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

By train: approximately 22 hrs 46 min. By road: approximately 18 hrs 18 min.

Rishikesh to Kalimpong: 1051 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Kalimpong?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Kalimpong is approximately 1,051 km (653 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,480 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 22 hrs 46 min. Buses take about 29 hrs 36 min and are the most affordable.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Kalimpong

West Bengal

1,051 km

aerial distance (straight line)

653 miles · Road distance: ~1,480 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,480 km

Road distance

18 hrs 18 min

Drive time

1,051 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Rishikesh to Kalimpong

✈

By Flight

2 hrs 9 min

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

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

22 hrs 46 min

1,480 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

29 hrs 36 min

1,480 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

18 hrs 18 min

1,480 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

1,051 km (653 mi)

Road distance

~1,480 km

Recommended

Train (22 hrs 46 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Rishikesh to Kalimpong distance overview

The straight-line distance from Rishikesh to Kalimpong is approximately 1,051 km (653 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,480 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to West Bengal.

1,051 kmAerial distance

~1,480 kmBy road

22 hrs 46 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Kalimpong by air

No direct airport

Kalimpong 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 Kalimpong

22 hrs 46 min ~1,480 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Kalimpong with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 22 hrs 46 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 bus — Rishikesh to Kalimpong

29 hrs 36 min ~1,480 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Rishikesh to Kalimpong route. The journey takes approximately 29 hrs 36 min covering ~1,480 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Rishikesh to Kalimpong Buses

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Kalimpong

18 hrs 18 min ~1,480 km

The drive from Rishikesh to Kalimpong is a long one — approximately 1,480 km taking around 18 hrs 18 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Kalimpong

📅

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 18 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Kalimpong

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Kalimpong Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Kalimpong

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 Kalimpong? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Kalimpong is approximately 1,051 km (653 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,480 km, which takes about 18 hrs 18 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 22 hrs 46 min. Buses take about 29 hrs 36 min and are the most affordable. Kalimpong doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Bagdogra (IXB).

Are there buses from Rishikesh to Kalimpong? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Rishikesh to Kalimpong route. The journey takes approximately 29 hrs 36 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

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

The train from Rishikesh to Kalimpong takes approximately 22 hrs 46 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Kalimpong travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Kalimpong Distance & How to Reach