Nearest Airport to Sikkim

Sikkim is served by Pakyong (PYG) near Gangtok and, more reliably, Bagdogra (IXB) — the gateway to Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung and beyond.

🏔️ In-state: Pakyong (PYG)🛫 Main gateway: Bagdogra (IXB)🚗 ~125 km to Gangtok
Last updated: June 2026 · confirm flight availability and schedules before booking
⚠️ Sikkim's only airport has limited flights Sikkim has just one airport — Pakyong (PGH), near the capital Gangtok — and its mountain runway handles only a few weather-dependent flights. For most visitors the practical gateway to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in neighbouring West Bengal, from where road and helicopter links fan out to Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, and North Sikkim.

Best Airports to Fly Into for Sikkim

✓ Nearest
Pakyong Airport
PGH
Distance: ~30 km to Gangtok
Drive time: 1–1.5 hours
Sikkim's own airport, near Gangtok. Limited, weather-sensitive flights — convenient when available, but not dependable for fixed plans.
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Bagdogra Airport
IXB
Distance: ~125 km to Gangtok
Drive time: 4–5 hours
The all-weather gateway to Sikkim near Siliguri, with the widest network. Taxis and Sikkim Tourism helicopters connect onward to Gangtok and other towns.
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By Train

🚆 New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri, about 125 km from Gangtok, is the nearest railhead, well connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and the Northeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the nearest airport to Sikkim?
Sikkim's own airport is Pakyong (PGH), near Gangtok, but it has limited weather-dependent flights. The reliable gateway for most travellers is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal, about 125 km from Gangtok, with onward road and helicopter links into Sikkim.
Does Sikkim have an airport?
Yes — Pakyong Airport (PGH) near Gangtok is Sikkim's only airport, opened in 2018. However it is a small mountain airport with few flights, so Bagdogra (IXB) remains the main gateway for visitors.
How do I reach Sikkim by flight?
Fly into Bagdogra (IXB) — the dependable gateway — then take a taxi or the Sikkim Tourism helicopter to Gangtok and onward to Pelling, Lachung, or Namchi. If a Pakyong (PGH) flight is available for your dates, it lands you closer to Gangtok.
What is the nearest railway station to Sikkim?
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is the nearest major railhead, about 125 km from Gangtok, with trains from across India. Sikkim itself has no broad-gauge railway yet.
Do I need a permit to visit Sikkim?
Indian nationals do not need a permit for most of Sikkim including Gangtok, but Protected Area Permits are required for certain border areas such as Nathula, Tsomgo Lake, and North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar). Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit. Arrange these through registered local tour operators.

Related Destinations & Airports

🏙️ Gangtok✈️ Bagdogra (IXB)🍵 Darjeeling

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