Travelling from Darjeeling to Gangtok is the most interesting part of your Sikkim trip, and most of the Sikkim routes are popular for their stunning or scenic views. Gangtok and darjeeling both of the areas in the hill area, that’s why the only option is by road, this is a reliable and safe method. Mostly sikkim cities are well connected by road, making it a simple and comfortable journey.
The distance between darjeeling to gangtok is around 95-100 km, and it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach there, depending on the road conditions and traffic. By road is the best way to reach Gangtok from Darjeeling, and you have options like private taxis, shared cabs, or buses.
Taxi is the best option for you because driving in the hill stations is too risky, so you should book a cab or taxi. In this guide, we explain the best travel options, the route details, travel cost, and safety tips. We make sure this content will help you to choose the right way to reach Gangtok from Darjeeling.
Darjeeling to Gangtok Distance & Travel Time
Darjeeling and Gangtok are both too close, and the distance is 95 to 100 Km. Travel to Gangtok from Darjeeling, all routes are magical, and you can enjoy beautiful views while travelling. It takes 4 to 5 hours to get there. Here is the distance and travel time between darjeeling to gangtok.
| Darjeeling to Gangtok Road Distance | 96 km |
| Darjeeling to Gangtok Aerial Distance | 47 km |
| Darjeeling to Gangtok Travel Time | 3 hr 43 min |
Darjeeling to Gangtok Travel Cost
Darjeeling is a well-connected city by road, you can get a taxi from there easily to reach Gangtok. Local taxi/cabs do not charge an extra amount. In sikkim travel costs and car rental prices are fixed by the Sikkim Tourism. Here is the travel cost from Darjeeling to Gangtok.
| Travel Mode | Approximate Cost (One Way) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi (Sedan) | ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 | 3 – 4 hours | Families, couples, comfort travel |
| Private Taxi (SUV) | ₹4,500 – ₹6,000 | 3 – 4 hours | Families, couples, and comfort travel |
| Shared Cab | ₹600 – ₹900 per person | 3.5 – 4.5 hours | Budget & solo travelers |
| Government / Private Bus | ₹300 – ₹600 | 5 – 6 hours | Low-budget travelers |
| Self-Drive (Fuel Cost) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 | 3 – 4 hours | Experienced hill drivers |
Gangtok Tour Package
How to Reach Gangtok from Darjeeling
When you’re planning to visit Sikkim, and you add Gangtok or Darjeeling to your Sikkim trip itinerary, then you need to know how to reach Gangtok from Darjeeling. In the hill stations, usually visitors prefer to take a cab/taxi to travel and sightseeing.
You have only one option to reach Gangtok from Darjeeling, which is by road. In cabs, you have multiple options like sedan, bus and SUV, they charge according to which type of vehicle you choose.
Perfect route for your trip
Route 1: via Kalimpong
One of the best routes goes through Kalimpong, a beautiful hill town famous for orchids and Himalayan views. From Darjeeling, drive and move toward Ghoom, then drive to Kalimpong. While travelling on this route, you can see tea gardens and terrace farms.
After Kalimpong, continue toward Gangtok, again drive and go through Rangpo. This is the best route for travellers who want to visit Kalimpong.
Mostly travellers use this route, but you can also use another route, NH10 via Teesta Bazaar. While travelling this route, you can see mountain views, rivers, and a smoother road.
Darjeeling to Gangtok by Taxi/Jeep
Sikkim is one of the best hill stations, but it does not have many transportation options for visiting. So you want to visit Sikkim, you need to hire a cab /taxi from the Darjeeling local market or tour operators.
If you are looking for a budget cab, then you should take a shared cab from the local market. It’s cheaper and budget-friendly for travellers. Before booking any shared cab conform cab start time and routes.
Darjeeling to Gangtok Private Taxi Fare:
| Vehicle Type | Example Models | Base Fare | Included Distance | Extra Charge per KM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback Taxi | WagonR or Similar | ₹3,000 | 105 Kms | ₹12 per Km |
| Sedan Car | Swift Dzire or Similar | ₹3,300 | 105 Kms | ₹15 per Km |
| SUV Cab | Innova or Similar | ₹4,000 | 105 Kms | ₹20 per Km |
Shared Taxi Fare
Shared taxis usually run between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, and again from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. After that, taxis are less frequent.
The shared taxi fare is around Rs 200 per person. You can book these from taxi stands in Darjeeling. It is better to reach early because seats fill quickly, especially during peak season.
(The prices given above are approximate and may change. Please check the latest taxi fare before planning your journey.)
Note: Taxi drivers in hill areas know the routes well, but they may not know detailed information about tourist places. Do not fully depend on them as guides.
Darjeeling to Gangtok by Train
There is no direct train from Darjeeling to Gangtok. You must first travel to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then continue by road.
Trains from Darjeeling to NJP
| Train Type | Route | Operating Days | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ–NJP Passenger | Darjeeling (DJ) – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | Daily | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
| DJ–NJP AC Passenger | Darjeeling (DJ) – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday | 9:10 AM | 4:35 PM |
Gangtok Tourism Package
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. |
Popular routes from Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a beautiful city in Sikkim, and there is a lot of crowd during the winter and summer. If you are planning to darjeeling, you should know some popular routesof thire. Here is the popular routes you can use during your trip to make your trip comfortable and smooth.
| Route | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Darjeeling | 1,500 km | 30 – 35 hours |
| Mumbai to Darjeeling | 2,100 km | 40 – 45 hours |
| New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling | 70 km | 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Kolkata to Darjeeling | 620 km | 14 – 16 hours |
| Lucknow to Darjeeling | 900 km | 20 – 22 hours |
| Bangalore to Darjeeling | 2,300 km | 42 – 48 hours |
| Chennai to Darjeeling | 2,250 km | 40 – 45 hours |
| Siliguri to Darjeeling | 65 km | 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Jamshedpur to Darjeeling | 620 km | 14 – 16 hours |
| Bhopal to Darjeeling | 1,400 km | 28 – 32 hours |
| Bagdogra to Darjeeling | 68 km | 2.5 – 3 hours |
Travel Tips for a first-time traveller
- Leave Darjeeling between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Morning travel is safer and helps you avoid traffic and weather problems.
- The road has many sharp turns and curves. If you feel dizzy on hilly roads, keep motion sickness tablets with you.
- Always carry your Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport. You may need it at check-posts in Sikkim.
- The route passes through Teesta Bazaar, where you can stop for tea and snacks. Short breaks make the journey relaxing.
- Mobile signals may not work properly in some areas. Inform your family before starting the journey.
Places to Visit in Gangtok
Gangtok Images
Gangtok Nearby Places to Visit
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to reach Gangtok from Darjeeling?
The cheapest option is a shared jeep or shared taxi, which costs much less than hiring a private car.
2. What is the best time to travel from Darjeeling to Gangtok?
The best time is between March and June and October to December when the weather is clear, and road conditions are better.
3. Can I book a cab online from Darjeeling to Gangtok?
Yes, you can book a private cab online through local travel agencies or taxi service websites. It is better to book in advance during peak season (April–June and October).
4. Which route is commonly used to travel from Darjeeling to Gangtok?
Most vehicles travel via Teesta Bazaar and NH10. This route offers beautiful river views and is the most preferred road.
5. Are food and washroom facilities available on the way?
Yes, small restaurants and dhabas are available near Teesta Bazaar where you can take a short break for food and washroom use.