Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Calcutta
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Calcutta
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Calcutta
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Calcutta
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Calcutta, a city brimming with culture and history, offers a unique travel experience. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and venturing beyond the usual tourist spots.
Unrestricted Exploration. Public transport can be limiting. A rental car allows you to discover Calcutta's diverse neighborhoods, historical sites, and cultural hubs without being tied to fixed routes or schedules.
Comfort and Convenience. Navigating Calcutta's bustling streets is much easier with your own vehicle, particularly if you have luggage or are traveling with family. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own space as you move around.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or small groups, renting a car can be more economical than relying on taxis or ride-sharing services, especially for longer trips or multiple destinations.
Before booking a rental car in Calcutta, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. This usually includes being of a minimum age, holding a valid driving license, and understanding the various insurance and deposit policies in place.
Area
206.1 square kilometers (79.6 square miles)
Population
Approximately 4.5 million residents
Time Zone
IST (GMT+5:30)
Ideal for
Flexible Travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Calcutta require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (October to March): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (June to September): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips to nearby regions.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Calcutta is a city steeped in culture and history, best explored with a flexible mode of transport. Understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations is crucial for a smooth experience, especially when venturing beyond the city center.
As the cultural capital of India, Calcutta offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and historical landmarks. While public transport is available, renting a car is a practical option for exploring beyond the city, especially to nearby towns and scenic locations. However, driving within Calcutta requires caution due to congested roads and specific traffic regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Victoria Memorial
A stunning marble building that showcases the city's colonial past.
Howrah Bridge
An iconic cantilever bridge and one of the busiest in the world.
Indian Museum
One of the oldest museums in India, displaying a rich collection of artifacts.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for parking garages in commercial areas and shopping malls for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Designated on-street parking areas are available, but spaces can be limited, especially in busy areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city center and using public transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Calcutta
Major Brands Available
Find fuel stations of major brands like IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum across the city.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are readily available, but it's wise to refuel before embarking on long journeys.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby fuel stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Calcutta
Be Aware of Traffic
Calcutta traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Plan your trips accordingly.
Respect Local Customs
Be mindful of local customs and traditions while driving and interacting with locals.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water with you, especially during the hot summer months.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Factor in extra time for travel due to potential delays from traffic.
Major Bus Stations
Esplanade Bus Terminus
One of the main bus terminuses in the city, connecting to various local and long-distance routes.
Railway Stations
Howrah Junction
One of the busiest railway stations in India, serving numerous long-distance and local trains.
Sealdah Railway Station
Another major railway station connecting Calcutta to various parts of West Bengal.
Kolkata Railway Station
Also known as Chitpur Terminal, serves long-distance trains.
Airports
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Located approximately 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from the city center, serving both domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in India is a relatively straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can get behind the wheel. Here’s what you’ll generally need
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. If your license is not in English, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for younger drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the primary driver’s name is required for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may only accept credit cards for the deposit.
A passport or another form of government-issued identification is generally required, especially for foreign visitors.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Calcutta as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Pretty decent, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Summer in Calcutta was fantastic! Getting around in my own car made everything so convenient, allowing me to fully enjoy the vibrant city and its amazing food.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 05.05.2025
Kolkata's energy was amazing! My whirlwind business trip was surprisingly smooth thanks to having a car. I saw so much more than I expected.
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
I'd heard so much about Calcutta, and it lived up to the hype! Having a car made navigating the city a breeze, allowing me to see so much more than I ever thought possible.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
Pretty good, really.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Pretty alright, yeah.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Pretty decent vibe.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Calcutta was vibrant and exciting! Family vacation was seamless with our rental car.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
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Calcutta exceeded all expectations! Having a car made exploring so easy. I'd heard amazing things, and they were all true.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 16.03.2025