How to reach Sikkim?

What is the best way to travel to Sikkim?

The best way to reach Sikkim is to board a flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and continue your journey to Gangtok through a cab, following NH 31 A. If you book a Sikkim holiday package with us, our tour executive will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Gangtok.

How to Reach Sikkim By Air

If you want to save time and enjoy a quick trip to Sikkim, airways are the best way to reach Sikkim. There is only one airport in Sikkim located in Pakyong district, called Pakyong Airport (PYG). It is located about 30 kilometres away from Gangtok. However, it has been non-operational for the last two years. Besides, the only flights that flew back and forth to this airport from Delhi and Kolkata were SpiceJet and Druk Airways.

Your next best option is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri, West Bengal. This airport has been the go-to choice for tourists and travellers who want to visit Sikkim. Gangtok is 123 kilometres away from Bagdogra Airport and can be reached by a road trip in 4 to 5 hours. Airlines offer both connecting and nonstop flights from Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc. regularly to Bagdogra Airport.

Airlines offering flights to Bagdogra from Indian cities: IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express.

Depending on your budget and convenience, board a flight from your city to Bagdogra airport. Upon arrival, several private taxis, shared cabs, jeeps and SUVs are available to take you from Bagdogra to Gangtok. You can also take a bus operated by Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) from Siliguri bus terminal and reach Gangtok.

Sikkim by Helicopter

Upon reaching Bagdogra Airport, you can also take the Sikkim Helicopter Service from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok. This reduces your travel time from 4 to 5 hours to just 20 minutes. The helicopter service is operated by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. Enjoy the bird-eye views of mountain passes, lakes, valleys, and towns from a helicopter and ride and reach Sikkim in a jiffy.

How to Reach Sikkim By Train

Those who are looking for budget travel options and have plenty of time to enjoy, choose a train journey to reach Sikkim. Being a mountainous state, Sikkim does not have a railway station as of yet. Hence, the nearest railway station to Gangtok is in New Jalpiaguri or Siliguri. Upon reaching New Jalpiaguri station, cover the rest of the journey by road.

Siliguri Junction is 111 km away from Gangtok whereas the New Jalpiaguri Junction (NJP) is 114 km away from Gangtok. Whichever train station you choose to deboard at, it will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach Gangtok. (keeping margins for traffic and weather conditions). The NJP train station is well-connected by rail to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, etc.

Once you arrive at NJP or Silguri station, take a private taxi or a bus to reach Gangtok, savouring the views of mountains, lush greenery and beautiful valleys.

If you are travelling from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Guwahati, below are some popular trains to reach Sikkim.

Delhi to Siliguri Trains: 15909 - Avadh Assam Express⁩, ⁦15623 - Kamakhya Express⁩, 15483 - Sikkim Mahananda Express⁩, ⁦20504 - Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express⁩, ⁦12524 -New Jalpaiguri SF Express⁩, 22450 - Guwahati Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express⁩

Mumbai to Silguri Trains: 15945 - Dibrugarh Express, ⁦22511 - Kamakhya Karmabhoomi Express⁩, 15647- Guwahati Express, 12519 - Agartala AC Express.

Kolkata to Silguri Trains: 13175 - Silchar Kanchanjungha Express⁩, 12041 - New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express, 13141 - Teesta Torsa Express, 12345 - Saraighat Express⁩, 12343 - Darjeeling Mail⁩, 13150 - Kanchankanya Express⁩.

Guwahati to Siliguri Trains: 20503 - New Delhi Rajdhani Express⁩, 13247 - Rajendra Nagar Terminal Capital Express⁩, 22449 - New Delhi Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express⁩, 22504 - Kanniyakumari Vivek SF Express⁩, 12506 - North East Express⁩.

How to Reach Sikkim By Road

Those who are interested in enjoying each and every moment of journey, a road trip to Sikkim will fill you with excitement and pleasure. Journey to Sikkim via road incorporates incredible views of Himalayas, Teesta river, towns, valleys, and hamlets along the way. You may use a motorbike or a four-wheeler.

Most road trip enthusiasts start their journey from West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, or Bagodgra to reach Gangtok. This gives them a good 6 to 8 hours on the road where they enjoy the serpentine pathways and stop by breathtaking sites. The National Highway 31A is the lifeline of Sikkim which connects nearby cities to its top places.

Besides car or bike, if you’re wondering how to reach Sikkim by road, you can opt for the following transportation option:

(a) Private Taxis: Many private taxis are readily available from New Jalpiaguri station as well Bagdogra airport. Only go for trusted and reputed pirate taxi operators and negotiate the taxi fare before hopping into a taxi. Common taxis used from NJP station and Bagdogra airport are: Mahindra Bolero, Toyota Innova, Tata Sumo, etc.

Alternatively, you can book a prepaid taxi from prepaid taxi counters. These prepaid taxis have fixed rates and the fares can’t be negotiated. Make sure your taxi is registered in Sikkim so that it can drop you till Gangtok. (Taxis registered in W. Bengal will only drop you till Deorali.)

(b) Shared Cabs/Jeeps: If you are on a budget and looking for a cheaper option for road travel from NJP/Bagdogra to Gangtok, opt for a shared cab. This option is suitable for solo travellers or families of 2-3 people who want to save travel costs.

(c) SNT Operated Bus: Those wondering how to reach Sikkim by bus, Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) offers bus services from Siliguri to Gangtok. Board a bus to Gangtok from Siliguri bus terminal and it will take you to Gangtok within 4 hours. And if you have landed at Bagdogra Airport, board an SNT bus to reach your destination. All travel routes from Bagdogra, NJP, and Silguri meet at Sevoke Road (in West Bengal) which later connects with National Highway 31 A.