How to Reach Pelling from NJP, Bagdogra & Gangtok

Pelling has no airport or railway station, so every trip ends with a scenic mountain drive. The good news: the route is well travelled and there are options for every budget. Here’s how to get there from each gateway.

Quick facts

Nearest airport: Bagdogra (IXB), about 135–150 km, 5–6 hours.
Nearest railway: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 130–150 km, 5–6 hours.
Private taxi NJP/Bagdogra → Pelling: about ₹4,000–5,500.
Shared option: shared jeep Siliguri → Gyalshing, then local taxi (10 km) to Pelling.
Gangtok → Pelling: about 115–131 km, 4.5–6 hours.

By air: flying to Bagdogra

Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri is the main gateway, with direct flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and other cities. From the airport, prepaid and private taxis go straight to Pelling. Allow 5–6 hours; leave by early afternoon so you don’t drive mountain roads late at night.

Pakyong Airport near Gangtok is closer as the crow flies, but flights there have been limited and weather-dependent. Bagdogra remains the reliable choice.

By train: arriving at NJP

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is one of the best-connected stations in the east, with trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and beyond. Siliguri Junction is nearby. From either, take a private taxi to Pelling, or go to Siliguri for shared transport.

By road: routes and options

Route from NJP / Bagdogra

The usual road runs Siliguri → Sevoke → Teesta Bazaar or Melli → Jorethang → Legship → Gyalshing → Pelling. It follows the Teesta and Rangit rivers before climbing to the ridge.

Private taxi

Comfortable and flexible. Expect roughly ₹4,000–5,500 for a small car or SUV from NJP or Bagdogra; more in peak season or for larger vehicles. Agree the fare and vehicle type before you set off.

Shared jeep (budget)

Shared jeeps leave from Siliguri (around the SNT bus stand area) for Gyalshing (Geyzing), usually in the morning and early afternoon — the last direct departures typically leave before 2 pm. Fares are roughly ₹500–650 per seat. From Gyalshing, Pelling is about 10 km: share a local taxi or hire one for around ₹200–300.

Bus

State buses from Siliguri to Gyalshing run on limited schedules and take around 6 hours. They’re the cheapest option but the least flexible; confirm timings at the bus stand the day before.

Distance chart to Pelling

From	Approx. distance	Approx. time
Bagdogra Airport	135–150 km	5–6 hrs
NJP / Siliguri	130–150 km	5–6 hrs
Gangtok	115–131 km	4.5–6 hrs
Darjeeling	70–80 km	3.5–4 hrs
Kalimpong	about 85–95 km	4–4.5 hrs
Gyalshing (Geyzing)	10 km	20–30 min

Times are for normal conditions. During the monsoon (June–September) landslides can add hours — keep buffer time before trains and flights on your return.

From Gangtok

There are two common routes: via Singtam, Temi and Ravangla, or via Namchi and Jorethang. Both take about 4.5–6 hours. You can turn the transfer into a sightseeing day with stops at Buddha Park (Ravangla) or Char Dham (Namchi). Details in our Gangtok to Pelling guide.

From Darjeeling

Pelling is about 70–80 km from Darjeeling via Jorethang, roughly 3.5–4 hours, which makes the Darjeeling–Pelling–Gangtok circuit easy to plan.

The drive climbs through terraced hills and river valleys.

Arrival tips

Carry a photo ID; checkpoints may ask for it.
Expect to pay the ₹50 per person Sikkim tourist fee when you check in at your hotel.
Withdraw cash in Siliguri — Pelling has very few ATMs.
Tell your hotel your ETA; some are on steep side roads.
Ask for a drop at your exact zone — Upper, Middle or Lower Pelling.

Choosing where to stay? Read Upper vs Lower Pelling before you book.

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from NJP to Pelling?

Roughly 130–150 km by road depending on the route, usually 5–6 hours by car via Melli and Jorethang.

How much is a taxi from Bagdogra to Pelling?

A private taxi from Bagdogra Airport to Pelling typically costs about ₹4,000–5,500 for a small car or SUV, more in peak season or for larger vehicles.

Is there a direct bus or shared jeep to Pelling?

Shared jeeps and state buses run from Siliguri to Gyalshing (Geyzing). From Gyalshing, take a local taxi for the last 10 km to Pelling.

Which airport is nearest to Pelling?

Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri is the most practical airport. Pakyong near Gangtok is closer geographically but has limited, weather-dependent flights.