Namaste India Trip arranges point-to-point car rental across the Darjeeling–Sikkim region: airport and railway transfers from Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri (NJP), hill-to-hill transfers between Gangtok, Darjeeling, Pelling and Kalimpong, and local sightseeing. Choose a 4-seater WagonR or Alto, an 8–9 seater Sumo or Max, or a 7-seater Innova or Xylo.
Quick answer: NJP or Bagdogra to Gangtok costs about ₹3,700 to ₹5,500 one way and NJP or Bagdogra to Darjeeling about ₹3,200 to ₹4,500, depending on the car. Sightseeing in Gangtok, Darjeeling and Pelling needs a separate local vehicle.
Rates are per vehicle, one way, in Indian Rupees, updated October 2026. They include fuel and driver; parking, permits and night halts are extra. Peak-season surcharges apply from mid-April to June, during Durga Puja and Diwali, and from 15 December to 5 January. We confirm the final fare when you book.
Rules to Know Before You Book
The hill-taxi system in Darjeeling and Sikkim is run by local unions and permit rules, so a few restrictions apply:
- Separate car for sightseeing: a car booked for a transfer cannot do local sightseeing in Darjeeling, Pelling or Gangtok. A local vehicle is booked separately at an extra charge.
- Dooars forest visits: jungle safaris in the Dooars use special forest vehicles, not your rental car.
- Gangtok daytime entry: vehicles coming from outside are usually not allowed into Gangtok city during the day. A short local taxi between the taxi stand and your hotel is paid by the guest.
- North Sikkim: Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang and Gurudongmar need a complete package with permit, stay and vehicle. A car alone cannot be booked.
- Bhutan: these rates do not apply to Bhutan. Call +91-9711616316 or email info@namasteindiatrip.com for a quote.
Transfer Rates: Darjeeling–Sikkim Region
One-way transfers between the airport, the railhead and the main hill towns.
| Route / Tour | Innova / Xylo (up to 7) | Sumo / Max (8–9) | WagonR / Alto (up to 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra / NJP to Gangtok | ₹5,500 | ₹4,500 | ₹3,700 |
| Bagdogra / NJP to Pelling | ₹7,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Bagdogra / NJP to Darjeeling | ₹4,500 | ₹3,800 | ₹3,200 |
| Bagdogra / NJP to Kalimpong | ₹4,500 | ₹3,800 | ₹3,200 |
| Bagdogra / NJP to Phuentsholing | ₹7,500 | ₹6,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Gangtok to Pelling | ₹6,500 | ₹5,500 | ₹4,500 |
| Gangtok to Darjeeling | ₹5,500 | ₹4,500 | ₹3,800 |
| Gangtok to Kalimpong | ₹4,800 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,300 |
| Darjeeling to Pelling | ₹7,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Darjeeling to Kalimpong | ₹4,500 | ₹3,800 | ₹3,200 |
| Darjeeling to Mirik | ₹4,000 | ₹3,300 | ₹2,800 |
| Darjeeling to Gangtok via Kalimpong | ₹6,500 | ₹5,500 | ₹4,500 |
| Darjeeling to NJP / Bagdogra Airport | ₹4,500 | ₹3,800 | ₹3,200 |
| Kalimpong to Pelling | ₹6,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹4,200 |
Gangtok Sightseeing Rates
| Route / Tour | Innova / Xylo (up to 7) | Sumo / Max (8–9) | WagonR / Alto (up to 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake | ₹5,000 | ₹4,200 | Not allowed |
| Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu La (Indo-China border) | ₹8,000 | ₹6,800 | Not allowed |
| Gangtok half-day sightseeing, 7 points (about 4 hours) | ₹3,500 | Not allowed | ₹2,500 |
| Gangtok full-day sightseeing including Rumtek Monastery | ₹4,500 | Not allowed | ₹3,200 |
| Gangtok to Namchi | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 |
Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La permits
- Every traveller needs 4 passport-size photos and an original photo ID with 4 photocopies to get the permit.
- Nathu La needs special permission, is open only to Indian nationals, is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and can close in winter or bad weather.
- Small cars (WagonR, Alto) are not allowed on the Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La road.
Darjeeling Sightseeing Rates
| Route / Tour | Innova / Xylo (up to 7) | Sumo / Max (8–9) | WagonR / Alto (up to 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early-morning Tiger Hill excursion (3 points) | ₹2,800 | ₹2,200 | ₹1,800 |
| Darjeeling half-day sightseeing including Tiger Hill | ₹4,000 | ₹3,200 | ₹2,800 |
| Darjeeling full-day sightseeing | ₹4,800 | ₹3,800 | ₹3,300 |
| Darjeeling Toy Train joy ride transfer (train ticket extra) | ₹2,000 | ₹1,500 | ₹1,200 |
| Excursion to Mirik Lake and Pashupati Market | ₹4,800 | ₹3,800 | ₹3,300 |
Pelling Sightseeing Rates
| Route / Tour | Innova / Xylo (up to 7) | Sumo / Max (8–9) | WagonR / Alto (up to 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelling full-day sightseeing (7 points): Darap Village, Rimbi Waterfalls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Kanchenjunga Falls, Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins | ₹4,200 | ₹3,600 | ₹3,000 |
| Pelling half-day sightseeing (2 points): Changey Waterfalls, Singshore Bridge | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
Singshore Bridge, near Uttarey, is one of the highest suspension bridges in India.
Kalimpong Sightseeing Rates
| Route / Tour | Innova / Xylo (up to 7) | Sumo / Max (8–9) | WagonR / Alto (up to 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalimpong half-day sightseeing (4 points): Deolo Hill, flower nurseries, Durpin Dara Hill, Dr Graham’s Homes | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Kalimpong full-day sightseeing including Lava | ₹5,000 | ₹4,200 | ₹3,500 |
Distance Chart
Approximate road distances. Hill roads are slow, so plan on about 25–30 km an hour.
| Route | Approx. distance |
|---|---|
| Darjeeling to Siliguri | 90 km |
| Darjeeling to Bagdogra | 98 km |
| Darjeeling to NJP | 95 km |
| Darjeeling to Kalimpong | 66 km |
| Darjeeling to Gangtok | 119 km |
| Darjeeling to Mirik | 53 km |
| Gangtok to Bagdogra | 135 km |
| Gangtok to NJP | 131 km |
| Gangtok to Kalimpong | 85 km |
| Gangtok to Siliguri | 120 km |
| Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake | 40 km |
| Gangtok to Lachung | 117 km |
| Gangtok to Phuentsholing | 270 km |
| Gangtok to Pelling | 135 km |
| Pelling to Siliguri | 140 km |
| Pelling to Bagdogra | 150 km |
Suggested Tours
Prefer a complete trip with hotels and sightseeing? These packages include the car:
- Sikkim Tour Packages
- Darjeeling Honeymoon Tour
- Best of Sikkim Tour
- Gangtok Darjeeling Lachung Lachen Tour
- Darjeeling Kalimpong Gangtok Tour
- Darjeeling Gangtok Tour
Also read: How to Reach Darjeeling · How to Reach Sikkim · Sikkim Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from NJP or Bagdogra to Gangtok?
A one-way transfer costs about ₹5,500 in an Innova or Xylo, ₹4,500 in a Sumo or Max and ₹3,700 in a WagonR or Alto (October 2026 rates). The drive is about 125–135 km and takes 4 to 5 hours. Peak-season fares are higher.
How much is a taxi from Bagdogra or NJP to Darjeeling?
About ₹4,500 in an Innova, ₹3,800 in a Sumo and ₹3,200 in a WagonR for the 90–100 km, 3 to 4 hour drive.
Can a transfer car take us sightseeing in Gangtok, Darjeeling or Pelling?
No. Local unions require a separate local vehicle for sightseeing in Darjeeling, Pelling and Gangtok, booked at an extra charge.
Can outside taxis enter Gangtok city in the daytime?
Usually not. Vehicles coming from outside are stopped at the taxi stand during the day, so a short local taxi ride to or from the hotel is paid by the guest.
Which car can go to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La?
Only an Innova, Xylo, Sumo or Max with a permit. Small cars such as the WagonR or Alto are not allowed on this road.
What documents do I need for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La permits?
Carry 4 passport-size photos and an original photo ID with 4 photocopies for every traveller. Nathu La is open only to Indian nationals, is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and can shut in winter or bad weather.
Can I book only a car for North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen)?
No. North Sikkim needs a complete package with permit, stay and vehicle, booked through a registered operator.
Do these rates apply to Bhutan?
No. Bhutan trips are priced separately. Call +91-9711616316 or email info@namasteindiatrip.com for a quote.
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