhere.

Luggage: Complimentary luggage trolleys are available throughout the airport. A baggage wrapping machine is located in international departures.

Conference and business: No business facilities are available at this airport.

Other facilities: There is a first aid centre at the airport, and a child-care facility is currently under construction.

Wi-Fi: Wi-fi is available via Tata Indicom.

Information: An information desk with details on local tourism and transport options is located in the international arrivals hall.

Shopping: Shopping at the airport is very limited, but a small selection is available. Between Goa Handicraft Emporium and Peals & Leather Garments there is a fair selection of Goan mementos available from the domestic terminal, and the TR store has some local fashions in the international departures, in addition to the duty free.

Food and Drink: Best not to arrive too hungry at Goa International Airport, as options are limited once you've gone through security. There is a small snack bar in international departures, and the odd vending machine. If you haven't yet gone through security, an airport restaurant is located outside domestic arrivals.

Parking

Goa airport has capacity for 350 cars and 10 coaches. Parking is charged at INR 60 for up to four hours, and INR 360 per day.

Website aai.aero/allAirports/goa_generalinfo.jsp

There are two terminals adjacent to each other, and which you can get between on foot.

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ)

Location

6.8 miles (11km) northwest of Amritsar

Getting to the city

Getting to Amritsar from the airport is easiest by taxis, which are readily available from the city side of the Arrivals area. The nearest bus station is 8 miles (13km) from the airport, and there is no bus service from the airport. There is a free shuttle to the Golden Temple, and many hotels in the area operate airport shuttle services.

Time

GMT +5.5

Car rental

Several companies operate car rental facilities at Amritsar Airport. Note that travellers are strongly advised against driving themselves around India.

Airport Taxis

Metered taxis are available outside the arrivals area.

Facilities

Airport facilities include duty-free shopping, medical facility, lost and found, telephones, currency exchange, and a restaurant and snack bar.

Parking

There is a general car park with a capacity of 500 cars. Rates are Rs 60 for four hours.

Website aai.aero/allAirports/amritsar_passengerinfo.jsp

Chennai Madras (Meenambakkam) International Airport (MAA)

Location

The airport is located 4.3 miles (7km) south of Chennais city centre

Getting to the city

There are many options for transfer from the airport, including taxis, auto-rickshaw, bus and train.

Time

GMT +5.5

Car rental

Car rentals are provided by Avis, Hertz and Budget. You'll find their desks in the arrivals area. You will need an International Drivers' Permit to rent a car - but it really, really isn't recommended, especially if you've never driven in India before.

Airport Taxis

Always use prepaid taxis to get into the city from the airport; it's the safest way to ensure that you reach your destination without being overcharged. Numerous taxi companies have counters in the arrivals section of Chennai International Airport. Aviation Express have the best reputation, and sometimes offer a choice of vehicles. Visitors must ensure that they have small notes or coins for a tip.

Facilities

Airport facilities include ATMs, as well as currency exchange offices, a lost and found office, a Communication Centre located offering internet browsing, video phones and conferencing facilities. Other facilities include airline lounges, medical facilities, a duty-free shop, a few snack kiosks and vending machines, as well as basic access and facilities for disabled passengers.

Parking

There is short- and long-stay parking available for 500 cars and buses at Chennai International Airport. The parking lot is located right outside the terminal buildings.

Website www.chennaiairport.com

Chennai International Airport is comprised of Anna International Terminal (AIT), Kamaraj Domestic Terminal (KDT), and a cargo terminal. A link building connects the international and domestic terminals, while different areas of the terminals are accessible via aerobridges and pedestrian walkways.

Ahmedabad Airport (AMD)

Location

The airport is located in Hansol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Parking

There are parking facilities at both terminals.

Website www.ahmedabadairport.com/

Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)

Location

The airport is located 19 miles (25km) from Hyderabad city centre.

Getting to the city

Pushpak offers a comfortable, air conditioned bus service to and from a number of destinations within Hyderabad; a one-way ticket into the city costs about INR 200, but the price varies according to destination. There is also a bus service to other destinations operated by APSRTC. See the airport website for more detail and exact fares.

Time

GMT +5.30

Car rental

Carzonrent and One Car rental services operate from the airport.

Airport Taxis

Meru and Sky radio taxis are available at the airport. They are air conditioned and metered. Surcharges will be charged at night.

Facilities

The airport offers a prayer room, smoking areas, medical facilities, a lost and found, baggage wrapping services, and shower facilities. There are also many places to eat, drink and shop, including a duty-free section.

Parking

There is space for more than 3,000 vehicles in different zones. Prices range from about INR 50 for the first half hour, to INR 300 for 24 hours. There are long-term parking facilities available.

Website www.hyderabad.aero