Most flights into Bagdogra arrive between 10 AM and 6 PM, but some evening flights land around 7-9 PM. If you are arriving late, this page is important — especially if your final destination is in the mountains.
The critical rule
Do not attempt the mountain drive to Darjeeling, Gangtok, or Kalimpong after dark. The roads are narrow, winding, poorly lit, and occasionally blocked by landslides. Even experienced local drivers prefer to avoid these routes at night. This is not overcaution — it is the standard local advice.
What to do instead
Stay overnight in Siliguri and leave for the mountains at first light. Siliguri has plenty of hotels at every budget level.
| Hotel Category | Price Range | Area | |---------------|------------|------| | Budget | INR 800-1,500 / EUR 9-16 | Sevoke Road, Hill Cart Road | | Mid-range | INR 2,000-4,000 / EUR 22-44 | Pradhan Nagar, Matigara | | Comfortable | INR 4,000-8,000 / EUR 44-88 | Near Siliguri Junction |
Evening transport from the airport
Pre-paid taxis to Siliguri operate until the last flight. Evening availability is thinner than daytime, but you should find a taxi within 10-15 minutes.
| Option | Available? | Evening Price to Siliguri | |--------|-----------|---------------------------| | Pre-paid taxi | Yes (until last flight) | INR 400-600 / EUR 4-6 | | Private transfer | Yes (if pre-booked) | EUR 15-25 | | Shared transport | No (not in evening) | N/A |
If you pre-booked a transfer to Darjeeling or Gangtok and your flight arrives late, contact your transfer provider — a good operator will offer to take you to a Siliguri hotel instead and reschedule the mountain portion for morning.
The next morning
Leave for Darjeeling or Gangtok by 6-7 AM to make the most of daylight. The morning mountain drive is actually one of the highlights of the trip — tea gardens, valley views, and clear air. You would miss all of this in the dark.
Safety note
The area around Bagdogra Airport and the road to Siliguri is safe in the evening. The concern is exclusively about the mountain roads. Siliguri itself is a busy commercial city that operates well into the night.