How to reach Bagdogra to Gangtok? This is a very important question many people reach Bagdogra by flight or road to reach to Gangtok. So must have to know about how o reach to Gangtok from Bagdogra if you are planning your Gangtok trip.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most beautiful places in India. So tourists love this place very much. The scenic views of mountains gives you a fresh vibe whether the Budhdhist Monasteries gives you spiritual vibe.
So if you want a break from your full of stress busy life this is the place where you can come and reset your mind.
Bagdogra airport is primary gateway of flights to Gangtok. There are no airports in Gangtok so most of the tourists land at Bagdogra than go to Gangtok.
Gangtok, the capital city, is tucked away in the higher reaches of the Himalayas so the journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok is the first real taste of the mountains you will experience.
When you think about reaching Bagdogra to Gangtok, there are no flights and trains operates on this route. You can book an helicopter but this option is also weather dependent.
So road is the only option to travel Gangtok from Bagdogra. There are 3 primary ways to reach to Gangtok are: Private Taxi, Shared Jeeps, or Bus.
You can choose any of these according to your convenience and comfort.
In this guide, we break down the distances, costs, and the most efficient ways to complete this journey.
Bagdogra to Gangtok Distance
If you see in terms of kilometers, the distance from Bagdogra to Gangtok is relatively short. But the mountainous terrain and winding roads are the main cause of time in your journey and also weather conditions are also effects your travel time.
| Travel Mode | Approximate Distance | Average Travel Time |
| Aerial Distance | 72 km | 20 – 35 Minutes (Helicopter) |
| Road Distance (via NH10) | 123 km – 125 km | 4.5 – 5.5 Hours |
| Rail Distance | NA | N/A |
Gangtok Tour Package
How to Reach Gangtok from Bagdogra
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is the a serene mountain place where people come to experience amzaing views of mount Kanchenjunga and spiritual experience at old Budhdhist Monasteries.
So if you want to take a break and planning a Gangtok tour, the most important thing to know is how to reach to Gangtok, anywhere from India.
There are no airports in Gangtok and no railway station in Gangtok so you cannot choose these 2 modes to reach Bagdogra to Gangtok. So there is only one mode you can travel via is road.
There is also additional option available which is helicopter. But it is weather dependent.
So to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra via road, you have 3 major ways to travel: Private Taxi, Shared Jeep, or Bus.
If you are travelling with family or group or you are carrying heavy luggage you can choose this option. This option is best comfortable and most conveneint for you.
Or if you are a solo traveler you can choose shared Jeep or Bus option. These options are cost effective and easy for you.
Or if you don’t have time for 4-5 hours road journey, you can simply book a Helicopter ride if the weather is clear. This will make you journey only 20 minutes long and views you will get from helicopter are memorable.
You can choose any of these travel ways to reach Bagdogra to Gangtok. It is totally you r choice that what travel mode you choose for your travel.
You can choose according to your budget, comfort, or convineince.
The most common route follows National Highway 10 (NH10). This highway is the lifeline of Sikkim, running alongside the Teesta River for a large portion of the drive.
The roads are generally well-maintained but they can be narrow and winding, so it is advisable to travel during daylight hours for the best experience and safety.
Bagdogra to Gangtok By Air (Helicopter Service)
The distance is very short so no flights option are available on this route. But if you want to travel via air, you can book a helicopter, which is the best option to reach to Gangtok.
You can book a helicopter which will take you from the Bagdogra Airport Heliport and land at the Burtuk Heliport in Gangtok.
In this 20 minutes ride, you will get an incredible view of the Himalayan foothills and the winding Teesta River below.
But this service mainly depends on weather. These are the estimated prices for helicopter:
| Service Type | 2026 Estimated Fare (Per Person) |
| STDC Helicopter (One Way) | ₹3,100 – ₹3,500 |
| Baggage Allowance | 7 kg (Free) |
Bagdogra To Gangtok By Train
Currently, there is no direct train service to Gangtok. Sikkim is the mountain area so there are no trains in the Sikkim state. So forget this option.
Bagdogra To Gangtok By Road
Road travel is the only way to travel on this route. Here are your three options to travel via road:
1. Private Taxi
This is the best choice for families or those travel in groups or carry heavy luggage. You can book directly at the Pre-paid Taxi Counter inside Bagdogra Airport.
It will cost you around ₹3,200 – ₹5,800 depending on vehicle type like Dzire vs. Innova. You have many advantages because of this option like you can stop at the any location you looked beautiful.
2. Shared Taxi
Shared Jeeps are available at the airport or at the Siliguri Junction stand. These are cost effective and best option if you are a solo traveler.
It will cost you arround 400 to 600 rupees per seat. And take around 4 to 5 hours of journey.
3. SNT Bus (Cheapest Option)
The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) operates buses from Siliguri. You will need to take a short auto-ride from the airport to the SNT bus stand. This is more cheaper and reliable option.
Which is The Best Way To Reach
The best way depends on your choice:
- Helicopter: Helicopter is the best. It turns a 5-hour drive into a 20-minute joyride.
- Private Taxi: Private Taxi is the most reliable way, especially if you arrive late in the afternoon.
- Shared Cabs: Shared Cabs are the best way to save money while still reaching Gangtok relatively quickly.
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 fastest way to get from Bagdogra to Gangtok?
The helicopter is the fastest, taking only 20–30 minutes. By road, a private taxi is the fastest, taking roughly 4.5 hours.
How much does a taxi cost from Bagdogra to Gangtok in 2026?
Prices start at approximately ₹3,200 for a small hatchback and can go up to ₹5,500 for a luxury SUV like an Innova Crysta.
Can I get a shared taxi directly from Bagdogra Airport?
Yes, shared taxis are often available at the airport parking area, but they are more frequent at the Siliguri SNT stand.
Do I need a permit to enter Gangtok?
Indian citizens do not need a permit to enter Gangtok city. However, you will need permits for Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and North Sikkim.
Is the road from Bagdogra to Gangtok open during the monsoon?
The road (NH10) remains open, but landslides can cause temporary delays. It is always better to check the local Sikkim Traffic Updates before traveling between July and September.