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Leaving the humid, colonial charm of Kolkata for the gateway to the Himalayas involves a transition from the chaotic banks of the Hooghly to the crisp air of the Dooars. Siliguri serves as the crucial transit hub for anyone heading toward the tea gardens of Darjeeling, the monasteries of Sikkim, or the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. The journey north is a rite of passage for many travelers in West Bengal, shifting from the urban density of the plains to the rising foothills of the Great Himalayan range.
Whether you prefer the train, the bus or a short flight, the route is well served. You can compare and book through GoAsia.cc.
Kolkata to Siliguri by Train
Overnight trains are the classic way to make this journey. According to the Indian Railways timetable list, the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri AC Express (22309) leaves Howrah Junction at 23:05 and reaches New Jalpaiguri (NJP) at 09:00,[1] and the Darjeeling Mail (12343) leaves Sealdah at 22:05 and reaches NJP at 08:00.[1] The list gives clock times only; both are overnight services arriving the next morning.
Choosing a class
Indian Railways sells several reservation classes. AC First Class has lockable private cabins. AC 2-Tier has curtained berths in open bays. AC 3-Tier fits more berths into each bay and has no curtains. Sleeper Class is not air-conditioned and has open windows.
From NJP you can continue by shared jeep or private car to your mountain destination.
Kolkata to Siliguri by Bus
Buses are a flexible option, particularly when train tickets are sold out. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $6 (October 2026).[2] The journey takes from about 11 hours, longer with traffic.[2]
Kolkata to Siliguri by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to bridge the gap. IndiGo operates a non-stop flight between Kolkata (CCU) and Bagdogra (IXB) that takes about 1 hour 5 minutes; in IndiGo's fare table for 17 to 21 October 2026 the lowest fare was INR 6,684.[3] Bagdogra Airport lies about 9 km west of Siliguri,[3] and Kolkata airport is about 17 km from the city.[3] Public transport buses do not run from the airport, but taxis and cabs are available, and buses run from Siliguri.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Depends on class | Overnight, arriving 08:00 to 09:00[1] | High |
| Bus | From about $6 (October 2026)[2] | From about 11 hours[2] | Medium |
| Flight | Fare table for 17 to 21 October 2026: from INR 6,684[3] | About 1h 5m[3] | Very High |
Tips for Traveling from Kolkata to Siliguri
- Book Trains Early: The Kolkata to NJP route is one of the most popular in the region. Tickets often sell out in advance, especially during the Durga Puja holidays and the summer season.
- Station Logistics: The Howrah-NJP AC Express leaves from Howrah (HWH), while the Darjeeling Mail leaves from Sealdah (SDAH).[1] Check your departure station on your ticket.
- Bagdogra Airport: Bagdogra is a civil enclave at an Air Force Station and serves northern West Bengal.[4] It is the gateway to Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.[4]
Timetable
| Flight Kolkata - Siliguri $ 57.63–97.62 1h 5m – 1h 15m | |
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| Bus Kolkata - Siliguri $ 6.02–34.11 11h – 14h 30m | |
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| Train Howrah - Siliguri $ 6.91–35.27 7h 20m – 10h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kolkata to Siliguri, including current prices and schedules.
Buses start at about $6 on booking platforms (October 2026), and Sleeper Class train tickets are also very affordable.
Flying is the fastest option: the non-stop IndiGo flight to Bagdogra takes about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The overnight trains leave Howrah at 23:05 or Sealdah at 22:05 and arrive at NJP at 09:00 or 08:00. A bus takes from about 11 hours.
Trains are generally preferred for comfort and reliability, especially the overnight sleeper classes. Buses are a good backup when train tickets are sold out.
Most long-distance trains from Kolkata arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From NJP it is a short taxi or rickshaw ride into Siliguri town or to the shared jeeps toward Darjeeling.
Public transport buses do not operate from the airport, but taxis and cabs are available. The airport is about 9 km west of Siliguri.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Kolkata to Siliguri timetable. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [3] IndiGo: Bagdogra to Kolkata Flights. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [4] IndiGo: Ahmedabad to Bagdogra Flights. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.