Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of India’s most popular hill destinations. Whether you’re planning a family trip, honeymoon, solo travel, or a vacation, knowing how to reach Gangtok helps you plan a smooth and hassle-free tour.
There are many option available to reach to Gangtok. You can reach by Air, Train, or Road according to your budget and comfort. Flight to Bagdogra and than book a taxi to Gangtok, this is the most popular route to reach Gangtok.
You must know about the various transportation options available before you book your Gangtok tour package.
In this post we provide detailed information on how to reach Gangtok from major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and others, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to this beautiful part of the North East.
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. |
Note:- In the above table, the provided time of travel are estimated and may be affected because it depends on which route of flight or train you book.
How to reach Gangtok by Flight
Gangtok does not have its own major airport. The two nearest airports are:
1. Pakyong Airport – 28 km from Gangtok
2. Bagdogra Airport – 125 km from Gangtok
Pakyong Airport is the closest airport to Gangtok, but flight frequency is limited. Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri is the most commonly used airport for Gangtok travelers.
So Bagdogra airport is the best option for you if you choose flight option to reach to Gangtok. And you can get flights to Bagdogra from major cities of India like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, etc.
Also many airlines operates in this area like Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo, etc.
After you arrive to Bagdogra, there is nothing to worry about because from there you can book a cab, taxi, or shared jeep.
You get many option there. After you book your taxi or cab you will reach to Gangtok in 4 to 5 hours. This is a long journey but you will enjoy the breathtaking views of mountains in the way to Gangtok.
Travel Tips
1. Pakyong Airport often faces cancellations due to weather. Bagdogra is more reliable for on-time flights.
2. The Bagdogra–Gangtok helicopter or the downhill car ride offers incredible views of the Teesta River and valleys.
3. Use official prepaid taxi counters at Bagdogra to avoid haggling and ensure fixed prices.
How to reach Gangtok by Train
Gangtok does not have its own railway station. You can reach to the nearest train station and than book a private cab or taxi. There are two stations:
1. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station – 120 km Away
2. Siliguri Junction
Both are closer to Bagdogra and offer easy taxi availability but fewer long-distance trains.
NJP is one of India’s busiest railway junctions and connected with major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Chennai, etc.
You can book the tickets via the IRCTC website or directly at NJP station. You must reserve your seat in advance, especially during peak season. After reaching on the station you can easily book cab or private taxi from there and than drive to Gangtok.
Travel Tips
1. Reaching NJP in the morning allows you to travel to Gangtok during daylight safer, faster, and more scenic.
2. NJP is crowded. Pre-booking a cab saves time and avoids overcharging during peak seasons.
3. The journey from NJP to Gangtok is 4–5 hours. Carry water, snacks, power bank, and ID for police checkpoints.
How to reach Gangtok by Road
If you love road journeys, the drive up to Gangtok is one of the most refreshing hill routes in Northeast India.
The distance from Siliguri to Gangtok is about 114 km. After monsoon, the entire valley shines waterfalls grow bigger, forests look brighter, and the mountain air feels unbelievably fresh.
You can start the journey from Siliguri, Bagdogra Airport, or NJP Railway Station all well connected and close to each other.
Most travellers take a shared jeep or a taxi, but if you enjoy stopping for pictures or want a slow, scenic drive, a private cab is the best option.
1. Hire a Cab / Taxi to Gangtok
The simplest and most comfortable way to reach Gangtok by road is to hire a cab or private taxi. Outside Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, or NJP Railway Station, taxis are always available.
Within minutes, you can be on the highway heading toward the hills. Usually 4–5 hours, depending on weather, road conditions, and traffic at Rangpo checkpost.
Cost of the cab will between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000 for a one-way trip in a private cab or taxi depends on vehicle and distance. Pre-booking through a travel agency or Gangtok taxi union is always safer, especially during tourist season.
Start early in the morning the Teesta River views near Sevoke Coronation Bridge and the mist-covered hills around Melli look magical in soft light.
2. Use Public Transportation to Gangtok
If you’re traveling on a budget, shared jeeps and buses are the most affordable options. Shared jeeps are the most popular and widely used mode of transport for Gangtok. These are available throughout the day from Siliguri Junction, NJP, and Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand and faster than buses.
You can also choose buses to reach Gangtok. Buses are slower but more relaxed, especially if you enjoy watching the hills, river bends, and forests passing by.
You can choose one option from both above options according to your budget.
Travel Tips
1. Fog increases in the evening, and mountain roads get riskier after dark.
2. Landslides are common. If necessary, check the NH10 road condition before starting.
3. The uphill route has sharp curves. If you’re sensitive to mountain roads, take medicine 30 minutes before the journey.
Gangtok Travel Packages
Places to Visit in Gangtok
