If you are planning to travel from Chennai to Gangtok, this is the perfect guide for you. If you live in Chennai and want to see some mountains or wanna take a break from your busy life, Gangtok is the place for you.
Gagntok, the capital of Sikkim is one of the most beautiful place which has many viewpoints which provides you beautiful views of mountains and lush greenery.
There are many old buddhist monasteries which give you spiritual experience also. So if you are a spiritual person or an adventure lover, Gangtok is a place where you get all of these.
When you think of planning a trip there are three primary ways to complete this journey. You can choose between Air, Train, or Road depending on your preference.
Gangtok, the beautiful capital of Sikkim, is very well-connected with major travel modes, making it an accessible and refreshing escape for travelers from the South India.
Whether you are want a break from the humid coastline of Tamil Nadu or seeking a romantic honeymoon amidst snow-capped peaks, Gangtok offers a serene atmosphere. In this guide, we will explain how to reach Chennai to Gangtok, the distances, costs, and best routes for your 2026 trip.
Chennai To Gangtok Distance
The distance between Chennai and Gangtok is very long. You have to travel from the southern coast of India to the northeastern mountains. Depending on your mode of transport, the distance varies as follows:
| Travel Mode | Approximate Distance | Destination Point |
| Aerial Distance | 1,810 km – 1,890 km | Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) |
| Rail Distance | 2,236 km – 2,253 km | New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) |
| Road Distance | 2,204 km – 2,338 km | Gangtok City (via NH16) |
Gangtok Tour Package
How to Reach Gangtok from Chennai
Gangtok is one of the most popular mountain tourist place in India and loved by everyone. So if you are planning your trip to Gangtok it is your best decision. But you have to know some things before you visit to Gangtok.
One of those things is How to Reach Gangtok form Chennai or from anywhere. This question us commonly asked. To reach Gangtok from Chennai, there are 3 major ways you can travel.
These are Air, Train, or Road. Since Gangtok does not have a high-frequency commercial airport within the city itself, most travelers from Chennai first arrive at Bagdogra Airport.
From there you can book a private cab or shared taxi to Gangtok journey which will be your memorable journey.
And if you want to skip this option and want a long scenic journey you can simply choose this option and book your train ticket to NJP or Siliguri Railway station.
After you reach there you can simply hire a private cab or taxi to reach to Gangtok. And if you want a complete road journey you can also do.
It depends on you that what option you choose to complete your journey according to your budget, or comfort.
Chennai To Gangtok By Flight
Before you are planning your Gangtok trip, If your goal is to find the most convenient, fast and comfortable way to reach Gangtok from Chennai, Flight is the best option.
This is widely considered the most time-saving and relaxing way to travel, especially considering the long distance. There are no airports in Gangtok so you have to reach to the Nearest airport and Bagdogra airport is nearest and easy to reach option.
So simply book a flight from Chennai International Airport to Bagdogra Airport. Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet operate multiple flights daily on this route.
Most flights have a short layover in Kolkata, Delhi, or Hyderabad, with a total travel time of roughly 4 to 6 hours.
Once you land at Bagdogra, you can book a private cab or take a shared taxi to reach Gangtok.
Chennai to Gangtok Flight Ticket Price
Flight prices for 2026 vary depending on how far in advance you book. We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks early to secure the best rates.
| Airline | Average One-Way Fare | Average Round-Trip Fare |
| IndiGo | ₹6,700 – ₹8,500 | ~₹13,500 |
| Air India Express | ₹6,500 – ₹7,800 | ~₹12,900 |
| SpiceJet | ₹6,600 – ₹9,200 | Varies by booking |
Chennai To Gangtok By Train
If you want to skip the aerial route, than the Train is the next best way to reach your destination. It is the cheapest option and highly preferred by those who enjoy long-distance travel across the eastern coast of India.
There are no railway station in Sikkim so you have to reach to the nearest railway station first. You should book your tickets to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri Junction which are the nearest.
These are the major trains from Chennai To Gangtok:
Major Trains:
- New Tinsukia SF Express
- Aronai Express
- MAS NJP SF Express
The train journey takes approximately 35 to 41 hours. And after you reach to any train station from both NJP or Siliguri, you can simply book a cab or taxi to complete your journey to Gangtok.
Chennai to Gangtok Train Ticket Price
Train travel is significantly more affordable than flying, making it the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers.
| Class | Estimated Price (Chennai to NJP) |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹825 – ₹1,100 |
| 3rd AC (3A) | ₹2,200 – ₹2,900 |
| 2nd AC (2A) | ₹3,200 – ₹4,100 |
| 1st AC (1A) | ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 |
Chennai To Gangtok By Road
If you want to skip both option above the last option is road trip. If you are a road trip lover or if you love adventure and looking for a cross-country adventure, you can also plan a road trip.
The journey from Chennai to Gangtok is “heavenly” as it follows the eastern coast but it is too long. This is the route you will follow:
Chennai → Visakhapatnam → Bhubaneswar → Kolkata → Siliguri → Gangtok via NH16
It will take approximately 33 to 50 hours of driving time. You will be tired. So due to very long distance (over 2,200 km), it is advised to break the journey with overnight stops.
Which is The Best Way To Reach
You can select any of these options based on your personal convenience and budget:
- Air: Flight is the best option. It reduces a 2-day journey to just a few hours, giving you more time to explore Sikkim.
- Train: Train travel is the best. It is the most economical way to cover the distance while seeing the coastal beauty of India.
- Road: Road Trip is best if you want to visit major cities like Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata along the way.
For a perfect trip, most travelers from Chennai choose a Flight to Bagdogra and than a private taxi to Gangtok.
Most searched routes for Gangtok
| Route Name | Travel Option | Time | Distance | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Gangtok | Flight to Bagdogra / Cab | 6–8 hours total | 1,580 km | Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra (2h 10m), then take a 4–5 hour taxi/shared cab to Gangtok. |
| Mumbai to Gangtok | Flight to Bagdogra + Cab | 8–10 hours | 2,280 km | Direct/connecting flights to Bagdogra (3h 30m), followed by a scenic 4-hour hill drive to Gangtok. |
| Kolkata to Gangtok | Flight / Train + Cab | 10–12 hours | 675 km | Fly or take a train to NJP/Bagdogra, then hire a cab/shared jeep to Gangtok (4–5 hours). |
| Lucknow to Gangtok | Flight / Train + Cab | 12–14 hours | 1,030 km | Take a flight to Bagdogra or train to NJP, then proceed by road to Gangtok. |
| Bangalore to Gangtok | Flight to Bagdogra + Cab | 12–14 hours | 2,520 km | Take a flight to Bagdogra (3h direct or via Kolkata), then continue by road for 4–5 hours to Gangtok. |
| Chennai to Gangtok | Flight to Bagdogra + Cab | 9–12 hours | 2,330 km | Fly to Bagdogra (3h direct or via Kolkata), then take a car/shared taxi to Gangtok. |
| Siliguri to Gangtok | Cab / Shared Jeep | 4–5 hours | 114 km | Book a cab/shared jeep from Siliguri & reach Gangtok via scenic Teesta River route. |
| Jamshedpur to Gangtok | Train + Cab | 11–13 hours | 745 km | Take a train to NJP, then hire a taxi/shared jeep to reach Gangtok in 4–5 hours. |
| Bhopal to Gangtok | Flight / Train + Cab | 13–15 hours | 1,530 km | Fly via Delhi/Kolkata to Bagdogra, then continue by road to Gangtok. |
| Bagdogra to Gangtok | Cab / Shared Jeep | 4–5 hours via NH10 | 125 km | The fastest and most popular route; taxis & shared jeeps are easily available from Bagdogra Airport. |
| Jaipur to Gangtok | Flight / Train + Cab | 12–14 hours | 1,650 km | Fly from Jaipur to Bagdogra (usually via Delhi) or take a train to NJP, followed by a 4-5 hour drive. |
| NJP to Gangtok | Cab / Shared Jeep | 4–5 hours | 120 km | From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, hire a private taxi or shared jeep via NH10. |
| Darjeeling to Gangtok | Cab / Shared Jeep | 3.5–4 hours | 98 km | A beautiful inter-hill station drive passing through Teesta Bazaar and the border checkpoints. |
Places to Visit in Gangtok
Gangtok Images
Gangtok Nearby Places to Visit
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Gangtok for Chennai travelers?
To escape the heat, March to June is ideal. For snow and clear mountain views, October to December is the best time.
How much is the taxi fare from Bagdogra to Gangtok?
A private taxi typically costs between ₹3,500 and ₹5,500 depending on the vehicle type.
Is a permit required for Indian tourists in Sikkim?
Indian tourists do not need a permit to enter Gangtok. However, special permits are required for Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake, which your tour operator can arrange.
Is there a direct flight from Chennai to Gangtok?
No, there are no direct commercial flights to Gangtok’s Pakyong Airport from Chennai. You must fly to Bagdogra (IXB) and then travel by road.
What is the fastest way to reach Gangtok from Chennai?
The fastest way is to fly from Chennai to Bagdogra (~3-4 hours) and then take a taxi to Gangtok (~4-5 hours), totaling about 8-9 hours.
