Sikkim is located in the lap of the Himalayas and is one of the most attractive and naturally beautiful states. Tourists from all over the world prefer to visit Sikkim with family and friends to spend some valuable time with nature. Sikkim is full of big mountains, lush valleys, and attractive rivers. Travelers love to visit Gangtok and many famous destinations such as Pelling, Lachung, Lachen, and Yumthang Valley.
Many people find it confusing to reach Sikkim because usually, there are fewer trains and buses available for direct travel. Here, we will provide you with complete details about how to reach Sikkim via different modes of transport.
Nearest Entry Point to Sikkim
Sikkim does not have its own railway station or airport; you need to look for the nearest entry point. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IBX) in West Bengal. It is located 125 km away from Gangtok. From Bagdogra Airport, you need to book a taxi to comfortably reach Sikkim. Also, you can book the Sikkim National Transport Buses. The journey will be 4-5 hours long.
If you are travelling by train, the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. It is 120 km away from Gangtok. From Jalpaiguri, you need to take a road route on National Highway 10.
| Gateway Type | Name & Location | Distance from Gangtok |
| Nearest Airport | Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal | 125 km from Gangtok |
| Nearest Railway Station | New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri | 120 km from Gangtok |
| Road Access | National Highway 10 | Connects Siliguri to Gangtok |
How to Reach Sikkim from Delhi?
If you are traveling from Delhi to Sikkim, you have many options available. Various north Indian visitors prefer to travel to Sikkim via Delhi. Here are the travel options available:
1) By Air
Sikkim lacks an Airport facility, so you will not find any direct flight from Delhi. You are required to fly to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal using Indigo, Vistara, Air India, or Spicejet. Many flights are available to Bagdogra from Delhi airport. The flight duration from Delhi to Bagdogra is 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route.
From Bagdogra, you can hire a private person, which will cost you Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 per person. You can also book shared cabs for Rs. 500- Rs. 600 per seat. The duration for road travel is around 4-5 hours.
2) By Train
Sikkim does not have any railway facilities, so you will not be able to take the direct train. The nearest railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. You need to travel 120 km via road to reach Sikkim from New Jalpaiguri. You can hire a taxi or book a bus seat. It will take around 4-5 hours to drop you off at Gangtok. The major trains from Delhi to Sikkim are the Rajdhani Express, North East Express, and Brahmaputra Mail.
How to Reach Sikkim from Mumbai?
If you are from western India, you will find it easy to travel to Sikkim from Mumbai. The distance from Mumbai to Sikkim is vast, so travelling by flight will be more comfortable.
1) By Air
You will not find any direct flight from Mumbai to Sikkim, but you can take a flight from Bagdogra Airport. The major airlines offering you flights to Bagdogra from Mumbai are Indigo, Vistara, and Air India. The duration of the flight is 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the route.
From Bagdogra, you need to book a cab or private taxi to reach Gangtok. The distance is 125 km and takes up to 5 hours. You can also book a seat in the government-operated buses.
2) By TrainÂ
You can also take a train journey to reach Sikkim from Mumbai. The main stations from where you can find the trains are Mumbai CST, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Mumbai Central. These trains will drop you off at New Jalpaiguri. The distance is vast and takes 36-40 hours to reach. The major trains for New Jalpaiguri from Mumbai are Gitanjali Express, Guwahati Express, and LTT- Guwahati special.
From NJP, you have to take a road route to Gangtok. The journey is 120 km by road. You can hire taxis, shared rides, or buses to travel.
How to Reach Sikkim from Kolkata?
Kolkata is closer to Sikkim than Delhi. The journey will be easier and faster. Here are the options you can opt for when travelling to Sikkim from Kolkata.
1) By Air
You can find various flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra daily. Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Sikkim. Many airlines, such as IndiGo, GoFirst, SpiceJet, and Vistara, offer multiple flights on this route. The flight duration is only 1.5 hours. This journey allows travelers to save time and reach Sikkim comfortably.
After reaching Bagdogra, you need to cover the remaining journey by road for 125 km. You will get various options such as taxis, shared jeeps, and public buses to reach Sikkim.
2) By Train
You can also find various trains from Kolkata to reach New Jalpaiguri. Key trains are Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, Saraighat Express, and Uttar Banga Express. It takes around 10-12 hours to drop you at NJP. From NJP, you need to travel by road for 120 km to reach Gangtok. The journey is 4-5 hours long.
3) By Road
The road distance from Kolkata to Gangtok is 700 km. You can enjoy the amazing natural view during the journey. The direct drive takes around 12-14 hours by road. You can split the journey into 2 days to reach comfortably and safely.
The main bus services offering buses from Kolkata to Siliguri are West Bengal Surface Transport and Private service providers. From Siliguri, you need to take private cabs or buses to reach Gangtok.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sikkim
If you are traveling to Sikkim for the first time, you must take care of some important things to make your trip memorable and fruitful. Here are some tips to follow:
1) Inner Line PermitÂ
Before travelling to Sikkim, you must get the permit. If you are an Indian, you don’t require a permit to enter Sikkim, but an Inner Line Permit is important for visiting some regions in North Sikkim, such as Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang valley, etc. These places are near international borders and are managed by the Indian Army. Foreign tourists must get the Restricted Areas permit to travel to Sikkim. They can take help from a travel agent to get the right permit.
2) Best Time to Visit Sikkim
You can visit Sikkim throughout the year, but the best seasons are March to June and September to December. The weather remains amazing, and the skies are clear. You can enjoy the mesmerizing mountain views. Springs in Sikkim are very beautiful with full-bloom orchids, and autumn offers the best conditions for trekking.
Avoid travelling to Sikkim during the monsoon as there can be landslides and roadblocks in hilly areas. However, winter can be a good time to travel to Sikkim to enjoy the beautiful snow.
3) Local TransportÂ
You will mainly find shared jeeps and taxis to reach Sikkim. Locals and tourists usually use shared jeeps because they are easily available and economical. You can also hire private taxis to travel. Driving on hilly roads needs skill and patience, so make sure to hire local drivers.
4) Helicopter RideÂ
If you want to take a breathtaking view of Sikkim, you must book a helicopter ride. You will see the amazing view of Sikkim from the sky. The helicopter is available from Bagdogra to Gangtok. It is a quicker journey than the road, and you can enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalaya ranges, rivers, and valleys.
5) Clothing
The weather can change anytime in Sikkim. You experience the cold mornings even in summer at higher altitudes. You must carry warm clothes such as woolens, gloves, and jackets. There will be lots of walking, so make sure to carry comfortable and durable shoes. Carry sunscreens and lip balms to safeguard your skin in harsh weather.
Conclusion
Sikkim does not have its own airport or railway station, but it is connected via roads to nearby destinations. If you want to travel to Sikkim from any place in India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, etc, you can take a flight to Bagdogra airport. Then, travel to Gangtok via road for 125 km. If you are travelling by train, you need to take a train to New Jalpaiguri and then take the road to Gangtok.
Travelers from Kolkata get more options because the distance is less. You can take a flight, train, or road route to reach Gangtok. Also, for traveling to Sikkim, you must follow some tips to make your journey fruitful.
FAQs
1) How to Reach Sikkim from Delhi Quickly?Â
If you want the fastest way to reach Sikkim from Delhi, you must take a flight to Bagdogra and then travel the remaining distance by road to reach Gangtok. In total, it will take 7-8 hours.
2) Is There Any Direct Flight from Mumbai to Sikkim?Â
No, you will not get a direct flight to Sikkim from anywhere, because there is no airport in Sikkim. You need to reach Bagdogra and then travel by road to Sikkim.
3) How Can I Reach Sikkim from Kolkata?Â
Reaching Sikkim from Kolkata is very easy. The distance is 700 km, and you get various options. You can take a flight, rail, or road route to reach there.
4) What Is the Duration of the Journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok?Â
The journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok is 125 km and takes around 4-5 hours by road.
5) Is It Possible to Travel to Sikkim by Bus?Â
Yes, you must reach Siliguri and then take a bus from Siliguri to Gangtok. Many buses, taxis, or jeeps are available to cover the distance.
