Gangtok Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

Gangtok Transportation

Gangtok offers several modes of transportation to experience its unique culture, which has been described as a “happy blend of tradition and modernity.” Whether you travel by ground or air, the good news is that you have choices to enhance your travels to the capital of Sikkim.

Taxi: Road More Traveled

Traveling by road is considered the best way to reach Gangtok from the major rail station of New Jalpaiguri, and that means taking advantage of the taxi stand outside. The fixed rates mean nominal taxi fees per passenger. With low fares for the diesel jeep taxis, you can opt for more comfort, and pay for an entire front seat for two persons or an entire back seat for four persons.

Petrol Van/Car: Touring the Town

For local travel and sightseeing, there are petrol vans or cars, allowing for three tourists and a driver. These vehicles are also cost-efficient, and moreover, you can utilize them for more than six hours and more than 100 kilometers.

Train: Around the Clock

What is great about traveling by train to Gangtok is that there are many trains, and they’re considered “the best and cheapest way” to travel from anywhere. Located 126 kilometers away, the New Jalpaiguri junction, mentioned earlier, is a 24-hour nonstop bustling atmosphere of action.

Bus: Not All Roads Available

In the Sikkimese Bhutia language, Gangtok means Hill Top. But if you’re interested in touring, you may want to opt off buses because they are unable to travel every road in the hilly town.

Airplane/Helicopter: Up, Up & Away

For airplane travel to Gangtok, there is Jet Airways at Bagdogra Airport, which is 125 kilometers away. And connected to nearly every major flight at the airport, helicopter service to Gangtok is inexpensive as well. You can also charter a helicopter, and take an exciting tour of Gangtok from up above.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about transportation tips in Gangtok.