There are a number of hotels within the airport vicinity.

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).

There's a 250-bay car park near each terminal, with both short- and long-term parking facilities. The area is currently being expanded to include underground parking.

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

Train: NSCBI Airport is linked to the Kolkata Suburban Railway system via the junction at nearby Dum Dum, three miles (5km) away. Trains leave for surrounding areas every 10- 15 minutes at peak times and every hour off-peak. There is a station at the airport itself, but as trains run infrequently, it might be quicker and easier to take a taxi to the station at Dum Dum and move on from there. From Dum Dum, you can also catch the underground Kolkata Metro train to surrounding areas.

Taxi: The airport offers a pre-paid car hailing service, whereby metered yellow cabs, Radio cabs, Mega cabs and Kolkata cabs can be availed on your behalf. A trip to the city takes 30- 40 minutes at best and up to two hours in heavy traffic. It'll cost about INR 400 to get into town.

Bus: Air-conditioned Volvo buses travel between the airport and city every 10- 15 minutes from early morning to around 10pm. They also travel to the station at Dum Dum.

+91 (0)33 2511 9977, +91 (0)33 511 8787

Rs. 750 (usually included in ticket price)

Money and communications: There are ATMs and currency exchange facilities at the airport.

Luggage: A baggage wrapping service is available in the international departure area, and there are left luggage offices in both the International and Domestic Terminals.

Conference and business: NSCBI Airport has yet to construct business and conference facilities. However, surrounding hotels offer the full gamut of amenities for the corporate traveller.

Other facilities: The terminal at NSCBI Airport features a standard array of facilities, including a VIP lounge, tourist information centre, first aid room, childcare room and post office.

Wi-Fi: Wi-fi is not yet available, but there is an internet café in the International Terminal.

Information: The staff at NSCBI Airport are generally friendly, although English is not widely spoken. Familiarise yourself with Bengali travel jargon and ensure that you are equipped with a dictionary or phrasebook.

Shopping: Besides duty-free shops and a few gift stores, the airport itself does not feature any noteworthy brand outlets for the serious shopper. However, a shopping mall is being built nearby where the Hotel Ashok once stood.

Food and Drink: NSCBI Airport doesn't have a huge selection of dining establishments. Your best bet is the airport's only restaurant, Haldiram Prabhujior. Otherwise a small selection of cafés offer convenience foods, while tea, coffee and soft drink vending machines are situated throughout the terminal building.

Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official languages

The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are not generally available.

There are three terminals at NSCBI Airport: a Domestic Terminal, an International Terminal and a Cargo Terminal. The passenger terminals, connected by aero-bridges, are within easy walking distance of one another. A fourth terminal, scheduled to be completed in early 2012, will feature two tiers for departures and arrivals, ensuring international travellers with connecting flights will have an easier time of it.