Pelling is a beautiful hill town located in West Sikkim, known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. Bagdogra Airport, situated in West Bengal near Siliguri, is the nearest major airport serving travelers heading to Pelling. This route is popular among tourists seeking a peaceful mountain retreat with easy access from a well-connected airport.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling. You will learn about different transport options including trains, buses, cars, and taxis, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for those who want a budget-friendly and scenic route to reach Siliguri, the nearest railway hub to Bagdogra Airport. From Siliguri, you will need to switch to road transport to reach Pelling.

• Bagdogra Airport is about 16 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), the main station serving Siliguri, reachable by taxi or shared jeep in 30-40 minutes.

• Trains from major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati arrive at NJP, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹1500 depending on class and distance.

• From NJP, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Pelling; the road journey is about 115 km and takes 4-5 hours due to hilly terrain and winding roads.

• Train services are frequent and reliable, but the last-mile connectivity to Pelling depends on road transport, which can be affected by monsoon landslides or winter fog.

• Booking train tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective option for travelers comfortable with longer journeys and local transport. Direct buses to Pelling are limited, so most routes involve changing buses at Siliguri or Jorethang.

• Buses from Siliguri Central Bus Station or Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus connect to Jorethang, a town about 30 km from Pelling, with fares between ₹150 and ₹300.

• From Jorethang, shared jeeps or local buses run frequently to Pelling, costing around ₹50-₹100 and taking about 1 hour.

• The total bus travel time from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling can be 6-7 hours, including transfers and waiting times.

• Buses are crowded during weekends and holidays, so arriving early at bus stands is advisable to secure seats.

• Road conditions can be challenging during the monsoon season, with occasional delays due to landslides on NH10 and connecting roads.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups wanting to explore at their own pace. The route covers scenic hills and valleys along National Highway 10 and local roads.

• The distance from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling is approximately 125 km, with a driving time of 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through Siliguri, Sevoke, and Jorethang, with toll plazas near Sevoke and occasional narrow mountain stretches requiring careful driving.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available at Bagdogra Airport, with daily rates ranging from ₹2000 to ₹4000 depending on vehicle type.

• Driving yourself requires familiarity with hilly terrain and weather changes, especially during monsoon when roads can be slippery and foggy.

• Stops for refreshments are available at Sevoke and Jorethang, with local dhabas offering simple meals and tea.

Taxi

Hiring a taxi from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling is the most convenient and comfortable option, especially if you want door-to-door service without transfers. Taxis are widely available at the airport and can be booked in advance.

• Prepaid and app-based taxis like Ola and Uber operate from Bagdogra Airport, with fares to Pelling typically between ₹3500 and ₹5000 depending on vehicle type and season.

• The taxi journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering 125 km via NH10 and mountain roads, with stops possible on request.

• Experienced local drivers are familiar with the terrain and can navigate narrow roads and weather challenges safely.

• Booking taxis in advance through trusted operators or the airport taxi counter helps avoid overcharging and ensures availability during peak seasons.

• Taxi drivers can also assist with local sightseeing or hotel drop-offs in Pelling, adding convenience for first-time visitors.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling. It covers key actions to take for a smooth journey and useful Indian travel tips.

• Step 1: After landing at Bagdogra Airport, collect your luggage and head to the taxi stand or pre-book a cab to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. This helps you reach the main transport hub quickly.

• Step 2: If taking a train, book your ticket in advance on IRCTC to avoid last-minute hassles. For road travel, check bus or taxi availability early in the day to secure your seat.

• Step 3: If traveling by bus, arrive at Siliguri bus terminals early morning to get a seat on buses heading towards Jorethang or Pelling, as buses fill up fast during tourist seasons.

• Step 4: For car or taxi journeys, confirm your route with the driver and plan rest stops at Sevoke or Jorethang for meals and refreshments, ensuring a comfortable trip.

• Step 5: Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or train, since food options on the route can be limited and hygiene varies.

• Step 6: Upon arrival in Pelling, use local taxis or shared jeeps to reach your hotel or sightseeing spots, as the town is spread out and walking can be tiring at high altitude.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photo ID and keep your travel documents handy, as police checks are common on mountain roads and at bus stations in Sikkim.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling by bus or shared taxis.

• Book train and taxi tickets well in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs from Bagdogra Airport to avoid scams and ensure fixed fares to your destination.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, as temperatures drop significantly in Pelling, especially at night and during winter months.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes; monsoon rains can cause landslides and roadblocks, so check local weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling depends on weather and festivals. Avoiding peak traffic and difficult weather ensures a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Summer months from March to June offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for road travel and sightseeing. Winter months can be cold but less crowded, while monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains and possible delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when roads and transport hubs are crowded, causing longer wait times and higher fares.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides on NH10 and mountain roads, leading to travel delays or cancellations, so plan accordingly.

• Early morning departures from Bagdogra Airport help avoid city traffic in Siliguri and allow reaching Pelling before dusk, which is safer on mountain roads.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility on roads, so allow extra travel time and consider daytime journeys only.

Arrival at Pelling & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pelling, you will find a small but welcoming town with limited public transport. The main arrival points are the town center or local bus stands where taxis and shared jeeps are available.

Prepaid taxis and local shared jeeps are the best options for last-mile travel to hotels or tourist spots. Walking is possible in the town center but can be tiring due to steep roads and altitude. Popular areas to stay include near the Rabdentse ruins or along the main market road for easy access to eateries and shops.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling is best done by taxi or car for comfort and convenience, especially if you want a direct and hassle-free journey. Train and bus options are available but require transfers and more time, suitable for budget travelers who enjoy local experiences.

Planning your trip in advance, booking tickets early, and checking weather conditions will help you avoid common challenges like road delays and crowded transport. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your journey to Pelling and enjoy the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this lovely hill town.