Bagdogra Airport

Bagdogra Airport is the primary aviation hub for North Bengal and Sikkim and serves as the most important gateway for travellers heading into the Eastern Himalayas. It is also widely used by tourists visiting Bhutan and Eastern Nepal. The IATA code of Bagdogra Airport is IXB. What was once largely an Indian Air Force base has gradually evolved into one of the most strategically important civilian airports in eastern India. Over the years, the Air Force presence has been reduced, and commercial aviation has expanded rapidly, making Bagdogra a vital entry point for leisure travellers, adventure seekers, and international tourists.

The airport is located approximately 14 km from Siliguri, which acts as the commercial heart of North Bengal. Darjeeling is around 90 km away, while Gangtok lies about 125 km from the airport. Because of its location, Bagdogra Airport plays a critical role in shaping travel itineraries across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim Dooars, Bhutan and Nepal. Almost every tour package and sightseeing plan for this region begins or ends here.

Connectivity and Flight Network

Bagdogra Airport has international status and operates flights to Paro in Bhutan and Bangkok in Thailand. Occasional services to Kathmandu are also available, depending on season and airline schedules. Domestically, the airport is well connected to major Indian cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Guwahati. During peak tourist seasons, airlines also introduce direct flights from cities such as Ahmedabad and other regional hubs to cater to the increased demand.

This strong air connectivity has made Bagdogra Airport the preferred arrival and departure point for travellers booking Darjeeling tour packages, Sikkim sightseeing tours, and combined hill and forest holidays covering destinations like Kalimpong, Pelling, and the Dooars.

Infrastructure and Operational Challenges

Despite its growing importance, Bagdogra Airport faces several infrastructural challenges. The airport is spread over a relatively small area of around 14 acres. Passenger traffic has increased dramatically over the years, and it continues to be one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. In the financial year 2016 to 17, the airport handled approximately 1.6 million passengers. However, the officially recorded capacity of the terminal is only around 700 passengers per hour, including both arrivals and departures.

While night landing facilities have been installed, most airlines prefer operating during daytime hours. Tourists also prefer daytime arrivals so they can directly travel to their hotels in Darjeeling, Gangtok or Kalimpong. As a result, flights are concentrated between 08:00 hours and 18:00 hours, leading to heavy congestion during peak periods. During the tourist season, long queues at security check-in and boarding gates are common, and travellers should be mentally prepared for delays and crowding.

The airport currently has five aprons, and expansion plans, including CAT III infrastructure, have been discussed. However, land constraints have slowed down these developments. Until major upgrades are completed, passengers should expect a busy and sometimes chaotic experience, especially during holidays and long weekends.

Planning Arrival and Departure at Bagdogra Airport

Smart planning can significantly improve your travel experience through Bagdogra Airport. If you are arriving here to begin your holiday, it is strongly recommended to book an early morning or midday flight. Many travellers head straight to Darjeeling, Gangtok or Pelling after landing. Darjeeling takes around 3 hours to reach, while Gangtok can take 5 hours or more, depending on traffic and road conditions. Arriving after 4 PM can mean reaching Gangtok very late at night, which is not advisable, especially for first-time visitors. Travel after dark in the hills should always be avoided when possible.

For departure, similar caution is required. Distances in the hills are deceptive, and travel time can increase sharply due to landslides, traffic jams or minor vehicle issues. From Gangtok or Pelling, the journey to Bagdogra can easily stretch to 6 hours. It is recommended to start early from your hotel and keep at least two extra buffer hours in hand. Every year, several travellers miss flights due to underestimating road conditions so planning conservatively is always the wiser choice. On departure days, you should aim to reach the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before the scheduled flight time.

Transport and Taxis from Bagdogra Airport

Bagdogra Airport is located in a relatively isolated area, and immediate transport options can be limited, especially during peak hours. Pre-booking your taxi is the most reliable way to ensure a smooth onward journey. NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited provides professionally managed tourist vehicles suitable for hill travel and long-distance sightseeing. With experienced drivers and well-maintained cars, your journey from the airport to your hotel becomes comfortable and safe.

If you arrive without a pre-booked vehicle, the airport prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal is your safest option. Services are generally reliable, but the availability of specific vehicle types is not guaranteed, particularly during peak season or late evening arrivals. Long queues are common during busy hours.

Many travellers attempt to negotiate with drivers outside the terminal in search of cheaper fares. This practice is strongly discouraged as touts are common and service quality can be unpredictable. If you are unable to arrange transport at the airport, it is better to travel first to Bagdogra town or Siliguri city, where transport choices are wider and easier to manage.

Accommodation Near Bagdogra Airport

Most tourists prefer heading directly to hill destinations rather than staying near the airport. However, if you have an early morning departure or a late night arrival, staying near the airport can be practical. Hotel options immediately around the airport are limited. In such cases, Siliguri town is a better alternative offering a wide range of hotels across budgets and located around 30 minutes from the airport.

For travellers keen to begin their hill experience immediately, Mirik and Kurseong are the nearest tourist destinations. Mirik is about 50 km away and takes roughly one and a half hours to reach. Kurseong is about 42 km and just over an hour away. Darjeeling lies around 70 km from Bagdogra and usually takes about 2.5 hours in good conditions.

Distances from Bagdogra to Major Tourist Destinations

Bagdogra to Darjeeling is approximately 70 km. Kalimpong is about 80 km away. Gangtok is roughly 125 km, while Pelling is around 145 km. Ravangla is close to 125 km, and Namchi is around 100 km. Phuentsholing at the Bhutan border is approximately 170 km, but travel time is shorter at around 4 hours due to better foothill roads. The Nepal border at Kakarbhitta is only 20 km away. Jaldapara National Park lies about 140 km from the airport, and Gorumara National Park is around 75 km.

These distances make Bagdogra Airport ideal for combining hill destinations with forest safaris and cross-border travel as part of extended tour packages.

Bagdogra Town and Surroundings

Bagdogra town is located about 11 km from Siliguri and is well connected by buses and auto rickshaws. The town also has a railway station where a railbus service operates. Lower Bagdogra has a large market catering to armed forces personnel and residents of Siliguri, offering a mix of Indian and imported goods.

Bihar More is the main activity hub where National Highway 31 divides. One branch leads towards Kolkata, while NH31C heads towards the Nepal border at Panitanki via Naxalbari, known historically as the birthplace of the Naxal movement. Upper Bagdogra, beyond Bihar More, is largely residential, while Lower Bagdogra hosts commercial establishments, educational institutions and transport hubs. The original airport entrance was through this area, but has now shifted to a newer access point closer to Bihar More, improving traffic flow.

Travel Tips from Local Experts

Bagdogra Airport can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, especially during tourist season. Planning flights, thoughtfully choosing reliable transport and allowing buffer time can make a significant difference. Working with an experienced regional tour operator helps avoid common pitfalls and ensures smooth coordination between flights, hotels, sightseeing and transfers.

NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited specialises in customised tour packages, airport transfers, sightseeing arrangements and hotel bookings across Darjeeling, Sikkim Dooars, Bhutan and Nepal. With deep local knowledge and experienced ground teams, NBTT ensures your journey begins and ends stress-free. To plan your arrival, departure or complete travel itinerary, connect with NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited at +919733300696 and travel with confidence.