How to Reach Kolkata To Gangtok: Flights, Trains, and Best Routes 2026

Planning your trip from the vibrant streets of Kolkata to Gangtok is a journey that connects the soul of Bengal to the heart of the Himalayas.

Gangtok, the picturesque capital of Sikkim, is a traveler’s paradise, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kanchenjunga range.

If you are planning to reach Gangtok from Kolkata, there are 3 major ways you can reach. These are Air, Train, or Road.

Gangtok is a city in Sikkim that is connected very well with all travel modes, ensuring that whether you are a luxury seeker or a budget backpacker, your journey will be as memorable as the destination itself.

Each travel mode offers different travel experiences and adds unique value to your trip. For a quick 4-day getaway, Air travel is unbeatable.

For a traditional family holiday, the Train is the heart of the experience. And for the ultimate adventure, the Road awaits. No matter how you choose to reach, the misty mountains of Gangtok will make every kilometer worth it.

Kolkata To Gangtok Distance

Before you set out, it is essential to understand the geography of your trip. The distance varies significantly depending on your choice of transport:

Travel Type	Approximate Distance	Average Travel Time
Aerial (Kolkata → Bagdogra)	531 km	1 hour 10 mins (Flight) + 4-5 hours (Road)
By Rail (Kolkata → NJP)	570 – 600 km	8 to 12 hours (Train) + 4-5 hours (Road)
By Road (Direct)	671 km	15 to 19 hours

Gangtok Tour Package

How to Reach Gangtok from Kolkata

If you are planning to travel from Kolkata to Gangtok, you can choose between Air, Train, or Road depending on your preference. Gangtok is well-connected to the “City of Joy,” making it a top getaway for travelers from West Bengal.

For the most convenient journey, Flight is the best option. Simply fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra (IXB) and take a 4–5 hour scenic drive to Gangtok, reaching your destination in just 5 to 6 hours total.

If you prefer the tracks, the Train is the next best way. You can board efficient services like the Vande Bharat Express or overnight trains like the Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah or Howrah to New Jalpaiguri.

Alternatively, for adventure seekers, an Epic Road Trip via NH12 and NH10 takes about 15–17 hours through the heart of Bengal. Ultimately, each mode offers a unique experience to suit your budget and travel style.

Kolkata To Gangtok By Flight

If you are looking for the best and most convenient way to reach Gangtok from Kolkata, Flight is that option.

This is the most preferred method for those who want to maximize their vacation time and avoid the fatigue of a long overland journey.

Simply book a flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport.

Bagdogra serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading to Sikkim. Major carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India operate multiple non-stop flights daily.

The flight itself takes only about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. This is the most convenient, time-saving, and very comfortable way to reach Gangtok.

Once you land at Bagdogra, you must book a cab to Gangtok. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, winding through the lush Teesta Valley.

For the best deals, try to book your tickets at least a month in advance. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often 15-25% cheaper than weekend departures.

Kolkata to Gangtok Flight Ticket Price

Here is the flight ticket price table for the Mumbai to Bagdogra (nearest airport to Gangtok) route:

Airline	Average One-Way Fare	Average Round-Trip Fare
IndiGo	₹4,955 – ₹5,785	~₹10,798
Akasa Air	₹5,055 – ₹5,405	~₹11,484
SpiceJet	₹5,313 – ₹5,723	~₹11,872
Air India Express	₹6,445 – ₹11,161	Varies by booking time

Kolkata To Gangtok By Train

If you skip the flight option, the train is the best way after this option. For many Kolkatans, the journey to North Bengal by train is a nostalgic tradition.

It is affordable, reliable, and allows you to witness the changing landscapes of West Bengal.

You can take a train from Kolkata (Howrah, Sealdah, or Kolkata Terminal) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is the nearest major railway station to Gangtok.

• Major Trains from Kolkata to NJP:
  • Vande Bharat Express: The fastest option, reaching NJP in just about 7.5 hours.
  • Darjeeling Mail: The most iconic overnight train, perfect for waking up fresh at the foothills.
  • Padatik Express: Another highly reliable daily overnight service.

Kolkata to Gangtok Train Ticket Price

The train is the most nostalgic and value for money way to reach the hills. You will arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri, followed by a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Gangtok.

Class	Estimated Price (Kolkata to NJP)
Sleeper (SL)	₹345 – ₹420
3rd AC (3A)	₹900 – ₹1,100
2nd AC (2A)	₹1,300 – ₹1,500
1st AC (1A)	₹2,150 – ₹2,490
Vande Bharat (CC/EC)	₹1,585 (Chair Car) / ₹2,845 (Executive)

Kolkata To Gangtok By Road

If you want to skip the train or if you are a road trip lover, you can also plan a road trip from Kolkata to Gangtok.

This route is for those who enjoy the freedom of the open road and don’t mind spending 16+ hours behind the wheel.

The most common path follows NH12 (formerly NH34) via Krishnanagar, Berhampore, Malda, and Siliguri, eventually joining NH10 for the final climb to Gangtok.

While extensive and sometimes taxing, the road trip offers unmatched views of the Bengal countryside and the dramatic entry into the mountains at Sevoke.

For those who don’t want to drive themselves, the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) operates direct AC bus services between Kolkata and Gangtok on alternate days.

Which is The Best Way To Reach

The “best” way depends entirely on your travel personality:

• Flight: This is the undisputed winner. You can leave Kolkata after breakfast and be sitting on M.G. Marg by late afternoon. It cuts down travel time from 15+ hours to about 6 hours total.
• Train: The Train (Darjeeling Mail or Padatik Express) is the most balanced choice. It saves you the cost of a hotel night if you travel in night and drops you off early in the morning, ready for the hill drive.
• Road: If you have a rugged SUV and a love for the open road, Self-driving via NH12 is an adventure of its own, though it requires a long 17–20 hour commitment.

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.

Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gangtok Images

Gangtok Nearby Places to Visit

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