Bagdogra Airport is 12 km from Siliguri and serves as the gateway to Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong. There is no public bus or rail from the airport, so all options are road-based.
Price breakdown by destination
| Destination | Distance | Pre-paid Taxi | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siliguri center | 12 km | INR 400-600 / EUR 4-6 | EUR 15-25 |
| New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) | 10 km | INR 350-500 / EUR 4-5 | EUR 12-20 |
| Darjeeling | 95 km | INR 2,500-3,500 / EUR 27-38 | EUR 55-75 |
| Gangtok | 125 km | INR 3,000-4,000 / EUR 33-44 | EUR 65-90 |
| Kalimpong | 80 km | INR 2,000-3,000 / EUR 22-33 | EUR 50-70 |
| Phuentsholing (Bhutan) | 160 km | INR 3,500-5,000 / EUR 38-55 | EUR 70-95 |
| Mirik | 50 km | INR 1,500-2,000 / EUR 16-22 | EUR 35-50 |
What affects the price
Season matters significantly. During peak tourist months (October-November and March-May), demand pushes pre-paid taxi rates toward the higher end. During monsoon (June-September), the risk of landslides and road closures can mean longer detours and higher charges.
Vehicle type affects cost too. A sedan to Siliguri is cheapest. For mountain routes, an SUV (Innova or Bolero) costs INR 500-1,000 more than a sedan but is far more comfortable on winding roads.
Hidden costs to watch for
- Return fare for mountain taxis: Some pre-paid taxi drivers include a return-trip component since they drive back empty. This is already factored into the counter rate
- Toll charges: The NH10 highway toward Gangtok has occasional toll points — usually INR 50-100, sometimes included in the quoted fare
- Waiting charges: If you stop for meals during long mountain drives, the driver may expect INR 100-200 for waiting time
Cheapest option
To Siliguri, the pre-paid taxi at INR 400 (EUR 4) is the cheapest and most practical option. For mountain destinations, shared jeeps from Siliguri's SNT stand cost INR 300-500 per seat but involve getting to Siliguri first and sharing with strangers in a cramped vehicle.