Image Credit- Pixabay
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a beautiful hill station located in the northeastern part of India. Known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, it offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From vibrant monasteries to bustling markets, there’s a lot to explore in Gangtok.
Traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok is a popular route for many tourists. Siliguri is well-connected to Gangtok by road, making the journey comfortable and scenic. The distance between Siliguri and Gangtok is about 114 kilometers, and there are multiple options for traveling, including buses, taxis, and shared jeeps. Let’s explore the different ways to reach Gangtok from Siliguri.
How much is the ticket/taxi from Siliguri to Gangtok?
Taking a taxi from Siliguri to Gangtok is one of the most convenient ways to travel. A one-way trip usually costs around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 for a small taxi, while larger vehicles can cost more. This price can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the demand during peak tourist seasons.
Shared taxis are a more budget-friendly option. In a shared taxi, you can expect to pay around ₹300 to ₹400 per seat. These taxis are commonly available at the Siliguri bus stand or NJP (New Jalpaiguri) railway station and offer an affordable way to travel.
How much is the bus fare from NJP to Gangtok?
The bus journey from NJP (New Jalpaiguri) to Gangtok is a budget-friendly option for travelers. The fare can vary depending on the type of bus you choose.
- NBSTC (North Bengal State Transport Corporation): These government-run buses are available at NJP and offer a cost-effective way to reach Gangtok. The fare for an NBSTC bus is usually around ₹150 to ₹250 per person, depending on the type of bus (ordinary or deluxe).
- Private Buses: Private buses are also available from NJP to Gangtok. The fare for these buses can range from ₹200 to ₹400 per person, depending on the amenities offered, such as air conditioning and comfort level.
- SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport): SNT buses offer a comfortable ride at an affordable price. The fare is generally around ₹150 to ₹300 per person, depending on the type of bus and service.
Overall, buses provide an economical and reliable option for traveling from NJP to Gangtok.
How do I go from NJP to Gangtok?
Traveling from NJP (New Jalpaiguri) to Gangtok is simple and can be done in a few different ways:
- Bus: You can take a bus from NJP to Gangtok, operated by NBSTC (North Bengal State Transport Corporation) or SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport). Buses offer an affordable and comfortable journey, and the fare is reasonable.
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the NJP station and offer a convenient, direct trip to Gangtok. You can choose a private taxi for a comfortable and personalized journey, or a shared taxi for a budget-friendly option.
- Shared Jeep: Shared jeeps are a popular mode of transport from NJP to Gangtok. They are faster than buses and provide a cost-effective option, with fares typically around ₹300 to ₹400 per seat.
Choose the mode of transport that suits your budget and schedule to enjoy your journey from NJP to Gangtok.
Image Credit- Pixabay
Siliguri to Gangtok Distance
The distance from Siliguri to Gangtok is approximately 114 kilometers by road. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route from Siliguri to Gangtok is scenic, passing through lush green hills, tea gardens, and small villages.
Travelers can choose from various modes of transport for this journey, including buses, taxis, and shared jeeps. The road route is well-maintained, making the journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you choose to travel by bus or taxi, you will be treated to beautiful views of the surrounding landscape as you make your way from Siliguri to Gangtok.
Siliguri to Gangtok Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service from Siliguri to Gangtok. The journey between the two destinations is typically made by road using buses, taxis, or shared jeeps.
Travelers looking for train options can take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, which is the closest major railhead to Gangtok. Once you arrive at NJP, you can continue your journey to Gangtok by bus or taxi.
While you won’t find a direct train route from Siliguri to Gangtok, the road journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a worthwhile experience.
NBSTC(North Bengal State Transport Corporation) Bus From Siliguri to Gangtok
The NBSTC operates regular bus services from Siliguri to Gangtok, providing a reliable and affordable way to travel between the two destinations. These buses depart from the Siliguri Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus and head to Gangtok’s main bus stand.
NBSTC buses offer two types of services: ordinary and deluxe. Ordinary buses are the more economical option, while deluxe buses provide a higher level of comfort with amenities like air conditioning. The journey by bus usually takes around 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The fare for NBSTC buses from Siliguri to Gangtok ranges from ₹150 to ₹250 per person, depending on the type of service chosen. Overall, NBSTC buses are a cost-effective and comfortable option for traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok.
Click here for official site of NBSTC for more information
SNT(Sikkim Nationalized Transport) Siliguri to Gangtok Bus
Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) operates regular bus services from Siliguri to Gangtok, offering a reliable and affordable travel option for passengers. These buses depart from Siliguri Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus and arrive at Gangtok’s main bus stand.
SNT buses typically provide a comfortable journey, and travelers can choose from different types of buses such as regular, deluxe, and super deluxe. Deluxe and super deluxe buses offer better amenities, such as air conditioning and cushioned seats.
The fare for SNT buses from Siliguri to Gangtok usually ranges from ₹150 to ₹300 per person, depending on the type of bus and service chosen. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
SNT buses are a cost-effective and efficient choice for travelers, providing a pleasant journey while offering beautiful views of the Himalayan landscape.
Click here for official site of SNT for more information
Flights from Siliguri to Gangtok
There is currently no direct flight from Siliguri to Gangtok due to the proximity and the nature of the terrain. Siliguri and Gangtok are quite close in terms of distance, and it is more convenient to travel by road.
However, if you want to fly, the closest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong Airport (PYG), located around 30 kilometers from Gangtok. From Siliguri, the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is around 16 kilometers from Siliguri.
To fly to Gangtok, you would take a flight from Bagdogra Airport to Pakyong Airport. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions, as Pakyong Airport is in a hilly area.
Once you arrive at Pakyong, you can take a taxi or shared transport to Gangtok. While this option may be faster, it can be costlier compared to road travel. Travelers often prefer road transport as it provides more flexibility and opportunities to enjoy the scenic journey.
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Final Word
Traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok offers various options, each catering to different preferences and budgets. While there is no direct train or flight option, you can take a train to NJP or a flight to Bagdogra Airport and continue your journey to Gangtok by road.
The most common and cost-effective ways to travel from Siliguri to Gangtok are by bus or taxi. NBSTC and SNT provide regular bus services from Siliguri to Gangtok, offering comfortable and affordable options. Buses take about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, and provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Taxis, both private and shared, are another convenient choice for a direct trip. Shared jeeps offer a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers.
Overall, the journey from Siliguri to Gangtok is a pleasant one, with beautiful views of the Himalayas and the lush surroundings. Choose the mode of transport that best suits your schedule and enjoy your trip to the stunning capital of Sikkim!