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Kolkata to Sikkim: flight, train and taxi

Almost everyone arrives at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station near Siliguri and drives up to Gangtok. From Kolkata that means a short flight or an overnight train, followed by about 4 to 5 hours on the road.

By NE Taxi, Gangtok · Published · Updated

Bird's eye view of Gangtok from Ganesh Tok, Sikkim
Bird's eye view of Gangtok from Ganesh Tok, Sikkim. Photo: Subhrajyoti07, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

By air: Kolkata to Bagdogra

Air India Express and IndiGo fly non-stop from Kolkata (CCU) to Bagdogra, listed at about 33 flights a week in September 2026. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Schedules change by season, so check the airline before you book.

From Bagdogra the road to Gangtok is about 123 km.

By train: Kolkata to NJP

The usual overnight trains leave Sealdah or Howrah in the evening and reach NJP in the morning. Darjeeling Mail takes about 10 hours, Kanchankanya Express about 12 and Kamrup Express about 12 and a half, per the timings listed by Darjeeling Tourism. Timings are indicative and can change, so confirm them on IRCTC when you book.

The rail distance is about 570 km. NJP is about 114 km from Gangtok.

From the airport or station to Gangtok

We pick you up at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. Send us your flight or train number when you book so the driver can plan the pickup around your arrival. Bagdogra is about 123 km and NJP about 114 km from Gangtok, and the drive usually takes 4 to 5 hours.

The road between the plains and Gangtok can slow down or close from June to September because of landslides. In the monsoon, allow extra time on the first and last day. Our Bagdogra to Gangtok road guide explains the two routes.

Which is better: flight or train?

The flight is faster and leaves more of the day for Sikkim. The train is cheaper and lands you at NJP early in the morning, which suits a first day in Gangtok. Either way the last stretch is the same road, so plan the first day around the drive.

Permits

Indian visitors need no permit to enter Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake, Nathula, Zuluk and North Sikkim need a protected area permit, which we arrange with your booking. See permits.

Sources

Road and permit rules change. We confirm the current position for your dates when you book.

Common questions

How do I reach Sikkim from Kolkata?

Fly to Bagdogra (about 1 hour 15 minutes) or take an overnight train to NJP (about 10 to 12 hours), then take a taxi to Gangtok. The road takes 4 to 5 hours.

How far is Gangtok from Bagdogra and NJP?

About 123 km from Bagdogra Airport and about 114 km from NJP station.

Do you pick up from Bagdogra and NJP?

Yes. Pickups from both are part of our regular service. Share your flight or train number when you book.

Do Indian visitors need a permit for Sikkim?

No permit is needed to enter Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake, Nathula, Zuluk and North Sikkim need a protected area permit, which we arrange with the booking.

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