Flying from Edinburgh to Kolkata is a journey that takes you from the historic capital of Scotland to the vibrant cultural heart of eastern India. Here’s everything you need to know before you board your flight and land in Kolkata, including airport locations, flight details, and travel requirements.
Departure: Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Your journey begins at Edinburgh Airport, conveniently located around 8 miles west of the city centre. You can easily get there in about 25 minutes by car or taxi. If you’re using public transport, the Airlink 100 express bus or the tram from Princes Street are both quick and reliable options, with trams running every 7–10 minutes.
Edinburgh Airport offers modern amenities including duty-free shopping, lounges, currency exchange, and plenty of dining choices. When flying internationally, especially long-haul to India, it’s best to arrive at least three hours before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for check-in and security.
Southall Travel partners with major international airlines that operate on this route, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines. These flights are not direct — you'll typically connect via hubs such as Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul. Total journey times can vary between 14 to 20 hours depending on the layover.
Arrival: Kolkata Airport (CCU)
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located about 11 miles northeast of central Kolkata. The airport is modern and efficient, with separate international and domestic terminals, and services like baggage handling, SIM card kiosks, ATMs, and prepaid taxi counters. Immigration and customs are relatively smooth, especially if you’ve completed your e-Visa in advance.
To reach the city from the airport, the nearest train station is Dum Dum Junction, about 4 miles away. However, most travellers opt for app-based rides like Uber or airport taxis, which take around 45–60 minutes to reach central Kolkata depending on traffic.
Travel Requirements and Visa for UK Citizens
UK passport holders need a visa to enter India. The easiest and quickest option is the e-Tourist visa, which must be applied for online before travel. It typically allows stays of up to 30 days and requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, along with a return or onward ticket. Always double-check the latest visa requirements on the official Indian government website before travelling, as policies can change.
Cheap Flights from Edinburgh to Kolkata
Looking to book cheap flights from Edinburgh to Kolkata? Southall Travel offers some of the most competitive fares on the market, helping you save big on your holiday to India. For the best prices, plan and book at least two to three months in advance. You’ll find the lowest fares during shoulder seasons like late spring and early autumn, when demand is lower and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is less crowded.
Direct routes between major UK hubs and Kolkata are limited, but Southall Travel helps you connect efficiently through convenient one-stop itineraries. Whether you’re flying from London Heathrow to Kolkata, Gatwick to Kolkata, or Manchester to Kolkata, flexible travel dates and midweek departures often unlock better deals. Edinburgh to Kolkata routes is also well-served through partner airlines offering smooth transit options without inflated costs.
Avoid peak travel dates like the December holiday rush or summer school breaks to enjoy a quieter journey and better rates. With Southall Travel’s commitment to affordable flights to India, planning your next trip becomes simpler, cheaper, and hassle-free.