Planning a trip to Gangtok? It’s as simple as you think! The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), just 125 km away. From there, you can book a taxi or take a shared cab to Gangtok. If you Prefer trains then New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest railway station. Once you reach NJP, taxis, buses, and shared jeeps are easily available.
When you Coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Patna, Bangalore, or Chennai then the best route is to fly into Bagdogra Airport (IXB), then continue by road. If you’re from Kolkata or Patna, you also have good train options to NJP. From New Jalpaiguri, it’s a amazing 4–5 hour journey to Gangtok.
Road lovers can drive or take buses from nearby cities like Siliguri. No matter where you start, reaching Gangtok is a smooth and beautiful journey. Just pick the route that suits you best!
How to Reach Gangtok
Reach Gangtok by Flight, Train, Road
So, how do you actually reach Gangtok? Don’t worry you’ve got a few good and simple options!
By Flight
Book a flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – this is the nearest airport to Gangtok (about 125 km away).Bagdogra is well connected with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. fter landing at Bagdogra you can take shared taxi or private taxi or you can coming to tenzing norgay bus stand from there you can take bus, taxi. Helicopter services from Bagdogra to Gangtok are sometimes available but depend on the weather and schedules.
By Train
There’s no direct train to Gangtok, but the nearest big railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). It’s an important stop for trains which coming from all over India. From NJP, you can hire a cab or take a shared jeep to Gangtok.
By Road
If you’re already near Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP, you can also drive to Gangtok or take a bus or shared jeep. The roads are pretty good, and the mountain drive is enjoyable!
Siliguri to Gangtok Bus Timetable
| Operator | Departure Time | Fare (₹) | Bus Type | Boarding Point (Siliguri) | Dropping Point (Gangtok) | Duration |
| SNT (Sikkim Nationalised) | 06:00 AM – 03:00 PM | 288 (approx) | Non-AC Seater & Ac | SNT Bus Stand, Hill Cart Rd | SNT Bus Stand, Deorali | ~5 hours |
| APSARA Bus Service | 06:40 AM | 235 | Non-AC, 2+2 Seater | SNT Bus Stand, Siliguri | Ranipool (near Gangtok) | ~5 hours |
| NBSTC | 05:30 AM, 12:30 PM | Varies | Govt. Bus | NBSTC Stand, Siliguri | Gangtok | ~5 hours |
How to Reach Different Places in Sikkim
| How to Reach Gangtok | How to Reach Lachung |
| How to Reach Pelling | How to Reach Yuksom |
| How to Reach Lachen | How to Reach Namchi |
| How to Reach Mangan | How to Reach Aritar |
| How to Reach Ravangla | Sikkim by Train |
Reach Gangtok from Different Cities
How to Reach Gangtok from Delhi
The fastest way is to fly from Delhi to Bagdogra Airport, which takes around 2.5 hours. From Bagdogra, Gangtok is about 125 km, and it takes 4 to 5 hours by road. You can hire a private taxi, shared cab, or go to Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri (around 15 km from Bagdogra) to catch a Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) bus to Gangtok.
Train option: Delhi to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) takes 24–30 hours, then follow the same road journey.
How to Reach Gangtok from Mumbai
Take a flight from Mumbai to Bagdogra – usually around 3 hours (non-stop or with one layover). Then travel 125 km by road to Gangtok.
By train, Mumbai to NJP takes 34–38 hours. After reaching NJP, go by taxi, shared jeep, or take a bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand to Gangtok.
How to Reach Gangtok from Kolkata
Kolkata to Bagdogra flights take 1 hour, making it the fastest route. After that, cover the remaining 125 km to Gangtok by road (4–5 hours).
Train option: Kolkata to NJP takes 10–12 hours, and then take a taxi or take SNT bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri.
By road, it’s a 675 km journey which around 16–18 hours by car or bus.
How to Reach Gangtok from Hyderabad
Fly from Hyderabad to Bagdogra (via Delhi/Kolkata) – flight time is about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Then, take a taxi or shared jeep to Gangtok.
By train, it takes around 30–34 hours to NJP. From there, continue your journey via taxi or get an SNT bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand.
How to Reach Gangtok from Patna
Patna to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) by train takes around 8 to 10 hours (about 490 km). After reaching NJP, you can take a taxi, shared cab, or hop on a bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand to Gangtok.
Flights from Patna to Bagdogra are available (usually via Kolkata) and take around 3–4 hours including layovers.
How to Reach Gangtok from Bangalore
Fly from Bangalore to Bagdogra (3.5 to 4 hours, often with one stop). Then drive or take a cab to Gangtok – 125 km in 4–5 hours.
Train from Bangalore to NJP takes around 40 hours, so flying is the better option. After reaching NJP, follow the road journey or use SNT bus service from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand.
How to Reach Gangtok from Chennai
Take a flight from Chennai to Bagdogra (usually with one stop) – travel time is around 4 hours. Then, travel the last 125 km to Gangtok by road.
By train, Chennai to NJP takes 36–40 hours. From NJP, take a taxi or a bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand to Gangtok.
Travel Tips for Reaching Gangtok
- Book flights early: Flights to Bagdogra can get full during peak season (spring and autumn), so book in advance to get good prices and seats.
- Plan your road trip: The road from Bagdogra or NJP to Gangtok is winding and hilly. Make sure to carry light luggage and be ready for some mountain driving.
- Use reliable transport: Choose trusted taxis or official shared cabs. If you’re taking the bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, check the schedule a day before.
- Carry snacks and water: The drive takes around 4-5 hours, and stops are limited, so pack some snacks and water for the journey.
- Prepare for weather changes: Gangtok’s weather can change quickly, especially if you’re traveling in winter or monsoon. Carry warm clothes and rain gear just in case.
- Keep local currency handy: Small towns en route may have limited digital payment options, so carry some cash for tolls and refreshments.
Conclusion
Getting to Gangtok is easier than you might think! Whether you choose to fly into Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri, the beautiful mountain roads will soon bring you to this charming hill station. From major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, or Hyderabad, you have lots of travel options like flights, trains, taxis, and buses all designed to make your journey smooth and comfortable.
To make planning easier, check out our complete guide on how to reach Sikkim. Remember to plan your trip ahead, choose the right transport, and enjoy the beautiful ride. Gangtok is waiting to welcome you with its amazing green views and warm hospitality!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to go to Gangtok?
The best way to go to Gangtok is via air. Pakyong Airport is the nearest airport to Gangtok It is situated at a distance of 26.9 km and will take around 1 hour and 19 minutes to reach. After reaching the airport you can opt for private cab services to reach Gangtok.
Can we reach Gangtok by train?
There is no direct rail route to reach Gangtok by train, however, you can travel to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), and from there you can book a private taxi or shareable taxi and travel to Gangtok. In the upcoming time, you can also travel to Rangpo using the Sivok-Rangpo channel, which is expected to be in operation from December 2024.
How to go to Gangtok by air?
There is no airport at Gangtok, however, the nearest operational airport is Pakyong airport. You can fly to Pakyong airport either from Delhi or Kolkata and from there you can travel to Gangtok using a cab.
Is 2 days enough for Gangtok?
Explore Gangtok for 2 days, visiting Tashi viewpoint, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Do Drul Chorten, ropeway ride, local cuisine, and nightlife.
Is Gangtok costly?
Gangtok can be considered as a moderately considered city of Sikkim. The high popularity and remote location increase the costs of different activities in Gangtok. However, you can purchase winter clothes and alcoholic beverages at a comparatively lower cost.
Which month is ice in Gangtok?
You can find ice in Gangtok during the winter season, which is between the end of December and mid-February.
How much does the Gangtok trip cost?
In general, a 3 to 4-day Gangtok trip would cost around ₹7500 to ₹17500 per person or more which may change based on your accommodation, food, and activities that you intend to participate in during your stay in Gangtok.
