A layover in Cooch-behar is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Cooch Behar Airport sits just 50 minutes from the city center by Taxi/Auto-rickshaw, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave COH:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for India. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Cooch-behar takes about 50 minutes by Taxi/Auto-rickshaw. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
The Best Way Into Cooch-behar from COH
You have two main options for getting from Cooch Behar Airport into town:
- Taxi/Auto-rickshaw: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Cooch-behar, budget roughly $19 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $4 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
How to Spend Your Time in Cooch-behar
If you head into Cooch-behar, here are two things worth checking out:
Cooch Behar Palace (Rajbari) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the main features in a short visit.
Madan Mohan Temple is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside COH, you can spend time at Airport Waiting Lounge or try Aircraft Observation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Cooch-behar, local travelers recommend Hotel Heritage Palace Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Anirban Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at COH, Airport Snack Bar is the go-to. Terminal Tea & Coffee Counter rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at COH may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Cooch-behar’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at COH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Cooch-behar itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for India that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at COH.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cooch-behar doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 50 minutes from COH, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.