Gangtok
How to travel from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok.
Embarking on a journey to Gangtok, the vibrant capital of Sikkim nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas, is an experience brimming with anticipation. For travelers arriving via air, Bagdogra Airport serves as the primary gateway to this enchanting destination. Navigating the route from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok requires careful planning and knowledge of the available transportation options. Here's a detailed guide to help you seamlessly traverse this picturesque route.
Bagdogra Airport: The Gateway to the Himalayas

As of 2024, Bagdogra Airport is a small airport, located near Siliguri in West Bengal, yet an important one as it is the nearest airport connecting the entire state of Sikkim & North Bengal Region to the rest of the world.
Some of the most important places that this airport connects are as below :
1. Gangtok - 125 kms away from Bagdogra Airport - Approx. 5 hours one way.
2. Darjeeling - 80 kms away from Bagdogra Airport - Approx. 3 hours one way.
3. Kalimpong - 80 kms away from Bagdogra Airport - Approx. 3 hours one way.
4. Jaigon/ Phuentsholing (Bhutan) - 160 kms away - Approx. 4 hours one way.
5. Siliguri - 15 kms away from Bagdogra Airport - Approx. 1 hour one way.
Travel Options from Bagdogra Airport
Wizzride's Luxury Shared Cabs
Bagdogra Airport is directly connected with Gangtok, Darjeeling & Kalimpong by Wizzride Luxury Shared Cabs. These cabs depart on hourly basis starting from 6 AM in the morning right till 6 PM in the evening as of 2024. The bookings are to be done well in advance through the Wizzride website/ app where you can also choose your preferred seat. In case you have a booking and your flight gets delayed, you can call the customer support team at +91-7478493874 and they will help you get rescheduled to the next available cab departing the airport. Their fleet consists of Luxury Toyoyta Innova Crystas and include facilities like AC, On-time departure and Spacious bucket seating. They also provide complimentarty refreshments along with a reliable & professional service. The fare starts ranges between Rs. 799 & Rs. 1244 per seat.
Airport Bus Connectivity
There are NO buses that directly connect the Bagdogra Airport. In case you want to catch a bus, you need to hire a taxi till Junction Bus Terminus in Siliguri town, approx. 15 kms away and then catch a bus from there. Hiring a taxi till will cost you at least Rs. 400 - 500 depending on the demand. Travel time would be approx. 1 hour apart from the waiting time for the bus departure. Apart from the fare for taxi to reach Siliguri, the bus fare would range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 380 per person depending on what kind of bus you board. This is a cheap but a option full of hassles & is painfully time-consuming.
Shared Taxis (Sumos)
Another cheap option to travel to Gangtok, Darjeeling or Kalimpong is to catch a Sharing Tata Sumo Jeep taxi. However, to catch this taxi as well you need to travel to Siliguri town paying Rs. 400- 500 and then paying Rs. 300 - Rs. 500 depending on the tourist season. These taxis are NON-AC and drive with windows open in the dusty roads. Also these taxis do not depart until all seats are full. Each taxi has 10 - 14 people inside the car fully packed with no room for movement. DO NOT expect any accountability or professionalism from this type of service or if items are left behind.
Taxis Outside the Airport
Another convenient option to travel from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok, Darjeeling or Kalimpong etc. is to hire a taxi at the Bagdogra Airport. The cab fare will vary from Rs. 3500 - Rs. 4500 during off season time depending on which category of car you choose and shoots to Rs. 5000 - Rs. 9000 during peak tourist season time. Hence you can never be sure of what the actual fares are. Again AC is extra charged & service is not at all professional & reliable.
Wizzride's Reserved Cabs
If you are travelling in a group of more than 3 - 4 people and would prefer to book an entire cab for yourself, Wizzride also provides am option to book a full car through the Wizzride website or App. You can pre book your ride days before in order to avoid last minute anxiety of availability of cars at the airport or negotiating the rates. Just arrive at the Bagdogra Airport and find your car & driver waiting for you ready to pick you up. The rates are the most competetive as per market standards.