Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideBagdogra Airport (IXB), 15km from city. Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India. Transfer options: Pre-paid taxi rupees 300-400 (30-45 min), auto rupees 200-250 (45-60 min).
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station, 8km from city. Frequency: Daily trains from major cities. Journey times and fares from Delhi (NDLS): 20-24 hours, rupees 700-2500. Mumbai (CST): 30-36 hours, rupees 1000-3500. Bangalore (SBC): 40-48 hours, rupees 1200-4000.
Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. Operators: North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), private operators. Journey time and fare from Kolkata: 12-14 hours, rupees 600-1200. Darjeeling: 3-4 hours, rupees 150-250. Gangtok: 4-5 hours, rupees 200-350.
NH10, NH27. 560km from Kolkata, drive time 12-14 hours, road condition good, approx tolls rupees 300-500. 65km from Darjeeling, drive time 2.5-3 hours, road condition hilly and winding, approx tolls none.
560 km from Kolkata
rupees 30-100
Best for: short trips
Bargain for the fare, especially if you are a foreigner.Confirm the destination clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
rupees 50-200 (per person)
Best for: longer distances, nearby towns
Find designated stands for shared vehicles.Be prepared for a crowded ride, especially during peak hours.
rupees 300-1500+
Best for: comfort, specific itineraries
Book through your hotel or a reputable taxi stand.Negotiate a full-day or half-day rate if planning multiple stops.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Coorg coffee plantations in monsoon = breathtaking and deserted
seasonVisit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour groups break for meals
timingChoose Ajanta over Ellora Caves - slightly less tourist traffic
alternativesTake local buses to lesser-known towns within 50km of major cities
strategyVisit hill stations in winter (Jan-Feb) for snow and zero crowds
seasonBook homestays in villages near tourist cities for authentic, uncrowded experience
alternativesVisit monuments at opening time (usually 6-7 AM) to avoid tour groups
timingAvoid Indian national holidays - monuments become extremely crowded
timingAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
Private medical care is cheap if needed
Bargaining aggression differs - Delhi vendors expect hard bargaining; South Indian shops prefer polite negotiation; fixed prices more common in Northeast.
Kerala is perfect for first-time visitors
eVisas cannot be activated at land borders - plan accordingly
Apply for sticker visas in your home country if doing overland travel
Mountain spring water in Spiti/Ladakh is generally safe
Visit during fall for festival season (Durga Puja, Diwali, Camel Fair)
Purchase SIM at the airport when you arrive
British citizens can get 5-year multi-entry visas
Get a local SIM card immediately upon arrival
Help fellow travelers by sharing your authentic travel photos. Get credited with your name and social links!
Help us improve! Report incorrect information or suggest updates.
Know a hidden gem we're missing? Help us add it to the guide!
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Essential cookies are always enabled.