Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideBagdogra Airport (IXB), 17km from city. Airlines include IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India. Transfer options: prepaid taxi (rupees 300-500, 30-45 minutes), shared auto (rupees 50-100, 45-60 minutes).
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the major station, 8km from Siliguri. Frequency: Daily trains from major cities. Journey times and fares: Delhi (20-24 hours, rupees 800-2500), Mumbai (30-35 hours, rupees 1200-4000), Bangalore (40-45 hours, rupees 1500-5000).
Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus is the main hub. Operators: North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), private operators. Journey time and fare from nearest cities: Kolkata (12-14 hours, rupees 500-1200), Gangtok (4-5 hours, rupees 250-400), Darjeeling (3-4 hours, rupees 150-300).
NH10, NH12, NH27 connect Siliguri. Approx 560km from Kolkata, drive time 12-14 hours. Road condition: Generally good on national highways. Approx tolls: rupees 300-500.
560 km from Kolkata
rupees 30-150
Best for: Short to medium trips within the city
Always confirm the fare before starting your journey.Shared autos are cheaper but may take longer due to multiple stops.
rupees 80-300
Best for: Comfortable, metered travel
Ensure you have a working internet connection for booking.Prices can surge during peak hours or bad weather.
rupees 20-50
Best for: Very short distances, local market areas
Best for distances under 2km.Negotiate the fare before you get on.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Hire a guide to use VIP/fast-track entry lanes at major monuments
bookingVisit Mandu, not Ajanta, for equally stunning but empty monuments
alternativesVisit monuments at opening time (usually 6-7 AM) to avoid tour groups
timingOctober-March are peak tourist months - avoid if seeking solitude
seasonDiwali week (Oct/Nov) means empty tourist sites as locals celebrate at home
seasonCoorg coffee plantations in monsoon = breathtaking and deserted
seasonAvoid: 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.
Consider reverse migration timing - Travel against domestic tourist flow: visit hill stations in monsoon, beaches in summer, cities during festival exodus.
Eat pakoras as a common snack
Beckoning uses downward palm motion - The "come here" gesture uses palm facing down, fingers waving downward—opposite of Western style.
Visit during fall for festival season (Durga Puja, Diwali, Camel Fair)
Durga Puja in Kolkata is spectacular - This Bengali festival in September/October transforms the city with elaborate goddess pandals.
Respect silence in meditation spaces - Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers appreciate quiet. Whisper and turn off phone ringers.
Slow down your pace - don't try to see everything at once
Visit Nagaland to meet former headhunter tribes
Avoid the monsoon season (June-October) unless visiting Ladakh or Spiti
Ladakh is best during monsoon season (dry and sunny)
Dress modestly - long, loose, flowing clothes are best
Avoid kissing and cuddling in public
Visit the Western Ghats for trekking and tea plantations
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