There are various modes of transportation in Calcutta
 
Airlines - Netaji Subhash Airport at Dum Dum , is the international airport of Calcutta. Around 16 km from the heart of the city. The Dumdum metro station is about 5 kms from the airport. Check Airlines timing
 
Train - Howrah and Sealdah are the two major railway stations.  Every day thousands of people commute by train . It is very popular mode of communication between cities in India. Like other big cities local trains are popular mode of commuting for suburban people. See train routes 
Metro( Underground Railway ) - India's first underground railway connects between southern and northern part of the city ( between Tollygunge and Dumdum ). The track passes through the heart of the city. Some stations are decorated with art works.  Check list of Metro stations. 
Bus - the most widely used mode of transportation between suburbs and the main city. Buses come in different types, like, CSTC Govt. buses, privately owned bus routes ( majority of the buses ), mini buses, specials , limited stops , express etc. Most of the long distance buses start from Esplanade area. Fares start from Rs.2 ( as of 2000 Oct, the fare changes often ) . Some special buses start from Rs.4/5 . Some buses have two doors, some one. All buses have some seats reserved for ladies and elderly people. Most of the cases, ticket collector (conductor) collects the ticket after boarding.  Check different local Bus routes. 
Tram - though decommissioned in some part of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of traveling between places within the city. They move slow on the laid tracks in traffic jammed streets , but they are environment friendly ( no emission ). Check list of tram routes 
Taxi - there are plenty of them through out the city. Prepaid taxis are available from Airport and Howrah Train Station. Taxi fares are confusing as they have different kinds of meters. Some have old meters where the fare is usually 100%+ on the top of the metered price. Taxis equipped with new electronic meters have less confusion. Whatever it is, the passenger can ask for a rate conversion chart which has the conversion between metered amount and the payable amount.  
Auto Rickshaw - Three wheeled vehicle runs between short distances and are available through out the city mostly in suburban area. Most of them have designated routes and need a minimum number of 5 passengers to start. But they are flexible. Being smaller in size than other vehicles, sometimes they are able to move faster in the crowded city streets. 
Bicycle Rickshaw -  Three wheeled with cycle pedals. Mostly run between short distances in narrow lanes and streets. Has seat for 2 passengers, but usually allow kids. Mostly found in the city extension areas.  
Manual Handpull Rickshaw - two passenger cart pulled by one man. Mostly for very short distance. Hard to find these days.  
Ferry Boats - very popular among daily commuters who crosses the river to reach the main city. It is a nice way to avoid infamous traffic jam on Howrah Bridge. The fare is between Rs. 1.25-5.00 and it takes around 15-20 minutes.