Bagdogra and NJP to Gangtok: how to get there

Most visitors reach Sikkim through Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station in West Bengal, then go up to Gangtok by road.

Bagdogra ~125 km · NJP ~120 km 4–5 h by road · 35 min by helicopter

Your options

Reserved (private) cab

4–5 hours

A whole car for your group, from the airport or station to your hotel door. The easiest option for families, groups and anyone with luggage. Book ahead in peak season.

Best for: Families, groups, luggage

Shared taxi or shared seat

4–5 hours

You pay per seat and share the car with other travellers. Cheaper for solo travellers and couples. Some operators run scheduled shared cabs you can book online; others leave when the car fills up.

Best for: Solo travellers, budget trips

Helicopter (Sikkim Tourism)

35 minutes

Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) runs a helicopter between Bagdogra and Gangtok — ₹3,100 per person as of May 2026. Seats are limited and flights depend on the weather.

Best for: Saving time, avoiding the drive

Cab operators for this route

Compare and contact them directly — fares change with season and car type, so ask for the current price.

NE Taxi

Taxis, airport transfers and road trips across Sikkim and Northeast India since 2013.

Featured

MoCabs

Shared seats and reserved cabs across Sikkim, Darjeeling, Siliguri and North Bengal.

Wizzride

Shared and reserved cabs from Gangtok, Darjeeling, Bagdogra and Shillong, booked online.

Before you set off

The road is NH10, via Sevoke, Rangpo and Singtam. Check the road status — landslides can close it, especially from June to September.
Indian citizens don’t need a permit for Gangtok. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit before entering Sikkim — see the permit guide.
Going on to North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula or Zuluk? Those need permits, usually arranged by a registered operator. Our itineraries show how to fit them in.
Arriving late? The drive takes 4–5 hours on mountain roads, so many travellers prefer to arrive in daylight.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Gangtok from Bagdogra airport?

About 125 km by road. NJP railway station is about 120 km from Gangtok. Both take 4–5 hours by car, depending on traffic and weather.

Which road goes from Siliguri to Gangtok?

NH10 — via Sevoke, Rangpo and Singtam. Landslides can close it, especially in the monsoon, so check the road status on the day.

Is there a helicopter from Bagdogra to Gangtok?

Yes. STDC (Sikkim Tourism) runs a 35-minute service; it cost ₹3,100 per person as of May 2026. Read our helicopter guide and confirm the current fare and schedule with STDC.

Do I need a permit to go to Gangtok?

Indian citizens don’t need a permit for Gangtok. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim, applied online. See the permit guide.

Can I fly to Pakyong instead?

Pakyong airport is about 35 km from Gangtok, but it has few flights and they are often affected by weather, so most travellers fly into Bagdogra.

Planning the whole trip?

Get free quotes from government-registered Sikkim tour operators — transfers, permits and stays included.

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