Bagdogra Airport (IXB) — Gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Northeast India

Bagdogra Airport is roughly 12 km from Siliguri city center and serves as the main air gateway to Darjeeling, Gangtok (Sikkim), and Kalimpong. A pre-paid taxi to Siliguri costs INR 400-600 (about EUR 4-6). To Darjeeling it is INR 2,500-3,500 (EUR 27-38) and takes 3-4 hours up the mountain. A pre-booked private transfer to Siliguri runs EUR 15-25, while Darjeeling or Gangtok transfers cost EUR 55-90.

Bagdogra is a small airport — military and civilian operations share the facility. The terminal is modest. After collecting your bags (there is one carousel), you exit into a small arrivals area.

Immediately outside you will find the pre-paid taxi counter run by the local transport authority. This is your most reliable option. Beyond that, drivers will approach you offering rides — some legitimate, some not.

There is a basic ATM inside the terminal and a couple of tea/snack stalls. Do not expect lounges or extensive facilities. Mobile connectivity can be patchy — Airtel and Jio work best in this region. If heading to Sikkim, be aware that some operators require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which Indian nationals need; foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) obtainable at the Rangpo border checkpoint.

| Option | Typical Cost | Time | Best For | |--------|-------------|------|----------| | Pre-paid taxi (Siliguri) | INR 400-600 / EUR 4-6 | 20-30 min | Most travelers to Siliguri | | Pre-paid taxi (Darjeeling) | INR 2,500-3,500 / EUR 27-38 | 3-4 hours | Budget travelers to Darjeeling | | Pre-paid taxi (Gangtok) | INR 3,000-4,000 / EUR 33-44 | 4-5 hours | Budget travelers to Sikkim | | Shared jeep (Darjeeling/Gangtok) | INR 300-500 / EUR 3-5 per seat | 3-5 hours | Backpackers | | Pre-booked private transfer (Siliguri) | EUR 15-25 | 20-30 min | Comfort, families | | Pre-booked private transfer (Darjeeling) | EUR 55-75 | 3-4 hours | Families, comfort | | Pre-booked private transfer (Gangtok) | EUR 65-90 | 4-5 hours | Families, comfort |

Pre-paid taxis are the standard option. Pay at the counter, get a receipt, and your driver takes you to the destination. Vehicles are typically Maruti Suzuki Dzires or similar sedans for Siliguri, and Mahindra Boleros or Toyota Innovas for mountain routes.

Shared jeeps to Darjeeling and Gangtok depart from Siliguri's Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminal (SNT stand), not directly from the airport. You would need a taxi to the bus stand first. They are cheap but cramped — expect 10 people in a vehicle designed for 7.

There is no Uber or Ola at Bagdogra. Ride-hailing apps do not work reliably here.

Prices from Bagdogra Airport:

| Destination | Pre-paid Taxi | Private Transfer | |-------------|--------------|------------------| | Siliguri center | INR 400-600 / EUR 4-6 | EUR 15-25 | | New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) | INR 350-500 / EUR 4-5 | EUR 12-20 | | Darjeeling | INR 2,500-3,500 / EUR 27-38 | EUR 55-75 | | Gangtok | INR 3,000-4,000 / EUR 33-44 | EUR 65-90 | | Kalimpong | INR 2,000-3,000 / EUR 22-33 | EUR 50-70 | | Phuentsholing (Bhutan border) | INR 3,500-5,000 / EUR 38-55 | EUR 70-95 |

Mountain route prices vary by season. During monsoon (June-September), landslides can force detours that add hours and cost. In peak tourist season (October-November, March-May), demand pushes prices to the higher end.

Bagdogra has limited flight operations, with most arrivals between 10 AM and 6 PM. Late evening flights (arriving around 8-9 PM) do exist on some routes.

If arriving in the evening, do not attempt the mountain drive to Darjeeling or Gangtok at night. The roads are narrow, winding, and poorly lit — even experienced local drivers avoid these routes after dark. Stay overnight in Siliguri and leave for the mountains in the morning.

Pre-paid taxis to Siliguri operate until the last flight arrives. A pre-booked transfer is recommended for evening arrivals as availability thins out.

For the short ride to Siliguri, a standard sedan handles a family of four with luggage. For the mountain routes, vehicle choice matters significantly.

Darjeeling/Gangtok routes: The mountain roads are steep and winding. An SUV (Innova, Bolero, or Ertiga) is strongly recommended over a sedan. Most pre-paid taxis for mountain routes are already SUVs, but confirm at the counter.

Child car seats are not available in local taxis. Pre-booked transfers can provide one with advance notice. The mountain roads are genuinely demanding — a car seat is advisable for young children.

Free luggage trolleys are available inside the terminal.

Pre-booked transfer: Your driver will wait outside the terminal exit with a name sign. The airport is small enough that finding each other is straightforward.

Shared jeeps: Not available directly at the airport. You need to get to Siliguri's SNT bus terminal or Tenzing Norgay stand first.

Going to Darjeeling, Gangtok, or Kalimpong: If you are a solo traveler or couple on a budget, a pre-paid taxi SUV is the standard choice. If you are a family with children, or want a newer vehicle with a professional driver, a pre-booked transfer is worth the premium — the mountain drive is long and comfort matters.

Going to Bhutan (Phuentsholing): Pre-book a transfer. The route is less commonly served by pre-paid taxis and you want a reliable driver for the 4-5 hour journey.