Trip planning · Getting there
How to reach Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim from NJP or Bagdogra
Almost every trip to the hills starts at Siliguri. Drive times, shared jeeps, reserved taxis and the toy train, place by place.
By TripToPahar Editorial TeamLast updated 5 min read
To reach Darjeeling, Kalimpong or Sikkim, arrive at Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri station near Siliguri. Then take a reserved taxi or shared jeep. Darjeeling is about 3 hours away, Kalimpong 2.5 hours and Gangtok 4 hours. Ask your homestay host to arrange a car for village stays.
How long does the road journey take?
| Destination | By road | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Rohini | About 40 minutes | Rohini road |
| Dudhya | About 1 hour | Rohini road, then the Mirik road turn-off |
| Kurseong and Mirik | Under 3 hours | Rohini road or Hill Cart Road; Mirik via Dudhya |
| Sittong | About 2.5 hours | Via Kurseong, or via Sevoke and Latpanchar |
| Darjeeling town | About 3 hours | Rohini road or Hill Cart Road via Kurseong and Ghoom |
| Kalimpong | About 2.5 hours | Along the Teesta via Sevoke |
| Gangtok | About 4 hours | Along the Teesta via Sevoke and Rangpo |
| Lataguri (Gorumara) | About 2 hours | Via Sevoke and the Coronation Bridge |
| Jaldapara | About 3.5 hours | East through the Dooars to Madarihat |
Should you take a reserved taxi?
A reserved car is the easiest way up, especially with luggage, children or a village homestay at the end. Prepaid and app-based taxis operate at Bagdogra, and taxi stands at NJP and Siliguri serve all the main destinations. Agree the fare and whether it covers tolls and stops before you set off. For villages, your homestay host can usually send or recommend a driver who knows the last stretch of road.
How do shared jeeps work?
Shared jeeps leave Siliguri and NJP for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Kurseong and Mirik when they fill up. Most leave in the morning. They are inexpensive and a good way to travel light. Services to smaller villages are infrequent. For Sittong, shared jeeps run from Kurseong rather than from the plains. Ask your host about current timings.
Can you reach Darjeeling by toy train?
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climbs from the plains to Darjeeling through Kurseong and Ghoom. It is far slower than the road, so most travelers ride it for the experience rather than as transport: short joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghoom are the most popular. Schedules change by season, so check current timings and book in advance.
How do you go on to Sikkim?
The road to Gangtok follows the Teesta and enters Sikkim at Rangpo. Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Sikkim, and some areas need permits for Indian citizens too. Read our Sikkim homestays and permits guide before you go.
The Teesta valley road is prone to landslides in the monsoon. Between June and September, leave a spare day before a flight or train home. Check the road with your host the evening before you travel.
Arriving late or leaving early? A night in Rohini or Dudhya, both within an hour of Siliguri, saves a hurried drive. See also the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Darjeeling from Bagdogra airport?
Darjeeling town is about 3 hours by road from Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri. Kalimpong takes about 2.5 hours and Gangtok about 4 hours. Allow more time in the monsoon, after landslides and on holiday weekends. A reserved taxi is the fastest way up.
Is there a shared jeep from NJP to Darjeeling?
Yes. Shared jeeps leave Siliguri and NJP for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Kurseong and Mirik when they fill up. Most leave in the morning. They are inexpensive. Services to small villages are infrequent. Ask your host about current timings.
Is the Darjeeling toy train a practical way up?
Not really. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is far slower than the road. Most travelers ride it for the experience. Short joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghoom are the most popular. Schedules change by season, so check timings and book in advance.
Do I need a permit to go from Siliguri to Gangtok?
Indian citizens need no special permit for Gangtok. Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Sikkim. Some areas need permits for Indian citizens too. Read our Sikkim homestays and permits guide, and confirm the current rules before you travel.
Sources and further reading
- Bagdogra Airport: Airports Authority of India
- Indian Railways ticket booking (IRCTC)
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sikkim Tourism: official travel and permit information
Rules, fees and timings change. Check these official pages before you travel.
Find a homestay
See photos, rooms and prices, then call the host to book directly. No booking fees.
