How to Reach Gangtok from Siliguri: Best Travel Options

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim nestled within the Himalayas is a popular destination for travellers searching for a blend of tranquility, natural beauty and cultural richness If you’re making plans a journey to Gangtok, the road from Siliguri to Gangtok may be the gateway to Sikkim originates from the bustling metropolis of West Bengal Available, and can be supplied quite a few excursion alternatives, each providing its own experience.

Best Travel Options from Siliguri To Gangtok :

In this blog, we can guide you through the exceptional journey options to reach Gangtok from Siliguri, such as personal public delivery, their fares, tour time and pointers to make your experience a fulfilment

Total Distance :

Distance Siliguri to Gangtok :- 126 KM
Distance Jalpaiguri to Gangtok :- 176 KM
Distance New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok :- 132 KM

1. Shared taxi or jeep (maximum alternative) .

The popular way to tour from Siliguri to Gangtok is by means of shared taxi or jeep. These are without difficulty to be had from important points like Siliguri Junction (NJP) or Siliguri Bus Terminus (Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus).

Duration about 4-5 hours
Sharing taxi fare 300- 400 rupees
What’s Available: Shared jeeps often run all through the day, mainly within the morning.
Shared taxis are luxurious, especially in case you are traveling on my own or with a small institution. However, keep in mind that these automobiles tend to top off fast and may get a bit cramped.

2. Private taxis (for comfort and versatility) .

Private taxis are the satisfactory option for those looking for consolation, privacy and versatility. You also can ebook private cabs thru neighborhood operators or on line thru journey-hailing apps and websites.
Duration: four-five hours
Price: INR 3,500-5,500 (depends on type of car and season)
Pros: You drive yourself, can stop for pix, food, or sightseeing alongside the way, and keep away from looking ahead to different passengers.

3. By Trains that pass through the NJP(New Jalpaiguri) railway station are:

Siliguri has a prime railway station, the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is well-connected to predominant cities in India. However, there aren’t any direct trains from Siliguri to Gangtok as Gangtok does no longer have a railway station. The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station.

You can take a teach to NJP Railway Station from Siliguri and then a taxi or bus to Gangtok. The distance among New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and Gangtok is around a hundred and twenty km, taking about 3-4 hours through street. Trains which include Darjeeling Mail, Kanchenjunga Express, and North East Express connect Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, however schedules may additionally range, so it’s really useful to test and e-book tickets in advance.

Train from Siliguri to New Jalpaiguri Railway

Train: By Train from Siliguri to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station: When departing Siliguri by train, first reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), approximately 9-10 kilometres away. Siliguri Junction Railway Station (SGUJ) also exists but NJP provides better connections than both of them.

3. By bus (Economical but low frequency) .

Buses are a great option for budget travelers heading from Siliguri to Gangtok. Two key bus stands—Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) Bus Stand and North Bengal State Government’s Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand—offer buses at reasonable prices. Here’s how you can plan your bus travel:

Before 2 PM: If you arrive before 2 PM, head to the SNT bus stand, where buses run regularly until 2 PM. You can opt for a non-AC bus for INR 190 or an AC bus for INR 300.
After 2 PM: If you miss the SNT buses due to high demand or arrive after 2 PM, head to the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. Buses here run up to 4 PM, with fares ranging between INR 190 to INR 350, depending on whether it’s a non-AC or AC bus.
After 4 PM: If you arrive after 4 PM and still don’t find a bus, don’t worry. You can still find shared jeeps like Tata Sumos and Boleros at the SNT bus stand. These shared vehicles operate between 6 AM to 8 PM and charge INR 350-500 per person.
Late Arrivals: If you arrive after 6 PM, shared or hired vehicles are still available, though options may be more limited. You can hire a vehicle if you’re traveling in a group or find shared options at a higher price, but transportation remains accessible.

This provides flexibility in case of late arrivals or high demand. Whether you take the bus or jeep, you’ll reach Gangtok while enjoying the beautiful hill scenery.

Although they are not as popular as public taxis, But there are buses from Siliguri to Gangtok also available. Sikkim National Transport (SNT) operates daily buses departing from Siliguri bus stand.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Cost: INR 200-300 per person
Frequency: Limited; only a few buses run per day

Only a few buses run every day. Buses are the most economical option. But it can be slower with frequent stops and road conditions. It is best to check the time in advance. This is because bus services to Gangtok are not as frequent as taxis.

4. Driving yourself (For the adventurous spirit) .

If you like traveling You can drive from Siliguri to Gangtok on your own. The roads are well maintained. Even though it’s a little crooked and cuts through beautiful scenery of tea plantations, rivers and valleys.

Duration: 4-5 hours
Route: The most common route is via NH10, passing through Sevoke, Kalijhora, and Rangpo.

Requirements: If you plan to drive a rental car Make sure your license is valid in India. And car rental companies allow you to travel interstate. Driving a self-driving car can be an exciting adventure. Giving you complete freedom to explore as you please. Just remember that on mountain roads especially during monsoon season.

Travel Tips for the Journey

Best time to travel: Siliguri to Gangtok road trip may be affected by weather conditions. The best times to travel are March to June (summer/winter) and October to December (autumn). Avoid traveling during the rainy season (July to September), as roads may be broken.

Documents and Permits: To enter Sikkim, foreigners are required to carry an Inland Line Pass (ILP), which can be obtained in Siliguri. Indian tourists don’t need a permit to visit Gangtok but specific places like North Sikkim will need a permit.

Health Precautions: The trek involves a gradual climb, and although most trekkers do not encounter altitude-related sickness in Gangtok, it is best to stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before trekking

Conclusion

Traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok is part of the journey, and part of the destination itself. Whether you like affordable shared taxis, the comfort of private cars, the luxury of helicopters, there is a option for every traveler Choose the one that best suits your travel style and enjoy the a lovely drive to the beautiful hill town of Gangtok.

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