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

By train: approximately 23 hrs 29 min. By road: approximately 18 hrs 51 min.

Rishikesh to Gangtok: 1053 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Gangtok?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Gangtok is approximately 1,053 km (654 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,526 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 23 hrs 29 min. Buses take about 30 hrs 31 min and are the most affordable.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Gangtok

Sikkim

1,053 km

aerial distance (straight line)

654 miles · Road distance: ~1,526 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,526 km

Road distance

18 hrs 51 min

Drive time

1,053 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Rishikesh to Gangtok

✈

By Flight

2 hrs 9 min

Dehra Dun (DED) → Bagdogra (IXB) (nearest airports)

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

23 hrs 29 min

1,526 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

18 hrs 51 min

1,526 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,053 km (654 mi)

Road distance

~1,526 km

Recommended

Train (23 hrs 29 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Rishikesh to Gangtok distance overview

The straight-line distance from Rishikesh to Gangtok is approximately 1,053 km (654 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,526 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Sikkim.

1,053 kmAerial distance

~1,526 kmBy road

23 hrs 29 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Gangtok by air

No direct airport

Gangtok does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Gangtok

23 hrs 29 min ~1,526 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Gangtok with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 23 hrs 29 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

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Gangtok

18 hrs 51 min ~1,526 km

The drive from Rishikesh to Gangtok is a long one — approximately 1,526 km taking around 18 hrs 51 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Gangtok

📅

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.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 18 hrs 51 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Gangtok

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Gangtok Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Gangtok

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 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 Rishikesh to Gangtok? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Gangtok is approximately 1,053 km (654 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,526 km, which takes about 18 hrs 51 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 23 hrs 29 min. Gangtok doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Bagdogra (IXB).

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

The train from Rishikesh to Gangtok takes approximately 23 hrs 29 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Gangtok travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Gangtok Distance & How to Reach