Table of Contents
Introduction
Car rental in Siliguri for Dooars is probably the smartest decision for your North Bengal trip.
Let me tell you why.
I have seen people land at NJP or Bagdogra airports, get ripped off by the first taxi driver who shouts at them, charges them double the market rate, and then complains about it on every travel forum.
It won’t happen to you. If you follow the guide I shared, you can share your experience with others later.
This guide breaks down everything — prices, car types, booking tips, things to watch out for, and how to make your Siliguri-to-Dooars trip smooth, affordable, and stress-free.
Why a Private Car Rental Is the Only Way to See Dooars Properly
Here’s the honest truth.
Dooars isn’t a single spot on the map.
It’s a massive stretch of forest, tea gardens, rivers, and wildlife reserves spread across North Bengal — from Gorumara and Lataguri to Jaldapara and Buxa.
Public transport? Hit-or-miss. Shared jeeps? They run on their own schedule, not yours.
A private car rental from Siliguri gives you:
- Freedom to stop at a tea garden and actually breathe
- Flexibility to change plans if a jungle safari slot opens up
- Comfort when you’re carrying luggage and travelling with family
- Access to spots that shared vehicles simply don’t go
If you’re planning a 3-day Dooars itinerary or a longer 7-day Dooars itinerary, a private car is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
How Far Is Siliguri from Dooars? (The Numbers You Need)
People always ask this first. Fair question.
| Route | Approximate Distance | Travel Time |
| Siliguri → Lataguri (Gorumara) | ~90–100 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Siliguri → Jaldapara | ~130–140 km | 3 to 3.5 hours |
| Siliguri → Buxa Tiger Reserve | ~175 km | 4 to 4.5 hours |
| NJP → Lataguri | ~80 km | ~2 hours |
| Bagdogra Airport → Lataguri | ~70 km | ~1.5 to 2 hours |
The roads are mostly good on NH-27 until you hit the forest zones — then expect narrower, bumpier stretches.
Car Rental Prices: Siliguri to Dooars (Real Market Rates)
Right, let’s talk about money. No beating around the bush.
These are approximate market rates for 2024–2025. Prices vary by season, operator, and how early you book.
One-Way Fare: Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra → Lataguri / Gorumara
| Car Type | Approx. One-Way Fare | Seats |
| Hatchback (WagonR, Alto) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | Up to 4 |
| Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios) | ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 | Up to 4 |
| SUV (Innova, XUV) | ₹4,500 – ₹7,000 | Up to 6–7 |
| Tempo Traveller (12–16 seater) | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 | Groups |
Round-Trip Fare: Siliguri ↔ Lataguri (2 days)
| Car Type | Approx. Round-Trip Fare |
| Hatchback | ₹5,000 – ₹6,500 |
| Sedan | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 |
| SUV / Innova | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
Pro tip: Round trips usually cost less per km than two separate one-ways, especially if the driver stays with you for the full trip.
For longer multi-day Dooars trips with multiple stops — Gorumara, Jaldapara, Buxa — a per-km rate of ₹18–₹25/km for SUVs is standard. Always confirm what’s included: driver batta (daily allowance), tolls, and night halts.
5 Car Types — Which One Should You Pick?
This is where most travellers go wrong. They either over-spend or pick a car that can’t handle the terrain.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Hatchback (Alto, WagonR) Best for budget solo or couple travel. Fine for the main highway but can struggle on forest tracks.
2. Sedan (Swift Dzire, Toyota Etios) The sweet spot. Comfortable, decent boot space, handles most Dooars roads well.
3. Toyota Innova / Crysta The king for families or groups of 5–6. Brilliant on rough roads, powerful enough for any terrain.
4. Mahindra Scorpio / XUV Great ground clearance. Ideal if you’re heading deep into Buxa or Jayanti via unpaved paths.
5. Tempo Traveller For large groups (10+). Economical per head. Book at least a week in advance, especially during peak season (Oct–Feb).
Comparing Gorumara vs Jaldapara for your safari? Read this: Gorumara vs Jaldapara National Park — Which One Should You Visit?
How to Book a Car Rental in Siliguri for Dooars — The Smart Way
I’ve done this enough times to give you a no-fluff system.
Step 1: Know your dates and itinerary first. Don’t call a taxi operator without knowing where you’re going and for how many days. You’ll either get overcharged or confused.
Step 2: Compare at least 3 operators Don’t book the first guy who messages you. Use platforms like MakeMyTrip, CabBazar, or local operators from Siliguri like Ganapati Travels, Siliguri Car Service, or GoCarGoo.
Step 3: Ask the right questions before confirming
- Is driver batta (daily allowance) included?
- Are toll charges separate?
- What’s the hill/night halt policy?
- Is there a per-km charge after a certain limit?
Step 4: Book 5–7 days in advance for peak season (Oct–Feb) During this window, good cars disappear fast. During off-season (monsoon), you have more room to negotiate.
Step 5: Confirm driver details 24 hours before departure Name, phone number, vehicle registration. Always.
Best Time to Book & Travel (Honest Season Breakdown)
Not all months are equal for a Siliguri–Dooars road trip.
| Season | Months | Road Condition | Wildlife Sighting |
| Peak (Best) | Oct – Feb | Excellent | High |
| Good | Mar – May | Good | Moderate |
| Avoid (Monsoon) | Jun – Sep | Rough, landslides | Parks may close |
The best time to visit Dooars is between October and February — forests are clear, wildlife is active, and roads are at their best.
During the monsoon, some national park zones close and roads can flood. If you must travel then, always book an SUV.
Dooars Local Transport vs. Hiring a Car from Siliguri — What’s Smarter?
Once you’re inside Dooars, you do have options for local transport — shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and some local cabs.
But here’s the reality:
- Shared jeeps run on fixed timings, mostly morning
- Local autos don’t venture deep into forest areas
- Safari zones require a registered jeep anyway (booked separately from your rental car)
The smartest move? Hire one car from Siliguri that stays with you for the entire trip.
For a detailed breakdown of getting around once you’re there, check out Dooars local transport guide.
If you’re on a tight budget and want to mix transport options, pair your car rental with a budget homestay in Dooars to keep the total trip cost low.
7 Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Car in Siliguri
Let me save you from the ones I’ve seen go wrong most often.
- Booking at the station without comparing — Station touts charge 30–50% above market. Always pre-book.
- Not confirming what’s included — Hidden charges for tolls, night halts, and driver batta can add ₹1,500–₹2,000 to your bill.
- Choosing a hatchback for a week-long trip — Uncomfortable for long stretches and weak on rough forest roads.
- Not reading the cancellation policy — Peak season, many operators charge 50–100% if you cancel within 48 hours.
- Skipping advance booking — October to January is packed. You’ll either pay surge rates or get a bad car.
- Assuming Ola/Uber will work for outstation — More on this below in the FAQs.
- Not confirming the driver’s local knowledge — A driver who knows Gorumara, Chilapata Forest, and the safari timings is worth gold.
Top Reliable Car Rental Operators in Siliguri for Dooars
Here are some operators with a track record worth considering. Always verify current ratings and call to confirm availability.
- Ganapati Travels — ganapatitravels.com — Known for Dooars packages, good fleet
- Siliguri Car Service — siliguricarservice.com — 10+ years, wide vehicle range
- GoCarGoo — gocargoo.com — Transparent pricing, NJP/Bagdogra pickup
- QuikCar — quikcar.in — Good for Dooars-specific routes
- Wizzride — wizzride.com — App-based, good for shared intercity routes
External resource: For independent travel reviews and route maps of Dooars, Darjeeling Tourism’s official travel guide is one of the most reliable and detailed resources available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
a. Is Ola Cab available in Siliguri?
Yes, Ola is available in Siliguri — but with limitations.
It works reasonably well for in-city rides, particularly near NJP Station, Bagdogra Airport, and central Siliguri. However, the number of cars on the platform is significantly lower than a metro city. For outstation trips to Dooars, Ola’s intercity service exists but local car rental operators tend to offer better rates, more flexibility, and drivers who know the forest routes well.
Bottom line: Use Ola for getting around Siliguri city. For Dooars, go with a dedicated rental.
b. How much is a car ticket from Siliguri to Sittong?
A private car from Siliguri to Sittong (approximately 31–45 km depending on route) typically costs:
- Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios): ₹3,000 – ₹3,910 one-way
- SUV (Innova, XUV): ₹4,500 – ₹5,000 one-way
There are no shared taxis running directly from Siliguri or NJP to Sittong. You’ll need a reserved car. Your homestay in Sittong can sometimes arrange pickup — always worth asking.
c. Is Uber available in Siliguri?
Yes, Uber operates in Siliguri.
According to Uber’s own platform, it covers intercity routes from Siliguri — for instance, Siliguri to Kolkata is priced around ₹3,600. For local Siliguri city rides, Uber functions similarly to Ola. That said, both Uber and Ola have limited driver availability compared to metro cities. For a dedicated Dooars trip, a pre-booked private rental is more reliable.
d. How much is Uber from Siliguri to Darjeeling?
Uber does offer intercity rides from Siliguri to Darjeeling. Fares typically range from ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 depending on car type, demand, and season. The distance is approximately 62–80 km (depending on route) and travel time is around 2.5 to 3.5 hours via the winding hill roads. Shared cabs via Wizzride are a cheaper alternative at around ₹300–₹500 per seat if you’re travelling solo and on a tight budget.
Quick Reference: Siliguri Car Rental for Dooars — Everything on One Page
| What You Need | Answer |
| Best car for families | Toyota Innova / Crysta |
| Best car for couples | Sedan (Swift Dzire) |
| Average fare to Gorumara | ₹4,500 – ₹6,000 (SUV, one-way) |
| Book how far in advance (peak) | 5–7 days minimum |
| Best months to travel | October – February |
| Ola/Uber for outstation | Not recommended — use local operators |
| Duration: Siliguri → Lataguri | ~2 to 2.5 hours |
Final Word
Car rental in Siliguri for Dooars is your gateway to experiencing one of India’s most underrated wildlife and nature destinations without the headaches.
Don’t wing it. Don’t trust the first person who approaches you at the station. Compare operators, ask the right questions, book in advance, and get a driver who knows the terrain.
Do that, and the Dooars experience — the elephant sightings, the tea garden drives, the river crossings, the dense sal forests — will be everything it promises to be.
Now go book that car.
Liked this guide? Check out where to stay once you get there — budget homestays in Dooars sorted by price and location.
