Info required : Taxi at early hours in Kolkata to Airport

avidtrekker_del · Jun 2nd, 2009, 13:50

Hi Friends,

I would be in Kolkata on 11 June and tentatively staying in Ballygunj Area/YMCA. I need to catch early morning flight next day for Port Blair (departs at 0530 hours) and threfore, need to be at airport around 0400 hours (I guess, you may correct me)

Guide me, what is the best and safe option to reach at airport on time. Are taxies available at such hours? Or should I look for some accommodation at/near airport itself. I have family & luggage at that time.

Waiting for your suggestions !
rk

RPG · Jun 2nd, 2009, 14:07

Kolkata does not have a standardized way to book cabs in advance or call them by phone, unless the radio taxi company that was going to start up (blue cabs?) did start up.

There are often cabs at/near major intersections, with the drivers sleeping stretched out on the seat. They are happy to be woken for a trip to the airport, but they'll want a higher than usual price at that hour.

To be safe, though, arrange something in advance from a travel agent or car rental service. The YMCA desk should know. Make sure they give you the mobile number of the driver at the time of booking.

avidtrekker_del · Jun 2nd, 2009, 14:29

Thanks a lot !!

theyyamdancer · Jun 2nd, 2009, 14:51

Hi Avid, this thread might help you:

Newly Introduced Radio Taxi in Kolkata.

avidtrekker_del · Jun 2nd, 2009, 15:20

Now with your confirmation of Radio Cab availablity in Kolkata, I have one less worry !!

Thanks buddy !!

apurba1982 · Jun 2nd, 2009, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by avidtrekker_del

Now with your confirmation of Radio Cab availablity in Kolkata, I have one less worry !!

Thanks buddy !!

I am afraid that radio taxis in Kolkata are very less in Number and they are not very much reliable as they have not come up very much extensively till now.I think you should go with RPG's advice.

indracal · Jun 2nd, 2009, 21:06

The RadioTaxi (KolkataCab) is an ORIX group venture (IL&FS Infra group). Their contact number is +91.33.44.22.22.22.

I had taken their service twice, it was great the first time, and not good the 2nd time.

When you call them and book the cab by giving the details like pickup and drop points, your contact number etc, ensure to verify the rates. The night rates are INR 18/km, which I guess is from 10PM - 6AM.

So in OPs case, he would be under the higher tariff.

Typically they send an SMS to your mobile number (your contact number should preferably be a mobile) before 30-40 minutes of your pickup.

In case you want to pay by card, you have to provide your card number and expiry date details while booking. While releasing the vehicle, you need to call them again to have your card charged for the exact fare.

My first booking was early morning on a weekday, no issues, very much in time, driver was good.

Second booking was a Sunday, during regular hours (10 AM), the vehicle was delayed by 45 mins, though the driver was very courteous (doesn't help though if you are to catch a flight

).

Taxi at 4 AM in Kolkata would not be an issue around places with hospitals etc. Not sure about Ballygunj area, any local should comment.

Jun 2nd, 2009, 13:50	#1
avidtrekker_del Explore Nature - Enjoy Nature - Trek Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Delhi, India Posts: 73	Info required : Taxi at early hours in Kolkata to Airport Hi Friends, I would be in Kolkata on 11 June and tentatively staying in Ballygunj Area/YMCA. I need to catch early morning flight next day for Port Blair (departs at 0530 hours) and threfore, need to be at airport around 0400 hours (I guess, you may correct me) Guide me, what is the best and safe option to reach at airport on time. Are taxies available at such hours? Or should I look for some accommodation at/near airport itself. I have family & luggage at that time. Waiting for your suggestions ! rk __________________ Life is a Journey ! Spice it with Adventure !!

Jun 2nd, 2009, 14:51	#4
theyyamdancer lost in Mechuka member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 4,426	Hi Avid, this thread might help you: Newly Introduced Radio Taxi in Kolkata. __________________ "Wandering seemed no more than the happiness of an anxious man." - Albert Camus

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Jun 2nd, 2009, 14:07	#2
RPG Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Timbuktu Posts: 382	Kolkata does not have a standardized way to book cabs in advance or call them by phone, unless the radio taxi company that was going to start up (blue cabs?) did start up. There are often cabs at/near major intersections, with the drivers sleeping stretched out on the seat. They are happy to be woken for a trip to the airport, but they'll want a higher than usual price at that hour. To be safe, though, arrange something in advance from a travel agent or car rental service. The YMCA desk should know. Make sure they give you the mobile number of the driver at the time of booking.

Jun 2nd, 2009, 14:29	#3
avidtrekker_del Explore Nature - Enjoy Nature - Trek Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Delhi, India Posts: 73	Thanks a lot !!

Jun 2nd, 2009, 15:20	#5
avidtrekker_del Explore Nature - Enjoy Nature - Trek Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Delhi, India Posts: 73	Now with your confirmation of Radio Cab availablity in Kolkata, I have one less worry !! Thanks buddy !!

Jun 2nd, 2009, 21:06	#7
indracal Wanderlust - but bills bug! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kolkata Posts: 514	The RadioTaxi (KolkataCab) is an ORIX group venture (IL&FS Infra group). Their contact number is +91.33.44.22.22.22. I had taken their service twice, it was great the first time, and not good the 2nd time. When you call them and book the cab by giving the details like pickup and drop points, your contact number etc, ensure to verify the rates. The night rates are INR 18/km, which I guess is from 10PM - 6AM. So in OPs case, he would be under the higher tariff. Typically they send an SMS to your mobile number (your contact number should preferably be a mobile) before 30-40 minutes of your pickup. In case you want to pay by card, you have to provide your card number and expiry date details while booking. While releasing the vehicle, you need to call them again to have your card charged for the exact fare. My first booking was early morning on a weekday, no issues, very much in time, driver was good. Second booking was a Sunday, during regular hours (10 AM), the vehicle was delayed by 45 mins, though the driver was very courteous (doesn't help though if you are to catch a flight ). Taxi at 4 AM in Kolkata would not be an issue around places with hospitals etc. Not sure about Ballygunj area, any local should comment.