Kolkata to Kalimpong

Kolkata To Bagdogra - Via Flight

A flight journey is the most preferred and fastest way of reaching Bagdogra from Kolkata. The aerial distance between Kolkata and Bagdogra is 456 km. Both these places enjoy direct and efficient connectivity by air. There are a plethora of non-stop and connecting flights that operate on this route. The non-stop flights take 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Bagdogra Airport (IXB) from Kolkata Airport (CCU), while the duration of the connecting flights can be anywhere between 5 hours to 7 hours or more. A lot of prominent aviation companies offer services on this route. You can browse through the options online on Google flight and book the one that best suits your time preference and budget. 

Preferable Local Transport Available from the Airport

You can book a taxi from the prepaid taxi counter at the airport or use the online taxi services like Wiwigo and Gozocabs. 

Bagdogra To Kalimpong - Via Car (Cab/Self Drive)

Kalimpong is situated 77 km away from Bagdogra, and the most comfortable way to cover this distance is by a cab or taxi. There are multiple local taxi operators like Cab in Sikkim who offer services on this route. Alternatively, you can make the booking online from Wiwigo, Gozocabs, and MakeMyTrip. The drive to Kalimpong is worth experiencing as you get to enjoy the breathtaking view of Sevoke Forest, Teesta River, and the mountain ranges. 

Route Options

Bagdogra - Matigara - Sevoke Road - NH10 - Teesta Bridge - Kalimpong

Road Conditions from Bagdogra to Kalimpong

The road condition in the towns is generally good. The winding mountain road leading to Kalimpong, however, can be a bit dangerous to drive on. 

Duration of the Journey

Typically, it takes 2 hours 35 minutes to travel from Bagdogra to Kalimpong by road. However, the length of the trip may increase depending on the number of halts made, weather and traffic conditions on the route. 

Approximate Cost

Hatchback (Ritz or Indica) - INR 4499
Sedan (Swift Dzire or Toyota Etios) - INR 4599
SUV (Xylo) - INR 4999

Eating Options on the Way

• Tashi Restaurant
• Tusu’s Hotel & Restaurant
• Puja Fast Food
• Khana Khazana
• Gorkhali Hotel

Possible Stopovers on the Way

• Bagdogra Tea Estate
• Chitrey Waterfall
• Pine View Nursery
• Teesta Picnic Spot
• Teesta Bazaar
• Forest Museum

Kolkata To Siliguri - Via Train

The rail distance between Kolkata and Siliguri is 574 km. Both these places are well-connected by rail as several trains ply on this route. The first train from Kolkata for Siliguri leaves at midnight while the last train leaves at 10:00 pm. While many trains originate from Kolkata, there are a few trains that pass through and make intermediate stops at both the stations. It is an economical and comfortable way to cover the distance between the two cities. 

Available Train Options 

1. Shatabdi Express:
Departure - 14:15
Arrival - 22:30
Operates from Monday to Saturday
Starting Station in Kolkata: Howrah Junction (HWH)
Drop Station in Siliguri: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Duration of journey: 8 hours 15 minutes
Fare
AC Chair Car - INR 1135
Executive Chair Car - INR 2175

2. Kanchanjanga Express
Departure - 06:35
Arrival - 18:28
Operates on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Starting Station in Kolkata: Sealdah (SDAH) 
Drop Station in Siliguri: New Jalpaiguri
Duration of journey: 11 hours 53 minutes
Fares
Second Sitting - INR 185
Sleeper - INR 320
3 Tier AC - INR 875
2 Tier AC - INR 1255

Preferable Local Transport from the Drop Station

You can either book a taxi online from websites like MakeMyTrip, Gozocabs, and Wiwigo or board a shared jeep to get around. 

Kolkata to Siliguri - Via Bus

The road distance between the two points is 579 km. Thus, taking a bus from Kolkata to Siliguri is the budget-friendly option. Several bus companies such as Greenline, Royal Cruiser, Shantanu Travels, and Ghosh Travels operate on this route. Daily, more than five bus services run from Kolkata to Siliguri, and this count usually goes up during the weekends. 

Types of Buses Available

• Non AC Seater/Sleeper
• Volvo AC Seater
• Volvo AC Multi-Axle Semisleeper 

Starting Points in Kolkata

• Esplanade
• Madhyamgram
• Airport
• Barasat Colony More

Drop Points in Siliguri

• Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus
• Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand

Route Taken

Kolkata-Krishnagiri-Berhaimpore-Sahibganj-Kishanganj-Siliguri

Bus Timings

The earliest bus from Kolkata to Siliguri leaves at 17:30 and the last bus departs at 22:15. 

Duration of Journey

11-13 hours. The duration may increase if there is heavy traffic on the route or any diversion due to factors like weather conditions or road maintenance work. 

Fares

The bus ticket for this route can cost you anywhere between INR 500 and INR 1800 depending on the type of bus, seat and the bus operator company. 

Typical Stop Points

• Krishnagiri
• Sahibganj
• Kishanganj

Road Conditions

Due to the 2018 floods and other natural calamities, some routes from Kolkata to Siliguri are not in great condition. Most buses avoid the way with bad roads to ensure a smooth ride. 

Siliguri To Kalimpong - Via Taxi

Kalimpong is 68 km far from Siliguri, and while there are shared jeeps running on this route, for a comfortable and convenient journey, it is best to book a cab or taxi. The road leading to Kalimpong is quite dangerous; hence, it is highly recommended to hire a driver instead of self-driving. You can find several local cab operators in Siliguri that offer cabs on this route throughout the day. Alternatively, you can make a booking online from trusted online cab booking sites like Gozocabs, Wiwigo, and MakeMyTrip. 

Route Options

Siliguri - Neotia Getwel Road - NH10 - Rishi Road - Upper Cart Road - Kalimpong

Road Conditions from Siliguri to Kalimpong

The road from Siliguri is generally in good condition. But the winding road leading to Kalimpong is full of sharp turns. On this route, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the lush green Sevoke forest and Teesta River. 

Duration of the Journey

Ideally, the trip should take 2 hours and 20 minutes. This duration may change depending on the traffic on the route and the number of pit stops you make.  

Approximate Cost

A 4-seater hatchback like Indica and Alto or a sedan class car like Dzire or Etios could cost you approximately INR 2800, while a 6-seater SUV could cost around INR 3700. 

Eating Options on the Way

• Army Suplayar
• Tashi Restaurant
• Tusu’s Hotel & Restaurant
• Hotel New Sikkim
• Pradhan Hotel
• Ashu Hotel & Restaurant
• Khanaa Khazana
• Gorkhali Hotel

Possible Stopovers on the Way

• Coronation Bridge
• Kalijhora
• Suntalay
• Durpin Dara
• Teesta Valley Tea Garden