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 |
Fixed-price private transfer
IXB Siliguri City Center
From€80for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €91 per vehicle, about €23 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
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) | Rate set at the counter |
| Private transfer | Yes (if pre-booked) | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| 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.
When a private transfer from IXB is the right choice
- Landing after the last train or bus: the driver is booked to your flight number and tracks the real arrival time, so a delay does not cancel the pickup.
- Arrivals after midnight: no searching for a rank or a night surcharge; the price you booked is the price you pay.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Siliguri City Center is from €91, about €23 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
IXB → Siliguri City Center from €80Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
IXB Siliguri City Center
From€80for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €91 per vehicle, about €23 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations