For Gangtok, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal is the dependable choice, roughly 125 km and about four hours by road. Pakyong Airport (PYG) in Sikkim is much closer, around 30 to 35 km from Gangtok, but no scheduled commercial flights have operated there since June 2024, according to a Civil Aviation Ministry reply reported in the press, so confirm any Pakyong flight with the airline before planning around it.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Sikkim’s capital has an airport of its own, but that does not automatically make it the easy way in. Here is how Bagdogra and Pakyong compare, and what to sort out before you fly.
Which airport should you choose for Gangtok?
Gangtok can be reached from two airports. Bagdogra (IXB) is near Siliguri in West Bengal, and Pakyong (PYG) is in Sikkim itself, south of Gangtok. On paper Pakyong is far closer. In practice, the answer for most travellers is Bagdogra, because that is where regular flight options have been.
| Airport | Distance to Gangtok | Flight availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra (IXB) | About 125 km, around 4 hours by road per Gangtok district information | Established airport with regular services from major cities |
| Pakyong (PYG) | About 30 to 35 km according to Sikkim government and district material | Service has been suspended or inconsistent, check before you plan |
Third-party distance calculators sometimes show a much shorter figure for Pakyong. Official Gangtok district and Sikkim government material is the better guide.
Are flights to Pakyong operating in 2026?
Pakyong opened as Sikkim’s first airport, set among the hills south of Gangtok. Even so, its record with commercial flights has been uneven. Reports in 2025 said services had been suspended since mid-2024, and the state government and local representatives continued to push for resumption.
A guide updated in March 2026 said commercial flights were not running because of technical and weather-related challenges, with no confirmed timeline. We could not find a published 2026 schedule that clearly shows regular service. If you see a Pakyong fare, check the airline’s own website or app for the current status and for what happens if a flight is cancelled.
The safe approach is to plan around Bagdogra, and treat Pakyong as a bonus if flights are running when you travel.
How do you get from Bagdogra to Gangtok?
The usual route is by road. Gangtok district information gives the Bagdogra to Gangtok distance as about 124.5 km, taking around four hours. Shared and private taxis are the common options, and many hotels can arrange pickups. Fix your pickup time with the driver before you land.
- Allow buffer time. Hill roads can slow down with rain, landslides or road works, and it is best not to book a tight onward connection on the same day.
- Land earlier in the day if you can. A daytime arrival gives you better visibility on the hill road.
- Agree the fare in advance. Taxi rates vary by season and vehicle.
Do Indians need a permit for Gangtok and Sikkim?
Indian citizens generally do not need a permit just to enter Sikkim or visit Gangtok, and a photo ID is usually enough. Protected areas are different. Places such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and parts of North Sikkim require a Protected Area Permit for visitors, and Nathu La is open to Indian nationals only. Permits are usually arranged through a registered Gangtok tour operator or the tourism department, and the process has changed in recent years, so confirm the current method with the Sikkim tourism department before you book a day trip.
Opening days for Nathu La differ between sources, which is a good reason to check with the official tourism office rather than relying on a blog.
If you are travelling with elderly relatives or young children, a four-hour hill drive after a flight can feel long. Consider breaking the journey with an overnight stay near the airport, or choose a flight that lands in the morning so the drive finishes well before dark.
When should you book and what should you pack?
Hill destinations tend to be busy in the main holiday seasons, so book flights early for those periods. Because Bagdogra to Gangtok adds a half-day road journey, many travellers prefer to arrive the day before sightseeing rather than squeeze the transfer in on the same morning.
Pack layers, since temperatures in the hills can fall quickly after sunset. Keep a copy of your photo ID handy for permit checks. Checking in is free, on the web or at the airport, so check in online and skip the queue if you have no bags to drop.
Common Questions
Which is the nearest airport to Gangtok?
Pakyong is nearest by distance, around 30 to 35 km. Bagdogra, about 125 km away, is the dependable option for flights.
Are there flights to Pakyong now?
Service has been suspended or inconsistent in recent years. Check with the airline before you plan around it.
How long is the drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok?
Around four hours, per Gangtok district information, though road conditions can change that.
Do I need a permit to visit Gangtok?
Indian citizens usually do not need a permit for Gangtok itself. Protected Area Permits apply to places such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
Can I visit Nathu La?
Nathu La is open to Indian nationals only, with a permit and on specific days. Confirm the days with the tourism department.
Where is Bagdogra airport?
Near Siliguri in West Bengal.
Heading to Sikkim? Search and compare flights to Bagdogra on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings and price alerts to catch a good fare.
Flight schedules, permit rules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, the Sikkim tourism department or the airport before you travel.
