How to Get to Siliguri. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Siliguri

Bagdogra Airport IXB

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the main airport for Siliguri and the North Bengal region, including Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, and sections of Nepal. Bagdogra functions as a customs airport.

Airlines & Routes

Indian airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air.
Mainly connects to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati.
Drukair operates international flights to Paro, Bhutan.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Bagdogra Airport has a single terminal with snack counters, gift shops, ATMs, and currency exchange.

Transfer Options

Pre-paid taxis available at airport counters. A 30-45 minute drive to Siliguri city.
Collective taxis/jeeps are available outside the airport for less expensive transport.
Ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber might operate; check for service availability.

Peak Season

Flight prices are higher from October to March and during major Indian festivals.

Flight Deals

Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner to find flights outside peak times.

Low Season

Monsoon season (June to September) often sees lower fares, making travel more budget-friendly.

International Connections

Global Hub Transfers

Bagdogra Airport lacks direct flights from major global hubs.
International travelers typically connect through major Indian airports like Delhi, Kolkata, or Mumbai.
Alternatively, connect through Paro, Bhutan, on Drukair for regional international travel.
Use IVisa or VisaHQ for visa application help.

Onward Journey Permits

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) might be fine for Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh.
These are generally not for Siliguri itself.
Always verify specific requirements for your chosen onward destinations.
Ensure your travel insurance from World Nomads or SafetyWing covers all destinations.

Land Transportation

New Jalpaiguri NJP

Major rail hub 8-10 km from Siliguri, connecting to all major Indian cities.

Bus Terminals

Siliguri Central Bus Terminal (Tenzing Norgay) and Private Bus Terminus (SNT) connect to Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok, etc.

Border Crossings

Kakarbhitta (Nepal), Jaigaon (Bhutan), and Fulbari (Bangladesh) are nearby.

Train Connections

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station NJP

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station is the main rail hub in North Bengal, is around 8-10 km from Siliguri city.

Services & Types

NJP connects Siliguri to major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati.
Train types: Rajdhani Express, Teesta Torsha Express, Darjeeling Mail, Kanchenjunga Express.
Classes: AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class, and General.

Booking & Preparation

Book train tickets in advance, especially for popular routes and during peak season, as they sell out quickly.

Travel Tips

Arrive at NJP at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
Confirm your platform number upon arrival at the station.
Pack some food and Bottled water for longer journeys.

Road Travel

Long-Distance Buses

Siliguri has two main bus terminals: Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus (central) and Private Bus Terminus (SNT Bus Stand).

Routes & Companies

Companies: North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT), private operators.
Connects to Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Guwahati.
International routes: Kakarbhitta (Nepal), Phuentsholing (Bhutan).

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Self-driving car rental is limited and less recommended because of difficult conditions for driving. An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national license is necessary.

Driving Information

Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rentals if you plan to drive.
Hiring a car with a driver is highly recommended for comfort and safety on long distances.
Road conditions to Siliguri are generally well-maintained. Roads to hill stations vary.

Road Conditions & Safety

Heavy traffic is common within city limits.
Poor the ability to see and slippery roads occur during monsoon.
Animal crossings present a hazard on rural roads.

Driving is on the left side of the road.
Honking is frequent and serves as a communication tool.
Varied adherence to traffic codes demands caution.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing travelers from India beyond those already in your airfare.

Timing Recommendations

Air travel (Bagdogra Airport - IXB): Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights, 3-4 hours for international.
Train/Bus travel (NJP/Bus Terminus): Arrive 30-60 a few minutes before it's due to leave.
AirHelp assists with flight delays/cancellations.

Airport & Station Facilities

Bagdogra Airport provides basic facilities: check-in, security, waiting areas, food stalls, and minimal duty-free shopping.

Available Services

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station: Waiting rooms, food stalls, bookstalls, ticket counters.
Snack counters and gift shops are present at both terminals.
ATMs and currency exchange services at Bagdogra Airport.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not Applicable

Siliguri is a landlocked city.

No Water Transport

Sea or river arrivals are not an option for reaching this destination.
Travelers access Siliguri via air or land.
The Teesta River passes nearby, but no formal passenger boat services operate for local transport within the city.

Alternative Access

Focus on the comprehensive air and land networks available.

Access Points

Bagdogra Airport for flights.
New Jalpaiguri Rail Depot for trains.
Extensive bus network for road travel.

Quick Glance

Air Travel

Bagdogra (IXB) is the nearest airport.

Rail Network

NJP Railway Station connects to major cities.

Road Network

Buses and taxis link to area-specific and global destinations.

Departure Checklist

Confirm flight or train status before heading to the airport/station. Keep all travel documents readily accessible.

How to Get to Siliguri