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How to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim

From Sikkim's Himalayan Roads to Bhutan's Mountain Kingdom

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How to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim

From Sikkim's Himalayan Roads to Bhutan's Mountain Kingdom

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Planning a Bhutan trip from Sikkim? The easiest answer to how to reach Bhutan from Sikkim is by road. There is no direct road from Gangtok into Bhutan, so you need to travel through West Bengal and enter Bhutan through the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border. The road distance from Gangtok to Jaigaon is roughly 214 km, depending on the route, while the actual driving time can vary with traffic, road conditions, and stops.
You can also travel by train for part of the journey. Sikkim does not have an operational railway station yet, so you first need to reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri, catch a train to a nearby border station like Hasimara, and cross into Bhutan by road. The nearest railheads to Gangtok are NJP, around 125 km away, and Siliguri, around 114 km away.
Flying is another option, but it requires a road transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is around 124 km away followed by taking a 40-min to 1-hour flight from Bagdogra to Paro. Drukair also operates scheduled services involving Bagdogra and Paro (PBH), although flight schedules change by season.
If you want to combine both destinations without handling every transfer yourself, WanderOn’s Sikkim to Bhutan tour packages can also be a convenient option.

Sikkim to Bhutan Distance

The Sikkim to Bhutan distance depends on your starting point in Sikkim and your entry point in Bhutan. For travellers starting in Gangtok, the most common road route is via Jaigaon and Phuentsholing. 
Here is a quick overview:
RouteApprox DistanceTravel Time
Gangtok to Jaigaon via Siliguri214–216 kmAround 5–6+ hours
Jaigaon to PhuentsholingAround 18 kmAround 30–45 minutes
Gangtok - Phuentsholing 231-234 kmAround 7-9 hours

Other Common Starting Points

If you are not travelling directly from Gangtok, these are the main transport hubs commonly used to reach Bhutan:
Starting PointDistance to JaigaonApprox. Travel Time
Siliguri160 kmAround 4–5 hours
Bagdogra Airport175 kmAround 4–5 hours
NJP170 kmAround 4–5 hours

How to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim by Road

For most travellers, the best answer to how to travel from Sikkim to Bhutan is by road. Gangtok is connected to Siliguri by road, and from Siliguri you continue towards Jaigaon in West Bengal. Jaigaon sits directly opposite Phuentsholing on the Bhutan side.
Do not plan your journey based on the shortest theoretical driving time. Mountain roads, traffic, roadwork, weather, and meal breaks can all add time. Current transport listings show around 5–6 hours for a taxi journey, while bus travel can take around 10 hours or more because of transfers.

Sikkim to Bhutan Road Route

The route can be divided into three parts:
  • Gangtok - Siliguri: Around 114 km
  • Siliguri - Jaigaon: Around 160 km
  • Jaigaon - Phuentsholing: Cross the India-Bhutan border

Private Taxi from Gangtok to Bhutan Border

A private taxi is the easiest choice if you are travelling with family or a small group.
You can book a cab from Gangtok to Jaigaon and then complete the Bhutan entry formalities at Phuentsholing. The advantage is flexibility. You can stop along the way, carry your luggage comfortably and avoid changing vehicles several times.
However, check your transport arrangement before booking. An Indian taxi dropping you at Jaigaon does not automatically mean it can take you throughout Bhutan. If you are planning to continue beyond Phuentsholing, arrange your Bhutan-side transport separately where required.

How to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim by Train

If you are searching for how to reach Bhutan from Sikkim by train, there is one important point to remember: Neither Bhutan nor Sikkim has a railway network for tourist travel.
The railway line connecting Rangpo in Sikkim with Siliguri is still under construction. Therefore, the train can only cover part of your journey.
The main railway stations to consider are:
  • New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP): Around 125 km from Gangtok
  • Siliguri Junction: Around 114 km from Gangtok
  • Hasimara Railway Station (HSA): Around 18 km from Phuentsholing and the closest railway station to the Bhutan border

Gangtok to Bhutan via NJP

Gangtok - NJP - Jaigaon - Phuentsholing - Bhutan
Gangtok has no operational railway station, so NJP is the main rail gateway. You can take a connecting train from NJP to Hasimara, with options including Kanchan Kanya Express (13149), NJP–Alipurduar Tourist (15777), Karmabhoomi Express (22511) and other services. 
From Hasimara, continue by road to Jaigaon and cross into Phuentsholing.

Trains from NJP to Hasimara

TrainTrain No.Approx. Travel Time
Kanchan Kanya Express131492 hr 45 min
NJP–Alipurduar Tourist15777Around 3.5 hr
Karmabhoomi Express22511Around 3 hr 30 min
Ranchi–Kamakhya Express15661Around 3 hr 45 min
Dr Ambedkar Nagar–Kamakhya Express19305Around 3 hr
The exact schedule and stopping pattern may change, so travelers should check the date-specific timetable before booking. Current railway listings show multiple services between NJP and Hasimara. 

How to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim by Flight

If you have limited time, flying is another option. However, you cannot fly directly from Gangtok because it does not have a regular international flight connection to Bhutan.

Flight Options From Bagdogra To Bhutan

Flight optionRouteFlight timeDetails
Direct flightBagdogra (IXB) → Paro (PBH)1 hourDrukair operates direct flights on select days. Flight KB131 is listed on the 2026 schedule, with departure around 9:40 AM and arrival around 10:40 AM.
Connecting via KolkataBagdogra (IXB) → Kolkata (CCU) → Paro (PBH)VariesUseful when a direct IXB–PBH flight is unavailable. Check the connection time and same-day availability.
Connecting via DelhiBagdogra (IXB) → Delhi (DEL) → Paro (PBH)VariesAnother alternative when direct Bagdogra–Paro flights don't operate on your date.
Note: Drukair's operating days and timings can change by season, so check the latest schedule before booking your flight.

Sikkim to Bhutan Flight Route

RouteApprox Travel Time
Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (IXB)Around 4 hours
Bagdogra (IXB) to Paro (PBH)Around 1 hour flight time
Gangtok to Paro including transferUsually 5–7+ hours

Entering Bhutan Through Jaigaon-Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing is an important entry point for travellers arriving from West Bengal and Sikkim. It also acts as the main road gateway for reaching western Bhutan.
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. Instead, they need an entry permit. Bhutan's Department of Immigration states that Indian nationals can obtain the permit at the port of entry and must present an original Indian passport or voter ID card.
The Consulate General of India in Phuentsholing also confirms that Indian tourists entering by road can obtain the Entry Permit at the immigration office in Phuentsholing.

Documents Required

  • Original Indian passport with at least six months' validity, or original Voter ID
  • Two passport-size photographs
  • For children below 18, an original birth certificate in English or passport
  • Hotel booking details
  • Travel insurance
An Aadhaar Card can be used for a day visit to Phuentsholing only; it should not be treated as a general replacement for a passport or Voter ID for travel deeper into Bhutan.
Biometric registration is also mandatory for visitors entering and exiting through the Phuentsholing Pedestrian Terminal.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim?

The answer depends on your transport:
Travel OptionApprox Travel TimeBest For
Private taxi to JaigaonAround 5–6+ hoursFamilies and groups
Bus via SiliguriAround 10 hoursBudget travellers
Train + roadDepends on train scheduleLong-distance travellers
Road + FlightAround 5–7+ hoursTime-conscious travellers
These are planning estimates, not fixed travel times. Himalayan road conditions can change quickly. If you are travelling during heavy rain, keep extra time because landslides, traffic restrictions and road repairs can affect the journey.

Cheapest Way to Reach Bhutan from Sikkim

If you are travelling on a budget and want to know how to go to Bhutan from Sikkim without spending too much, road travel is usually the sensible option.
Shared taxis and buses cost less than a private cab, although they take longer and may require a change at Siliguri. Current route information shows bus travel from Gangtok to Jaigaon can take around 10 hours, while private taxi services are considerably quicker but more expensive.

Explore Bhutan Tour Packages from Sikkim

If you do not want to manage transport, hotels, permits, and route planning separately, joining a planned Bhutan group tour Package can make the journey easier. WanderOn’s Bhutan tour packages from Sikkim include organised transfers, stays, itinerary planning, and trip captain support.
Bhutan PackageDurationHighlights
Bhutan Road Trip Package from Sikkim8 DaysParo, Thimphu, Punakha sightseeing
Road Trip to Bhutan with Tiger’s Nest6–7 DaysBudget travel, local experiences, monasteries
Bhutan with Phobjikha Valley7–8 DaysScenic valleys and offbeat locations
Best of Bhutan Tour from Sikkim5–6 DaysPerfect for first-time visitors

Travel Tips for Sikkim to Bhutan Journey

  • Start early: Give yourself enough time for the road journey and border formalities.
  • Check the weather: Sikkim's mountain roads can be affected by heavy rain and landslides.
  • Keep documents accessible: Do not pack your passport, Voter ID or permit documents deep inside your luggage.
  • Check your taxi arrangement: Confirm whether your vehicle ends at Jaigaon or whether onward Bhutan transport has been arranged.
  • Book during peak season: March to May and October to December can be busy.
  • Keep some cash: Small shops and local transport may not always accept digital payments.
  • Do not keep tight flight connections: If you are travelling from Gangtok to Bagdogra for a flight, leave plenty of buffer time.
  • Check Bhutan's latest entry rules: Permit and border procedures can change, so verify them before leaving India.

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Frequently Asked Questions

01

How can I reach Bhutan from Sikkim?

You can travel from Sikkim to Bhutan by road. The usual route is Gangtok to Siliguri, then Jaigaon and across the border to Phuentsholing. From there, you can continue towards Thimphu or Paro by taxi or private vehicle.

02

What is the distance between Sikkim and Bhutan?

03

Is there a direct train from Sikkim to Bhutan?

04

How long does it take to travel from Sikkim to Bhutan by road?

05

What is the best route to travel from Sikkim to Bhutan?

06

Do I need a permit to travel from Sikkim to Bhutan?

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