Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a beautiful hill station known for its scenic views and vibrant culture. This route is popular among travelers seeking a mix of urban and mountain experiences.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Gangtok, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical tips and a step-by-step travel plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Kolkata to Gangtok – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and economical way to cover most of the distance between Kolkata and Gangtok. Since Gangtok has no railway station, trains take you close to Sikkim, followed by road travel.

• The nearest major railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 115 km away, well connected to Kolkata by multiple daily trains covering approximately 560 km in 10 to 14 hours.

• Popular trains include the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200 depending on the class and train.

• Trains depart from Kolkata’s Howrah Station, which is well connected by local transport and has good food and waiting facilities for travelers.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, trains can be crowded, so booking tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents is advisable to secure preferred classes.

• From New Jalpaiguri, you can hire shared taxis or buses to reach Gangtok; the road journey takes about 4 to 5 hours on National Highway 10, which is scenic but winding.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and budget-friendly option for traveling from Kolkata to Gangtok, though the journey is long and can be tiring. This mode suits travelers who prefer road trips and want to experience local transport.

• State-run and private buses operate from Kolkata’s Esplanade or Siliguri Bus Terminus to Gangtok, covering around 620 km in 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort with reclining seats and occasional stops for meals and refreshments along NH10 and NH12 routes.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹600 to ₹1200, making it an economical choice for solo travelers and groups.

• During monsoon months, landslides and roadblocks on the hill roads can cause delays, so check weather and road updates before departure.

• Night buses are available but may be less comfortable due to winding roads; daytime travel is recommended for better views and safety.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Gangtok offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. This option suits travelers comfortable with long drives and mountain roads.

• The distance by road is approximately 620 km via NH12 and NH10, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through Bardhaman, Siliguri, and Sevoke, with multiple toll plazas and fuel stations along the way for convenience.

• Driving through the Teesta River valley and the hills near Sevoke requires caution, especially during monsoon when landslides are common.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Kolkata, with fares varying widely; prepaid taxi services and car rentals with drivers are popular for safer mountain driving.

• Rest stops with food and washrooms are available at Bardhaman and Siliguri; plan breaks to avoid fatigue on this long journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Gangtok, but since Gangtok has no airport, you will combine air and road travel. This option is ideal for travelers with limited time.

• Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers daily flights to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, about 125 km from Gangtok.

• Flight duration is about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from ₹2000 to ₹6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bagdogra, shared taxis, private cabs, and buses connect to Gangtok, taking 4 to 5 hours on NH10 with scenic mountain views.

• Bagdogra airport has basic facilities and taxi counters; pre-booking a cab or using Ola/Uber services is recommended for convenience and safety.

• During winter, fog can delay flights, so allow buffer time when planning onward travel to Gangtok.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Gangtok, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during holidays and peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, aim to arrive at Howrah Station at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate the large station easily and find your platform.

• Upon reaching New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, arrange your onward transport to Gangtok in advance using trusted taxi services or shared jeep operators to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include warm clothes and rain gear, as Gangtok’s weather can be cool and wet even in summer; this helps you stay comfortable during road travel.

• Carry some snacks and water for the road journey from NJP or Bagdogra to Gangtok, as food options on mountain roads are limited and sometimes expensive.

• Use mobile apps like Ola or Uber where available, but also confirm local taxi fares beforehand to avoid overcharging, especially at arrival points.

Practical Travel Tips

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items during train and bus travel to prevent theft, which can occur in crowded Indian transport hubs.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from reputable stalls to avoid stomach issues common during long journeys in India.

• Book tickets well in advance during festivals like Durga Puja or Christmas, as trains and buses fill up quickly on this popular route.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs for last-mile travel in Siliguri and Gangtok to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof covers or bags, especially during monsoon, to protect your belongings from rain and humidity.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, as landslides and road closures can disrupt travel during heavy rains in the hills.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Gangtok is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Avoid monsoon season due to landslide risks.

Winter can be cold and foggy, causing flight delays and difficult driving conditions, while summer brings moderate temperatures but occasional rain showers.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Kolkata and Losar in Sikkim, as transport and accommodation become crowded and expensive.

• Monsoon months (June to September) often cause landslides on NH10, leading to roadblocks and delays between Siliguri and Gangtok.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help you avoid city traffic and reach Siliguri or Bagdogra before nightfall, making onward travel safer.

• Winter fog in December and January can delay flights to Bagdogra, so plan extra time if flying.

Arrival at Gangtok & What to Expect

Gangtok’s taxi stand is near the main bus terminal, where you can find prepaid taxis and shared jeeps to reach your hotel or sightseeing spots. The town is compact, making local travel easy.

Popular areas to stay include MG Road and Deorali, which have many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for local transport, but walking is often the best way to explore the town.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Kolkata to Gangtok combines train or flight to Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, followed by a road journey. This balances comfort, cost, and travel time effectively.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging reliable local transport will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable trip. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey and experience the beauty of Gangtok without stress.