How long does it take to travel from Gangtok to Leh?

By train: approximately 37 hrs 7 min.

Gangtok to Leh Distance & How to Reach

Q: What is the distance from Gangtok to Leh?

The aerial distance from Gangtok to Leh is approximately 1,297 km (806 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 2,413 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Gangtok to Leh?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 37 hrs 7 min. Buses take about 48 hrs 16 min and are the most affordable.

Sikkim to Ladakh · 1,297 km · Compare trains, buses & driving options

Gangtok to Leh distance: 1297 km (aerial), approximately 2413 km by road. By train: ~37 hrs 7 min. By road: ~30 hrs 29 min.

Fly from: Delhi Mumbai Bengaluru Hyderabad Chennai

Gangtok

Sikkim

Leh

Ladakh

1,297 km

aerial distance (straight line)

806 miles · Road distance: ~2,413 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

2,413 km

Road distance

30 hrs 29 min

Drive time

1,297 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Gangtok to Leh

✈

By Flight

2 hrs 29 min

Fly from Bagdogra (IXB), nearest to Gangtok

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

37 hrs 7 min

2,413 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

30 hrs 29 min

2,413 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,297 km (806 mi)

Road distance

~2,413 km

Recommended

Train (37 hrs 7 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Gangtok to Leh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Gangtok to Leh is approximately 1,297 km (806 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 2,413 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Sikkim to Ladakh.

1,297 kmAerial distance

~2,413 kmBy road

37 hrs 7 minTrain

🚆 By train — Gangtok to Leh

37 hrs 7 min ~2,413 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Gangtok and Leh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 37 hrs 7 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

💡 Travel tips for Gangtok to Leh

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

Where to stay in Leh

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Leh Hotels

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Gangtok to Leh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Gangtok to Leh is approximately 1,297 km (806 miles).

What is the best way to travel from Gangtok to Leh? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 37 hrs 7 min.

How long does the train take from Gangtok to Leh? ▼

The train from Gangtok to Leh takes approximately 37 hrs 7 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Gangtok to Leh travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book and hotels for the Gangtok to Leh route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Gangtok