Flying from Madurai (IXM) to Kolkata (CCU): what you need to know
Kolkata's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Madurai.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your IXM to CCU flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid sprinting to your gate.
You can expect longer lines in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
If you'd like to explore another city along the way, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Madurai to Kolkata. Here are the top stopovers between IXM and CCU:
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Chennai
How to find the cheapest flights from Madurai (IXM) to Kolkata (CCU)
Currently, ₹ 10,816 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Madurai to Kolkata flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is ₹ 21,516. Remember that fares can change due to demand when booking.
It's often best to book ahead of time if you're looking for cheap tickets from IXM to CCU. That's because airlines change prices based on demand, which tends to rise closer to the date of departure.
Getting cheap flights from Madurai to Kolkata is easier if you're flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest fares throughout the month and land a great deal.
Landing cheap flights from IXM to CCU is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a lower fare pops up.
Find the right flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Madurai to Kolkata, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and number of stops.
Handy information about Madurai (IXM)
Of all flights leaving Madurai, 75% land on schedule at their destination.
To reach Madurai from central Madurai, it takes around 25 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 11 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
The trip when using public transport takes about 45 minutes.
Get your journey off to a relaxed start by staying near IXM. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Madurai to Kolkata or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Madurai Airport (IXM) to Kolkata Airport (CCU)?
Most airlines offering flights from IXM to CCU include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect with the main airlines operating this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Madurai Airport (IXM), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Kolkata Airport (CCU), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
SpiceJet
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Madurai Airport (IXM), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Kolkata Airport (CCU), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, dining options, and prayer rooms at Madurai Airport (IXM). The airport also provides medical services, ATMs for your banking needs, and parking facilities for those driving to the terminal. Additional amenities such as baggage storage and currency exchange services are available to help make your departure experience more convenient.
Arriving at Kolkata (CCU)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a Madurai to Kolkata flight. Reserve one of these accommodation options near CCU instead:
Pick up a Kolkata rental car from leading companies like Europcar or Avis. With your own set of wheels, you can venture beyond Kolkata and experience places that fly under the radar.
For the lowest price, book your vehicle from Kolkata about four weeks ahead.
Getting from Kolkata (CCU) to central Kolkata
From Kolkata, Kolkata is approximately 18 kilometres away. It takes around 35 minutes to drive to the centre.
It takes roughly 50 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
When to fly to Kolkata (CCU)
The quietest month for a flight from Madurai to Kolkata is June, while January is the most popular. Choose the best time to go to Kolkata based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Kolkata is April, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 42ºC. Book your flights from Madurai to Kolkata in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
January has average temperatures of between 15ºC and 28ºC. Search for cheap tickets from IXM to CCU sometime around then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Kolkata is tropical with warm, humid summers, refreshing monsoons, and pleasant winters. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings cooler, dry weather that makes this one of the best times to explore Kolkata. You'll enjoy mild days and crisp evenings, perfect for sightseeing with light layers and a jacket for nighttime.
March – May: Summer arrives with warm, dry weather that heats up significantly by May. You'll find the best times to explore Kolkata are early mornings and evenings when temperatures drop.
June – September: Kolkata's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with frequent rainfall that refreshes the city. You'll want lightweight, quick-dry clothing and waterproof gear for exploring. Indoor attractions and covered markets offer excellent alternatives during heavy showers, while nature walks flourish in the lush post-rain atmosphere.
October – November: Post-monsoon weather brings relief with humidity dropping and temperatures becoming more manageable. This period marks the start of winter, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions, walking tours, and general sightseeing around the city.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Kolkata brings together centuries of literary tradition with bustling markets, colonial architecture, and some of the best street food in eastern India. The city moves at its own pace, where art galleries sit alongside traditional sweet shops and the Hooghly River winds through neighbourhoods filled with trams and hand-pulled rickshaws. Whether you're booking flights to Kolkata for the culture or the cuisine, this former colonial centre offers plenty to explore.
Things to do in Kolkata: Stroll through the sprawling Maidan, a vast green space just 2 kilometres south of the city centre where locals play cricket and families gather for evening walks. Head to New Market, roughly 1 kilometre southwest, to browse stalls selling everything from spices to textiles in this covered bazaar. For riverside views, walk along the Hooghly River at Princep Ghat, about 3 kilometres south, where you can watch boats drift by and catch the sunset over the water.
Cultural experiences: Watch classical dance performances at Rabindra Sadan in the heart of the city, sample traditional Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh in the sweet shops of north Kolkata about 8 kilometres from the centre, or attend evening aarti ceremonies at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple around 15 kilometres northeast along the Hooghly River. The city's cultural districts offer everything from contemporary art galleries in Park Street to traditional folk music performances in local community halls.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the grand Durga Puja celebrations in September and October when the city transforms with elaborate pandals and cultural performances. The Kolkata Book Fair draws literature enthusiasts every January and February. Winter months from November to February offer the best time to visit Kolkata with pleasant weather perfect for exploring the heritage architecture and bustling markets.
Explore more of India
Patna is just one of the many cities in India waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Kolkata. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-west, well-known attractions include Gurudwara, Buddha Smriti Park and Buddha Statue.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in India, head for Ranchi, about 322 kilometres west of Kolkata. Jagannath Temple, Panchghagh Falls and Sun Temple are among its highlights.
