NJP and Bagdogra to Gangtok: Distance, Taxi Fare, Shared Jeep and Helicopter (2026)
Almost every Sikkim trip starts at NJP or Bagdogra. Here is the drive to Gangtok: distance, typical fares, shared jeeps, the helicopter and the Rangpo border.
Most trips to Sikkim start at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station or Bagdogra airport, both near Siliguri. From either, Gangtok is about 120 to 125 km up the Teesta valley, around four and a half hours by road.
The short answer
| Option | Typical cost | Time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved taxi | About ₹3,200–5,500 for the car | 4 to 4.5 hours | Families, luggage, door to door |
| Shared jeep | About ₹400–600 a seat | 4.5 to 5 hours | Solo travellers, light bags |
| Helicopter | Fixed per seat | About 35 minutes | Short on time, when it runs |
Fares are typical market rates in 2026. Small cars sit at the lower end and SUVs at the higher end. Fares rise in peak season.
Distance
| From | To Gangtok | Time |
|---|---|---|
| NJP station | About 120 km | About 4.5 hours |
| Bagdogra Airport | About 125 km | About 4 to 4.5 hours |
| Siliguri town | About 115 km | About 4 hours |
The road
From Siliguri the road enters the Teesta gorge at Sevoke and follows NH-10 up the river past Teesta Bazaar to Rangpo, the Sikkim border, then climbs to Gangtok. In dry months it's an easy drive. In the monsoon, slides can close parts of NH-10, and drivers go round through Kalimpong or Lava, adding two to three hours.
Reserved taxi
A reserved car meets you at the NJP platform or Bagdogra arrivals and drops you at your hotel. Gangtok's MG Marg is car-free, so the driver stops at the nearest point. Bagdogra and NJP also have prepaid taxi counters.
See our NJP to Gangtok cab and Bagdogra to Gangtok cab pages for vehicles, stops and a quote.
Shared jeep
Shared jeeps to Gangtok leave from stands at NJP and in Siliguri, including the Sikkim government bus terminus. They go when full and stop at a Gangtok taxi stand. Bags go on the roof.
Helicopter
A helicopter service has run between Bagdogra and Gangtok, taking about 35 minutes. Seats are few, flights are weather-dependent and the service doesn't always run, so check before you plan around it.
The Rangpo border
Indian travellers show photo ID at Rangpo. Foreign nationals need a Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, issued at Rangpo or filed in advance. See our Sikkim permit guide and Sikkim permit for foreigners.
When to leave
Leave NJP or Bagdogra by about 1PM to reach Gangtok in daylight. If your flight lands later, spend the night in Siliguri and leave early. The Teesta road isn't one to drive in the dark.
After Gangtok
The car that brings you up is West Bengal-registered. It can't go to Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La or North Sikkim, which need a Sikkim vehicle with a permit. See can a Siliguri taxi go everywhere in Sikkim.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Gangtok from NJP?
About 120 km by road, roughly four and a half hours.
How far is Bagdogra Airport from Gangtok?
About 125 km, four to four and a half hours.
How much is a taxi from NJP to Gangtok?
Typically ₹3,200–5,500 for a reserved car, depending on the vehicle and season.
How much is a shared jeep from NJP to Gangtok?
Typically ₹400–600 a seat.
Is there a train to Gangtok?
Not yet. NJP is the nearest major railway station, and the rest is by road.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Gangtok guide into a trip that fits your pace
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