Short answer
Most visitors fly to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri or take a train to New Jalpaiguri, then drive up. Darjeeling is three to four hours away, Gangtok four to five. Pakyong Airport near Gangtok has limited flights. Hill roads are slow and can close after rain, so avoid tight same-day connections.
On this page 15 sections
Darjeeling and Sikkim lie in the far east of the Himalaya, and the gateway to all of them is Siliguri, a city on the plains. Reaching Siliguri is simple. Climbing the hills is slower and less predictable. This guide explains the options and what to expect.
By air to Bagdogra
Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 12 km from Siliguri, is the main airport for the region. It has flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and other cities, though schedules and routes change by season. Flight times are about two hours from Delhi and one hour from Kolkata. The airport is small and busy, particularly at peak times, and the terminal can be congested. Book early for October, November and May to June.
From the airport, taxis and pre-booked cars go to Darjeeling (about 90 km, 3 to 4 hours), Gangtok (about 125 km, 4 to 5 hours), Kalimpong (about 70 km, 2 to 3 hours) and Pelling (about 130 km, 5 to 6 hours). The final stretch of each journey is slower than the distance suggests.
Pakyong Airport
Pakyong Airport, near Gangtok, opened in 2018 and is the only airport in Sikkim. It has limited flights, usually from Kolkata and a few other cities, and operations are sensitive to weather and visibility. Flights are sometimes cancelled. It is about 30 km from Gangtok. We treat it as an option, not a primary plan, and always keep Bagdogra as a backup.
By train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the main railway station for the region, with direct trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai and other cities. The overnight train from Kolkata and the long-distance trains from Delhi are popular. Siliguri Junction and Siliguri Town are nearby stations. From NJP, Darjeeling is about 85 km (3 to 4 hours), and Gangtok about 120 km (4 to 5 hours). Book trains early, because they sell out around holidays.
The Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway originally began at New Jalpaiguri. Today, regular services between the plains and Darjeeling have been limited, while short joyrides run in the hills. It is a heritage experience, not a practical way to reach Darjeeling. See our Toy Train guide.
By road from Siliguri
- To Darjeeling, the road climbs from Siliguri through Pankhabari or Hill Cart Road, via Kurseong and Ghum. It takes three to four hours, longer in fog or traffic.
- To Kalimpong, the road follows the Teesta river to Teesta Bazaar and then climbs. It takes two to three hours.
- To Gangtok, the main road is NH-10 along the Teesta via Sevoke, Rangpo and Singtam. It takes four to five hours and can be closed after rain.
- To Pelling, a longer road via Jorethang and Legship, taking five to six hours.
Shared jeeps run from Siliguri to the hill towns, but they are crowded and slow. Private cars with experienced drivers are the best option for most visitors.
Reaching Sikkim by helicopter
A helicopter service has operated between Gangtok and Bagdogra, though schedules and availability vary and weather often interferes. Seats are limited, and it is better as an occasional option than a dependable plan.
Crossing from Nepal and Bhutan
Some travellers arrive from Nepal via the border crossing at Panitanki and Kakarbhitta near Siliguri, and others from Bhutan via Jaigaon. Rules for foreigners entering India overland are specific and change, so check visa and registration requirements well ahead.
Choosing the right gateway
| Destination | Best arrival point |
|---|---|
| Darjeeling | Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri |
| Kalimpong | Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri |
| Gangtok | Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri or Pakyong |
| Pelling | Bagdogra, with a long drive |
| North Sikkim | Via Gangtok |
Documents and permits
Indian visitors should carry government photo ID. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa, and special permits for Sikkim. Permits for Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim are separate, and we explain the current position in our permits and road conditions guide.
Roads, delays and timing
The hill roads are narrow and winding. Landslides after heavy rain can close them for hours or days. Fog is common in winter and the monsoon. We recommend arriving in daylight, avoiding night driving and keeping a buffer day at the end. If your flight leaves in the evening, you can leave the hills in the morning.
Sample journeys
From Delhi, a typical journey is a morning flight to Bagdogra and a car to Darjeeling, arriving in the late afternoon. From Kolkata, many travellers take the overnight train to New Jalpaiguri and drive up in the morning. From Mumbai or Bengaluru, a flight to Bagdogra via a connection usually takes most of a day. From Guwahati, the road to Siliguri takes seven to eight hours, and a short flight is faster. If you are visiting both Darjeeling and Gangtok, arrive in one and leave from the other, with a night at Bagdogra only if your flight is very early.
Arrival day tips
Do not plan a heavy first day. If you reach Bagdogra in the afternoon, go straight to your hotel and keep the evening light. Carry a jacket even in summer, because the temperature drops as you climb. Keep your luggage compact, since hill hotels often have narrow stairs. Confirm your pickup in advance, and keep your driver's number handy.
Money and connectivity on arrival
Withdraw cash at Siliguri or Bagdogra, since ATMs are less reliable in remote areas. Mobile coverage is generally good in towns but weak in valleys. Download maps and tickets before you leave.
Smart combinations
A popular plan is to fly into Bagdogra, travel through Darjeeling and Gangtok, and fly out of Bagdogra, which avoids backtracking. If you plan to visit Pelling as well, a loop from Darjeeling via Pelling to Gangtok is efficient.
Plan with us
Tell us where you are starting from and how many days you have, and we will recommend the right gateway. See our Darjeeling and Sikkim tour packages or ask for a plan.
Practical tips
- Book flights into Bagdogra early for October, November and May to June.
- Choose morning arrivals if you want to reach the hills in daylight.
- Avoid booking an onward flight or train on the same day as a long hill drive.
- Carry government photo ID for flights, hotels and permits.
- Keep a spare day at the end of your trip in case roads are closed.
