How To Reach Gangtok

(1) Reach Gangtok By Air

Reaching Sikkim through airway is the best transportation mode if saving time is your priority. Pakyong Airport, located in Pakyong Town, at a distance of 35 km from the state capital Gangtok, is the first airport in Sikkim. However, since the airport has been recently inaugurated, it is not well connected with major cities of India but will soon have direct flights connecting the state with other parts of the country. The nearest major airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra located at a distance of 124 km in West Bengal. Bagdogra Airport is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata through regular flights.

So, if you opt to fly to Sikkim, you can first take a flight to Bagdogra and then cover the remaining distance in the helicopter operated by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. Or, you can also take a bus or cab to reach gangtok from Bagdogra as these are easily available on a regular basis.

(2) Reach Gangtok By Rail

Railway is an ideal mode of transportation to reach Sikkim if you are budget traveller who has plenty of time to savour the moments of journey. The nearest railway station to Gangtok is the New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 148 kilometers from Gangtok. Public transport like bus and taxi are readily available at the railway station for travellers to reach the city of Gangtok.

(3) Reach Gangtok by Road

Travelling to Gangtok by road is one of the most preferred ways for those coming from neighbouring cities, owing to its well-maintained thoroughfares flanked by coniferous trees and commanding eye-catching views. One can hire a private jeep, buses, and taxis from Siliguri and Bagdogra. A number of state-run buses also connect Gangtok and Siliguri in West Bengal.

Interstate bus terminal and major bus station of Gangtok: SNT bus station