Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is nestled in the eastern Himalayas and is known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant culture. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a historic city famous for its rich heritage and cuisine. Traveling from Lucknow to Gangtok is popular among tourists seeking a hill station experience after exploring the plains.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical advice for a smooth journey. You will also find tips on planning, the best travel seasons, and what to expect upon arrival in Gangtok.

Getting from Lucknow to Gangtok – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Lucknow to Gangtok is indirect but useful for covering most of the distance comfortably. The nearest major railway stations to Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri, which connect well with Lucknow.

• From Lucknow Charbagh railway station, you can board trains to New Jalpaiguri, covering about 1,500 km in 30 to 36 hours, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹2,500 depending on class and train type.

• Trains like the North East Express and others run daily or several times a week, offering sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC coaches with varying comfort and crowd levels.

• After reaching New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, you need to hire a taxi or take a shared jeep for the 115 km journey to Gangtok, which takes around 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads.

• Train travel is economical and comfortable but requires advance booking on IRCTC, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals to avoid waitlists.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides on the route, so check weather updates before traveling by train.

Bus

Buses offer a direct but long and challenging option from Lucknow to Gangtok. This mode suits budget travelers who prefer road travel and want to experience local transport.

• State-run and private buses operate from Lucknow to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, taking approximately 36 to 40 hours over a distance of around 1,500 km via NH27 and NH10 highways.

• From Siliguri or NJP, you can board Sikkim State Transport buses or shared taxis to Gangtok, which take 4 to 5 hours on winding mountain roads.

• Bus fares from Lucknow to Siliguri range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 depending on bus type, with sleeper and semi-sleeper options available.

• Buses are frequent but can be crowded during holidays and festivals; booking tickets a few days in advance is advisable to secure a seat.

• Road conditions on the plains are generally good, but the hilly stretch to Gangtok can be narrow and prone to landslides during monsoon, causing delays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Gangtok offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. This option suits experienced drivers comfortable with long-distance and mountain driving.

• The distance by road is about 1,600 km and takes roughly 30 to 35 hours of driving time via NH27 and NH10, passing through cities like Gorakhpur, Siliguri, and Rangpo.

• Major toll plazas on NH27 and NH10 require cash or FASTag payments; plan for toll expenses and fuel stops along the way.

• Rest stops with dhabas and restaurants are available on the plains, but food options become limited and basic in the hills, so carry snacks and water.

• Driving in the hilly section to Gangtok requires caution due to narrow roads, sharp turns, and occasional landslides, especially during monsoon.

• Self-drive allows you to stop at tourist spots like Darjeeling or Kalimpong on the way, adding to the journey experience.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Gangtok from Lucknow, though it involves a connecting journey since Gangtok has no airport.

• Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers direct flights to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which is the nearest airport to Gangtok, with flight durations around 3 to 4 hours including layovers.

• From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep for the 115 km drive to Gangtok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on mountain roads.

• Flight fares vary from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can secure better deals.

• Bagdogra airport has prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, making onward travel convenient and safe.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog and weather conditions during winter months, so check schedules before booking.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during holidays and peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan to reach New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri station early to arrange reliable taxis or shared jeeps for the onward journey to Gangtok.

• For bus travelers, confirm bus departure times a day before at the Lucknow bus depot or online portals, and carry essentials like water and snacks for the long journey.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition thoroughly, carry a physical map or GPS device, and plan overnight stops to rest safely along the route.

• Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport, use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs to reach Gangtok, ensuring fixed fares and avoiding overcharging.

• Carry valid ID and permits required for Sikkim entry, as Gangtok requires special permits for tourists, which can be obtained online or at entry points.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use trusted taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Siliguri and Bagdogra to avoid scams and ensure safety.

• Book train and bus tickets early using IRCTC and MSRTC portals, as these services fill up quickly during festivals and holidays.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, as Gangtok’s weather can be chilly, especially at night, even in summer months.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect road delays due to landslides; check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly during crowded train or bus journeys to prevent theft.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Gangtok is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid monsoon and winter months if possible due to heavy rains and fog.

Peak tourist seasons in Gangtok are around summer holidays and festivals like Losar and Diwali, when accommodations and transport can be crowded and expensive.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon (June to September) as heavy rains cause landslides and roadblocks on NH10 leading to Gangtok.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and cold temperatures, which can delay flights and make road travel challenging.

• Early morning departures from Lucknow help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections for trains and flights.

• Plan your journey outside major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali to avoid overcrowding and inflated prices.

Arrival at Gangtok & What to Expect

When you arrive in Gangtok, you will find a small but bustling hill station with limited public transport. Most travelers use shared taxis, private cabs, or rented bikes to get around.

Popular areas to stay include MG Marg and Deorali, which are close to shops, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but less common than in big cities, so negotiate fares beforehand.

The main entry point is via the road from Siliguri or Bagdogra, where you will likely arrive after a long journey. Local buses and shared jeeps connect Gangtok with nearby towns, but private taxis offer more comfort and flexibility.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lucknow to Gangtok involves covering a long distance with several transport options. The most efficient way is to fly from Lucknow to Bagdogra and then take a taxi to Gangtok, saving time and effort. Train travel is economical and comfortable but requires a long onward road journey.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will make your trip smoother. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the scenic journey from the plains of Lucknow to the serene hills of Gangtok confidently and comfortably.