Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is nestled in the eastern Himalayas and is known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant culture. Patna, the capital of Bihar, lies in the eastern plains of India. Traveling from Patna to Gangtok is a popular route for tourists seeking to explore the scenic northeast.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Patna 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 Patna to Gangtok – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a budget-friendly option for reaching the northeast region from Patna, but there is no direct train to Gangtok. You will need to combine train travel with road transport. Trains are comfortable and run frequently to nearby railway stations.

• Take a train from Patna Junction (PNBE) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest major railway station to Gangtok, covering around 700 km in approximately 16 to 20 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Patna–New Jalpaiguri Express and the Rajdhani Express, with fares ranging from INR 500 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes, offering various comfort levels.

• New Jalpaiguri station is well connected and has facilities like waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters, making it convenient for onward travel to Gangtok.

• From New Jalpaiguri, you can hire a shared taxi or private cab to Gangtok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours over 115 km via NH10, with fares around INR 800 to 1500 per person for shared taxis.

• Train travel can be affected by fog and rain during winter and monsoon seasons, so plan accordingly and book tickets early via IRCTC to avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Gangtok from Patna, though the journey is long and can be tiring. State-run and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• Board a bus from Patna Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) to Siliguri or directly to Gangtok, covering roughly 900 km in 24 to 30 hours depending on the service and route.

• MSRTC and Sikkim Nationalised Transport buses run daily, with fares between INR 800 and 1500 for non-AC and AC coaches, but seats fill quickly during peak seasons.

• Night buses are available but can be crowded and less comfortable; daytime buses offer better views but may face heavy traffic near Siliguri and NH10 toll plazas.

• Rest stops along NH27 and NH10 provide basic food and restroom facilities; carry water and snacks as options are limited on some stretches.

• During monsoon, landslides and roadblocks near the hills can cause delays, so check weather updates before traveling by bus.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Patna to Gangtok offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The route covers plains and hilly terrain, requiring careful planning and a reliable vehicle.

• The distance by road is about 900 km via NH27 and NH10, taking approximately 20 to 24 hours of driving time, excluding breaks and traffic delays.

• Start from Patna, head east on NH27 towards Siliguri, then take NH10 to Gangtok; the route passes through towns like Purnea, Kishanganj, and Siliguri.

• Expect toll plazas on NH27 and NH10 with charges totaling around INR 300 to 500; keep cash handy as some tolls may not accept digital payments.

• Plan overnight stops in Siliguri or nearby towns to rest; driving through the hills requires caution, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery and prone to landslides.

• Fuel stations are available along the highway, but fewer in the hilly section; fill up in Siliguri before ascending to Gangtok to avoid shortages.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Gangtok from Patna, though there is no airport in Gangtok itself. You will fly to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri and then travel by road to Gangtok.

• Patna Airport (PAT) offers direct flights to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is approximately 125 km from Gangtok, with flight durations around 2 hours.

• Airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate this route with fares typically ranging from INR 3000 to 6000 depending on the season and booking time.

• From Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Gangtok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours via NH10; taxi fares range from INR 1500 to 2500.

• Bagdogra has good facilities including prepaid taxi counters, car rental services, and eateries, making the transition to road travel smooth.

• Flights can be delayed or canceled during heavy fog in winter or monsoon rains, so keep flexible travel plans and check flight status regularly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Patna to Gangtok, helping you organize your journey with ease and confidence.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance via IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and preferred timings, especially during holidays and festivals.

• If traveling by train, choose a train arriving at New Jalpaiguri during daylight hours to avoid last-minute rush and easier access to taxis or buses to Gangtok.

• Arrange your onward transport from New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra in advance using trusted taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable transfers.

• Pack light but include warm clothing and rain gear, as Gangtok’s weather can be cool and wet even in summer; carry bottled water and snacks for long road journeys.

• Check weather and road conditions before departure, especially during monsoon or winter fog, to avoid delays and plan alternate routes if necessary.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times for safety and assistance if needed during the journey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safe rides, especially when traveling to Gangtok from New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid scams and confirm seat availability before reaching the station or bus depot.

• In Gangtok, use local shared taxis or buses for short distances as they are affordable and frequent; avoid unlicensed taxis which may charge higher fares.

• Carry essential medicines, a basic first aid kit, and any personal prescriptions, as medical facilities outside major towns can be limited during road travel.

• During monsoon, keep an eye on weather forecasts and avoid traveling at night on hilly roads due to landslide risks and poor visibility.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Gangtok depends on weather and festival seasons. Avoiding peak traffic and adverse weather will make your journey more comfortable.

Winter months bring fog in the plains and cold in the hills, while monsoon causes heavy rains and landslides, especially on NH10. Planning your trip in the shoulder seasons is ideal.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when trains and buses are overcrowded and fares surge.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause roadblocks and delays due to landslides on the highway to Gangtok; travel only if necessary and check local news.

• Early morning departures from Patna help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri by evening for rest.

• October to December offers clear skies and pleasant weather in Gangtok but be prepared for fog in the plains affecting train and flight schedules.

Arrival at Gangtok & What to Expect

Upon reaching Gangtok, you will find a small but busy town with limited vehicle access in the city center. The main entry points are via NH10 and the taxi stands near the bus terminus.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and buses that connect to popular areas like MG Marg and the main market. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are less common, so negotiate fares beforehand.

Accommodation options are concentrated near MG Marg and Deorali, offering a range of budget to mid-range hotels. Walking is common in the town center due to narrow roads and traffic restrictions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Patna to Gangtok involves a combination of transport modes, with train plus road transfer and flights via Bagdogra being the most efficient options. Each mode offers different balances of cost, comfort, and travel time.

Careful planning, early bookings, and awareness of seasonal conditions will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and look forward to the beautiful landscapes and culture awaiting you in Gangtok.