Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, located in the northeastern part of India. Delhi, the national capital, lies in the northern plains, making this journey a popular route for travelers seeking the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

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

Getting from Delhi to Gangtok – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi to Gangtok is indirect but popular for those who want a comfortable and economical journey. You will travel to nearby railway stations and then continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri Junction, approximately 115 km away, accessible by train from Delhi via Howrah or New Jalpaiguri routes.

• Delhi to New Jalpaiguri trains take around 30 to 36 hours, with fares ranging from INR 700 for sleeper class to INR 2500 for AC classes, depending on the train and booking time.

• Trains run daily on popular routes like the North East Express and Darjeeling Mail, but booking early on IRCTC is essential due to high demand, especially during holidays.

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

• During monsoon months, landslides can cause delays on the road from NJP to Gangtok, so plan extra travel time in July and August.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for traveling from Delhi to Gangtok, though the journey is long and involves multiple segments.

• Direct bus services from Delhi to Gangtok are rare; most travelers take buses to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri first, then switch to local buses or shared taxis to Gangtok.

• Delhi to Siliguri by bus takes around 36 to 40 hours, with fares ranging from INR 1000 to INR 1500, depending on the bus type and operator.

• State transport buses like Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) operate frequent services from Siliguri to Gangtok, with travel time about 4 to 5 hours and fares around INR 150 to INR 250.

• Buses in this region can be crowded during festivals and peak tourist seasons, so booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for the Siliguri to Gangtok leg.

• Rest stops on the Delhi to Siliguri route are available at major towns like Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Darjeeling, with basic food options; however, hygiene standards vary.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Gangtok offers flexibility and the chance to explore offbeat places, but it requires careful planning due to the long distance and mountainous roads near Gangtok.

• The distance from Delhi to Gangtok is approximately 1,500 km via NH 27 and NH 10, with an estimated driving time of 30 to 35 hours without long stops.

• The route passes through major cities like Lucknow, Siliguri, and then climbs the hills towards Gangtok; NH 10 is a well-maintained highway but has many hairpin bends near Sikkim.

• Expect toll plazas on NH 27 and NH 10, with toll fees totaling around INR 500 to INR 700 for the entire journey.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Lucknow or Siliguri to avoid fatigue; roadside dhabas offer local North Indian cuisine, but carry water and snacks for hill sections.

• During monsoon, landslides and slippery roads near Gangtok can be dangerous, so check weather updates and avoid night driving in the hills.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Gangtok from Delhi, followed by a short road journey to the city center.

• There are no direct flights to Gangtok’s Pakyong Airport from Delhi; most travelers fly to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, about 125 km from Gangtok.

• Delhi to Bagdogra flights take around 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bagdogra Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or shared cabs to Gangtok; the road journey takes about 4 to 5 hours on NH 10, with fares around INR 1500 to INR 2500.

• Bagdogra has basic facilities and good connectivity with Ola and Uber cabs; booking your taxi in advance during peak season is recommended.

• Flight schedules can be affected by fog in winter months (December to February), so allow buffer time for connecting road travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Gangtok to help organize the journey efficiently and avoid common issues.

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

• If traveling by train, choose a train to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, then arrange a shared taxi or Sikkim Nationalised Transport bus to Gangtok for a smooth last leg.

• For flights, book a ticket to Bagdogra Airport and pre-arrange a taxi or shared cab to Gangtok to avoid delays and overcharging at the airport.

• If driving, plan your route carefully using GPS and schedule overnight stops in cities like Lucknow or Siliguri to rest and refuel safely.

• Pack light but include warm clothes and rain gear, as the weather changes quickly in the hills, and carry water and snacks for long road segments.

• Check weather and road conditions before departure, especially during monsoon or winter, to avoid landslides or fog-related delays on the highway to Gangtok.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for airport and railway station transfers to avoid inflated fares and ensure safety.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey; buy food from trusted dhabas or restaurants to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets well in advance on IRCTC or airline portals, as trains and flights fill up quickly during festivals like Diwali and Christmas.

• Use local buses or shared taxis in Gangtok for affordable and authentic travel; avoid unlicensed cabs that may overcharge tourists.

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

• Be cautious of landslides and roadblocks during monsoon (June to September); keep emergency contacts and local helpline numbers handy.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Gangtok depends on weather and tourist seasons. Avoid monsoon months when landslides are common, and winter fog can disrupt flights.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for clear roads, pleasant weather, and fewer travel delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, as trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon months bring heavy rain and landslides on NH 10, causing road closures and delays between Siliguri and Gangtok.

• Winter months (December to February) can have dense fog near Bagdogra Airport, leading to flight cancellations or rescheduling.

• Early morning departures from Delhi are recommended to avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections for trains or flights.

Arrival at Gangtok & What to Expect

When you arrive in Gangtok, you will find a small but bustling city with limited vehicle access in the town center. The nearest airport is Pakyong, but most travelers come via Bagdogra or NJP by road.

Local transport includes shared taxis, private cabs, and buses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but less common than in big cities, so negotiate fares beforehand or use hotel-arranged transport.

Popular stay areas include MG Marg, the city’s main pedestrian street, and nearby hotels offering easy access to markets and sightseeing spots. Walking is common in the town center due to narrow roads and traffic restrictions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Gangtok is a rewarding journey that combines long-distance travel with scenic hill roads. The most efficient option is flying to Bagdogra and then taking a taxi to Gangtok, saving time and effort.

However, train and bus options offer economical alternatives for budget travelers who don’t mind longer travel times. Planning ahead, booking tickets early, and checking weather conditions are key to a smooth trip. With proper preparation, you can enjoy this beautiful route confidently and comfortably.