Quick answer
Kolkata to Bagdogra is a non-stop flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes, roughly 450 km. IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express fly it several times a day. Bagdogra, near Siliguri, is the airport for Darjeeling (about 3 hours), Kalimpong and Gangtok (4–5 hours). One-way fares start near ₹3,500 booked 3–6 weeks ahead. Only government photo ID is needed.
Route facts
- Flight time
- 1h 10m
- Distance
- ≈ 450 km
- Starting fare
- ₹3,500 one-way
- Airlines
- IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express
- Cheapest months
- Jul–Aug and mid-Jan–Feb
- Entry
- Domestic — government photo ID only; Sikkim's restricted areas (Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, North Sikkim) need a protected area permit arranged through a registered tour operator.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Fares are typical starting one-way economy prices booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak dates — live prices vary by the hour.
Which airlines fly Kolkata to Bagdogra?
IndiGo has the most flights; Air India and Air India Express add more. Bagdogra is a civil enclave at an Air Force base near Siliguri, and most flights operate in daylight. Sikkim's own airport at Pakyong has had only irregular flights, so Bagdogra remains the practical gateway to the hills.
Best flight timings
Take the earliest flight you can. Darjeeling is about 3 hours and Gangtok 4–5 hours by road, on hill roads best driven in daylight. A morning landing gets you to your hotel before dark; afternoon flights in the monsoon or winter haze are more prone to delays.
Baggage
IndiGo and Air India Express include 15 kg checked and 7 kg cabin on standard fares; Air India includes a meal. Shared jeeps in the hills tie bags to the roof, so a sturdy, waterproof bag is worth having.
Getting from Bagdogra to the hills
- Darjeeling: about 70 km, 3–3.5 hours; private car ₹3,000–3,500.
- Gangtok: about 125 km, 4–5 hours; private car ₹4,000–5,000.
- Kalimpong: about 75 km, roughly 3 hours.
Shared jeeps from Siliguri are far cheaper but slower. In peak months, book a car through your hotel or tour operator.
Permits for Sikkim
Indian travellers don't need a permit for Gangtok, but Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim's Lachung, Lachen and Gurudongmar need a protected area permit, arranged by a registered tour operator, usually a day ahead. Carry photo ID and passport photographs.
When to book and connecting options
Avoid Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas and May–June, when Kolkata families head for the hills and fares can double. July–August and mid-January to February are usually cheapest. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for Puja. Non-stops are frequent, so there's no need to connect.
Tips for families and seniors
Gangtok sits at about 1,650 m and Darjeeling at about 2,050 m, so carry warm layers year-round. Motion sickness on winding roads is common; pack tablets.
See our Sikkim trip cost, things to do in Darjeeling, things to do in Sikkim and more routes on flights.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Darjeeling from Bagdogra airport?
Do I need a permit to visit Sikkim from Bagdogra?
How long is the Kolkata to Bagdogra flight?
When is the cheapest time to fly Kolkata to Bagdogra?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
