Permits & practical
How to Reach Sikkim from Anywhere in India via Bagdogra and NJP
How to reach Sikkim by air, rail and road: flights to Bagdogra, trains to NJP, taxis and shared jeeps to Gangtok, travel times and arrival tips.
By Sikkim Tour & Travel Team, SiliguriUpdated 5 min read
Quick answer
Most travellers reach Sikkim through Siliguri: fly into Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then drive about 120–125 km (4–5 hours) to Gangtok by private taxi or shared jeep. Sikkim's own Pakyong Airport has had only limited flights, and the railway into Sikkim is still under construction.
Wherever you start – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Guwahati or abroad – the last leg into Sikkim is almost always the same: get to Siliguri, then take the hill road up. Here's how each option works.
Step 1: Get to Siliguri
By air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
Bagdogra, about 15 km from Siliguri, is the main airport for Sikkim, Darjeeling and the Dooars. It has direct flights from several major Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, and one-stop connections from almost everywhere else. There are also flights to and from Paro in Bhutan at times.
From the terminal, Gangtok is about 120–125 km and Darjeeling about 65–75 km. Foreign nationals can usually get their Sikkim Restricted Area Permit arranged here or at the border check post – see our permit guide.
By train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
NJP is one of the biggest railway junctions in Northeast India, with direct trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and many other cities. Siliguri Junction and Siliguri Town stations handle some trains too. Overnight trains from Kolkata are a popular, comfortable option.
By road
Siliguri is well connected by national highways to Kolkata, Bihar, Assam and Bhutan. Overnight buses run from Kolkata. The Nepal border at Kakarbhitta/Panitanki is close by.
What about flying straight to Sikkim?
Sikkim's Pakyong Airport (PYG) opened in 2018, but commercial flights have been limited and irregular because of weather and runway constraints. A helicopter service between Bagdogra and Gangtok has also run at times. Check current schedules – but plan on flying into Bagdogra.
And the train to Sikkim?
A railway line from Sevoke to Rangpo is under construction. Until it opens, the last stretch into Sikkim is by road.
Step 2: Siliguri to Gangtok (or Pelling, Darjeeling)
| Option | Time to Gangtok | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi | 4–5 hrs | High – door to door, your own stops | Families, groups, anyone with luggage |
| Shared jeep / taxi | 4.5–5.5 hrs | Basic – fixed seats, fixed stands | Solo and budget travellers |
| State bus (SNT) | 5–6 hrs | Basic | Tight budgets |
| Helicopter (when running) | ~30 min | High | Short trips, limited seats |
Private taxi
The easiest choice: your driver meets you at arrivals or outside NJP station, loads your bags and drives you to your hotel. You choose when to stop for photos, tea or lunch. Fares are per vehicle, so a shared car is good value for families and groups. See our Bagdogra/NJP to Gangtok taxi page.
Shared jeeps
Shared jeeps and taxis leave from stands in Siliguri (near the SNT bus terminus and other points) and drop you at Gangtok's taxi stands. They're cheap but depart when full, and you'll need a local taxi from the stand to your hotel.
The road itself
The main road is NH10, following the Teesta river via Sevoke, Melli, Rangpo and Singtam. In the monsoon it can be closed by landslides for hours or days; drivers then use longer alternative roads via Kalimpong. Leave a cushion on your arrival and departure days.
Distances from Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra
| Destination | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | ≈ 120–125 km | 4–5 hrs |
| Darjeeling | ≈ 65–75 km | 3–3.5 hrs |
| Pelling | ≈ 135–145 km | 5–6 hrs |
| Kalimpong | ≈ 65–70 km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Lachung (via Gangtok) | ≈ 240 km | Overnight in Gangtok recommended |
| Jaigaon / Phuentsholing border | ≈ 150–160 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
All figures are approximate and vary with route and road conditions.
Arrival-day tips
- Land before early afternoon if you can. Most flights into Bagdogra arrive by midday, giving you time to reach Gangtok before dark. Mountain roads are slower at night.
- Arriving late? Spend the night in Siliguri and drive up the next morning.
- Don't plan a high-altitude trip the next day. Use your first full day in Gangtok for local sightseeing.
- Keep ID handy. Foreign nationals show permits at Rangpo; everyone may be asked for ID at check posts.
- Leave a buffer on your last day. For an afternoon flight from Bagdogra, leave Gangtok early in the morning.
Where to go from here
Once you're in Gangtok, read our guides to Gangtok sightseeing and the best order to visit Sikkim to plan the rest of the trip.
Travelling from major cities
From Kolkata
The most popular option is an overnight train to NJP – several trains leave Kolkata in the evening and arrive in the morning, letting you reach Gangtok the same afternoon. Flights to Bagdogra take about an hour, and overnight buses run to Siliguri.
From Delhi, Mumbai and other metros
Fly to Bagdogra – direct flights save a full day compared with the train. If you prefer rail, long-distance trains run to NJP from Delhi and several other cities, but they take a day or more.
From Guwahati and the Northeast
Trains and buses run frequently to NJP and Siliguri, and there are short flights to Bagdogra.
From abroad
Most international travellers connect through Delhi or Kolkata to Bagdogra. Remember the Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim, which can often be arranged online with your visa or at the Rangpo/Melli check post. Travellers coming from Nepal can cross at Kakarbhitta/Panitanki near Siliguri; travellers coming from Bhutan cross at Phuentsholing/Jaigaon, about 4 hours from Siliguri. Planning to visit Bhutan as well? See our Bhutan tour packages from Siliguri.
Planning your departure
Leaving Sikkim needs as much care as arriving:
- Morning flight from Bagdogra? Spend your last night in Siliguri, not Gangtok.
- Afternoon flight? Leave Gangtok by about 7–8 am to allow for traffic and possible road delays.
- Evening train from NJP? Leaving Gangtok after breakfast is usually fine.
- Returning from North Sikkim? Never plan to fly the same day. Spend at least one night in Gangtok first.
On the road: comfort tips
- The NH10 drive is winding. If you're prone to motion sickness, eat lightly and sit in the front.
- There are tea and snack stops at Sevoke, Melli, Rangpo and Singtam.
- Keep a light jacket handy – it gets cooler as you climb towards Gangtok.
- Large suitcases fit better in an SUV than a sedan; tell us how many bags you're bringing.
About this guide: written by the Sikkim Tour & Travel team in Siliguri, who plan road trips across Sikkim, Darjeeling and the Dooars. Permit rules, road access and fees change often – always confirm the latest position before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
