Kolkata is one of the most common starting points for a Pelling trip — and one of the easiest. With an overnight train or a short flight to North Bengal, you can leave Kolkata in the evening and be watching the mountains from Pelling by the next afternoon.
Here’s how to plan the journey from Kolkata to Pelling.
The route in one line
Kolkata → New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Bagdogra → road to Pelling. There’s no direct train or flight to Pelling; the last 135–140 km is always by road, taking about 5–6 hours.
Option 1: Kolkata to Pelling by train (most popular)
Overnight trains from Kolkata to NJP let you sleep through the plains and start fresh in the morning. Popular options include:
| Train | From | Approx. timing |
|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling Mail (12343) | Sealdah | Departs ~10 PM, arrives NJP ~8 AM |
| Padatik Express (12377) | Sealdah | Departs ~11:20 PM, arrives NJP ~9 AM |
| Uttar Banga Express (13147) | Sealdah | Departs ~7:40 PM, arrives NJP ~6:30 AM |
| Kamrup Express (15959) | Howrah | Departs ~6:30 PM, arrives NJP ~6 AM |
Timings change — always check the latest schedule on IRCTC before booking. Tickets sell out quickly in peak seasons (Puja holidays, winter and summer vacations), so book as early as you can.
From NJP, hire a private taxi or take a shared jeep to Pelling. Arriving in the morning means you’ll reach Pelling by mid-to-late afternoon.
Option 2: Kolkata to Pelling by flight
Flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra (IXB) take about an hour. From Bagdogra, it’s about 140 km and 5–6 hours by road to Pelling. Pakyong Airport in Sikkim is closer to Pelling (around four hours by road) but has fewer flights and is more weather-dependent.
Tip: choose a morning flight so you can drive up in daylight. If you land late, stay a night in Siliguri and leave early.
Option 3: Kolkata to Pelling by road
Driving all the way from Kolkata is possible but long — roughly 700 km to Siliguri before you even start the mountain section. Most travellers prefer overnight Volvo buses to Siliguri, then a taxi up to Pelling.
The drive from NJP / Bagdogra to Pelling
The road follows the Teesta river before climbing through towns like Melli, Jorethang and Legship, then up to Gyalshing and Pelling. It’s beautiful, but winding. Our full guide to how to reach Pelling covers routes, shared jeeps and buses.
Total journey time
- By overnight train: leave Kolkata in the evening, reach Pelling the next afternoon (roughly 16–18 hours door to door).
- By morning flight: leave Kolkata in the morning, reach Pelling by evening (roughly 8–9 hours).
Tips for a comfortable Kolkata–Pelling trip
- Book trains and flights early for Puja and winter holidays.
- Arrange your NJP/Bagdogra pick-up in advance so you’re not negotiating at the station.
- Carry warm layers in your hand luggage — it gets cold as you climb.
- Keep motion-sickness remedies handy for the hill section.
- In the monsoon, keep a buffer day in case of landslide delays.
Where to stay when you arrive
After a long journey, you’ll want somewhere warm and peaceful. Kaya Gantavya Resort & Spa in Middle Pelling is where many Kolkata families and couples unwind — with Kanchenjunga-facing Cottage Rooms, hot meals at K-Kitchen & Lounge and a spa for travel-weary shoulders. Check-in is from 2 PM, and we can help arrange pick-up and drop on request.
Next, plan your days with our Pelling itinerary and find the best time to visit.
Travelling with foreign friends? Read the Sikkim permit guide first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach Pelling from Kolkata?
Take an overnight train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or fly to Bagdogra, then drive about 5–6 hours by road to Pelling.
Which train is best from Kolkata to Pelling?
There is no train to Pelling itself. Popular overnight trains to NJP include the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express from Sealdah. Check IRCTC for current timings.
How long does it take from Kolkata to Pelling?
Around 16–18 hours door to door by overnight train and road, or about 8–9 hours with a morning flight to Bagdogra and a drive up.
What is the distance from Bagdogra to Pelling?
Bagdogra Airport is about 140 km from Pelling, roughly 5–6 hours by road.
Plan your stay: Kaya Gantavya Resort & Spa is a 14-room boutique resort in Middle Pelling with Kanchenjunga-facing cottages, Meraki Spa and K-Kitchen & Lounge. Check live rates and book direct or call +91 76029 98999.
