The 2027 Kolkata International Book Fair is reported to run from 22 January to 3 February 2027, its 50th year, according to news reports. The venue had not been confirmed in the reports we saw. Fly into Kolkata (CCU), book early because the fair overlaps a busy winter travel season, and confirm the venue before you plan your stay.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Book lovers from across India head to Kolkata every winter for the fair. This guide covers what is confirmed, what is not, and how to plan the flight side of the trip.
When is the Kolkata International Book Fair 2027?
News reports say the fair is scheduled from 22 January to 3 February 2027 and that it will enter its 50th year. That puts the opening on a Friday and the closing day on a Wednesday. The Publishers and Booksellers Guild has been reported as the principal organiser, working with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre and the National Book Trust.
Dates for large public events can move, so treat these as reported rather than final. A theme and a guest country are usually announced closer to the opening, and reports we saw described both as still under consideration.
Where will the 2027 fair be held?
This is the part we could not confirm. The 2026 edition was held in Salt Lake, in the Central Park area on the eastern side of Kolkata. Reports about 2027 say the Guild has asked for the Central Park ground, but we did not see an official allotment. The state government reportedly asked the Guild to follow up with the relevant municipal department.
Until the venue is announced, avoid paying for non-refundable hotel stays based on a guess. If the venue stays in Salt Lake, the east and north-east side of the city is the natural base. If it changes, your best area could change too.
Which airport should you fly into?
Kolkata has one main airport for commercial flights, coded CCU. Major Indian airlines connect it to the metro cities. Airline schedules change by season, so check the current timetable of the airline you prefer rather than relying on a list of routes.
Did you know? In winter, fog can slow morning departures at several northern and eastern airports. If you have a firm commitment on the day you land, a later flight or an arrival the evening before gives you a buffer.
When should you book flights for the fair?
The fair runs through the last week of January, which includes Republic Day on 26 January, a Tuesday in 2027. Long-weekend and holiday travel generally pushes fares up on popular routes. As a rule, booking several weeks ahead tends to give more choice than booking in the final days.
- Decide your fair days first, then book flights around them.
- Weekends at book fairs are typically the busiest, so many visitors prefer a weekday visit.
- Compare fare families, not only the headline price. IndiGo offers Saver, Flexi Plus and UpFront; Akasa Air offers Saver and Flexi; Air India and Air India Express offer Value, Classic and Flex.
- Check cabin baggage rules for the airline you choose, especially if you plan to carry home a stack of books. Books are heavy, and checked baggage allowances differ by fare.
If you are travelling with family, think about whether a day trip or a longer stay suits you. A fair of this size can take a full day to cover properly, and many visitors return for a second day. A return flight that leaves the following morning, rather than the same night, avoids rushing the last stalls and gives you time to pack your purchases carefully.
How do you get around Kolkata for the fair?
Once you land, the usual choices are taxis, public transport and, in some parts of the city, the metro. Check the current options at the airport on arrival, since services and routes change. If the fair is in Salt Lake, plan extra time for crowds near the gates on weekends.
Carry water, a light jacket for evenings, and a bag you can close securely. You will likely end up with more books than you planned.
It also helps to keep your boarding pass and a printed or saved copy of your booking handy, and to reach the airport with enough time in hand for security checks on the way back, particularly during busy winter weeks when queues can build up.
Common Questions
What are the dates of the Kolkata Book Fair 2027?
Reports say 22 January to 3 February 2027. Confirm on the organisers’ official announcements before you book non-refundable travel.
Which airport is closest to the fair?
Kolkata’s airport (CCU) is the only main commercial airport for the city. The travel time to the fair depends on the final venue.
Is the venue Central Park in Salt Lake again?
The Guild has reportedly asked for it, but we did not see a confirmed allotment. Wait for the official venue announcement.
Does check-in cost anything?
Checking in is free on Indian airlines, online or at the airport.
Can I carry books in cabin baggage?
Airlines set cabin baggage weight limits, and they differ by airline and fare. Check your airline’s current limit before packing a heavy bag.
Is January a good time to visit Kolkata?
Winter is generally the more comfortable season to be outdoors in Kolkata, which is one reason the fair is held then.
Planning a trip to Kolkata? Search and compare flights on HappyFares with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, set a price alert, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help you find a fare.
Event dates, venues, rules and fees change. Please verify current details with the organisers, the airline or the airport before you travel.
