Getting Around Siliguri
Siliguri offers several practical options for moving around the city. The most affordable and convenient modes for visitors include electric rickshaws, shared vans, public buses, and app-based ride services. Walking is also viable in the core areas, which are safe even after dark.
Public Transport: Buses
Buses are an efficient and economical way to travel within Siliguri. The North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) operates public bus services throughout the city. Private bus operators also serve various routes, giving you flexibility in choosing your journey.
Electric Rickshaws and Shared Vans
Electric rickshaws, locally known as totos, and shared vans are ubiquitous in Siliguri and ideal for short to medium distances. These vehicles operate on established routes with standardized fares. You can expect to pay around ₹20 per person for a standard journey, though shorter trips may cost ₹10 and longer ones ₹30.
Ride-Hailing and App-Based Services
App-based transportation services are available across the city. You can use Uber, Ola, and Rapido for car rides, while Rapido also offers bike options. Yatri Saathi is another app-based service available for car bookings. These services provide an alternative to traditional taxis and offer convenience for visitors unfamiliar with local routes.
Taxis
Traditional taxis operate throughout Siliguri. You can find pre-paid and post-paid taxi services at major transport hubs. Private taxi operators are readily available for city travel as well as longer journeys to nearby destinations.
Walkability
The core areas of Siliguri are compact and walkable. You can explore central parts of the city on foot, and the area is considered very safe for walking, even after dark.
Railway Stations and Transport Connections
Siliguri has multiple railway stations serving different routes. New Jalpaiguri Junction is the busiest railway station in North Bengal and lies about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre by road. From this station, you can access buses operated by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation, private buses, or ride-hailing services including Uber, Ola, and Rapido to reach various parts of the city. Pre-paid taxi booths are also located directly opposite the station's main entrance.
Siliguri Junction and Siliguri Town are other railway stations in the city. Siliguri Town is the original gateway to the Darjeeling Hills.
Arriving from Bagdogra International Airport
Bagdogra International Airport is located approximately 14 kilometres from the city centre. Taxis are available from the airport to Siliguri, with fares around ₹500. Taxis from the airport also serve nearby destinations including Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Phuentsholing, making it convenient if you're planning to travel beyond Siliguri.
Intercity Bus Services
Siliguri has good bus connections to neighbouring cities and countries:
- From Kolkata: The Siliguri Rocket, operated by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation, departs at 8 PM and arrives at 8 AM. Private operators like Royal Cruiser also run overnight Volvo bus services on this route.
- From Kathmandu: Greenline operates a daily overnight air-conditioned service, departing at 3 PM and arriving at 8:30 AM.
- From Dhaka: Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation buses depart Dhaka each evening and reach the India-Bangladesh border at Changrabanda in the early morning. Passengers must clear customs, walk across the border, and board waiting Indian buses for the final three-hour journey to Siliguri.
- From Phuentsholing: Regular services operate from Bhutan, with buses departing at 7:30 AM, 8 AM, and 3 PM, completing the four-hour journey by afternoon or evening.
The main bus terminals in Siliguri include Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus on Hill Cart Road in Pradhan Nagar, P. C. Mittal Memorial Bus Terminus, and SNT Bus Terminus. Note that buses from Phuentsholing terminate at a bus stand on Burdwan Road rather than the main terminus.