Table of Contents
Introduction
So you’re planning a trip to Dooars from Kolkata?
Smart move.
I’ve done this journey more times than I can count, and I’m going to break down exactly how to reach Dooars from Kolkata without any of the usual travel headaches.
No fluff. No outdated info. Just what works in 2025.
Whether you’re the type who loves watching landscapes roll by from a train window, prefers getting there fast by flight, or wants the freedom of a road trip, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Overview: Distance and Travel Time
Here’s the reality check.
The distance between Kolkata and Dooars is roughly 600-650 km depending on which part of the Dooars region you’re heading to.
The Dooars isn’t one single town—it’s a sprawling belt of forests, tea gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries across northern West Bengal.
Popular entry points include:
- Lataguri (gateway to Gorumara)
- Madarihat (near Jaldapara)
- Jayanti (Buxa Tiger Reserve area)
- Chalsa (central hub)
Travel time varies:
- By train: 8-10 hours
- By flight + taxi: 4-5 hours total
- By road: 12-14 hours
Now let’s break down each option properly.
Reaching Dooars by Train from Kolkata
This is how most people do it.
And honestly? It’s my favourite way.
Kolkata to Dooars Train from Sealdah and Howrah
You’ve got solid options from both major stations.
From Sealdah:
- Kanchankanya Express (13149/13150)
- Darjeeling Mail (12343/12344)
These connect Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and pass through New Mal Junction—the nearest railway station to Dooars.
From Howrah:
- Saraighat Express (12345/12346)
- Padatik Express (12377/12378)
- Darjeeling Mail (also stops at Howrah)
Key Railway Stations for Dooars
New Mal Junction is your best bet.
It’s literally in the heart of the Dooars region West Bengal transport network.
From New Mal, you’re 20-30 minutes by taxi to:
- Gorumara National Park
- Lataguri
- Chalsa
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the bigger station.
More trains stop here, but you’ll need to travel another 60-70 km to reach most Dooars destinations.
Train Journey Tips
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (October to March).
Night trains work brilliantly—you sleep through most of the journey and wake up to misty mountain views.
Carry snacks and water. Train pantry food is hit or miss.
The North Bengal Tourism infrastructure is solid, so finding transport from these stations is never a problem.
Flying to Dooars via Bagdogra Airport
Want to get there fast?
The flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra then Dooars is your answer.
The Flight Route
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport to Dooars.
It’s about 65-75 km from central Dooars locations like Lataguri and Chalsa.
Flight time: Just over 1 hour
Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India
Multiple flights daily, especially morning and evening slots.
From Bagdogra to Dooars
Once you land, you need ground transport.
Taxi from Bagdogra:
- Pre-paid taxis available at the airport
- Cost: ₹2,000-₹3,000 to Lataguri/Gorumara area
- Journey time: 2-2.5 hours
Shared cabs:
- Cheaper option (₹300-₹500 per person)
- Need to wait for the vehicle to fill up
- Not always reliable during off-season
Pro tip: Book a Bagdogra to Dooars taxi through your hotel or a reliable tour operator beforehand.
Saves you haggling after a flight.
Why Choose Flying?
Time is money.
If you’ve only got a weekend and want maximum time exploring rather than travelling, flying makes sense.
Morning flight + taxi = you’re at Gorumara National Park by lunchtime.
That’s a proper wildlife safari by evening on Day 1 itself.
Road Trip from Kolkata to Dooars
This is for adventure seekers.
The road trip Kolkata to Dooars via Siliguri is epic if you’ve got time and love driving.
The Route
Kolkata → NH12 → Durgapur → Panagarh → Morgram → Siliguri → Dooars
Total distance: 620-650 km
Drive time: 12-14 hours (with breaks)
Breaking Down the Journey
Don’t do it in one stretch unless you’re superhuman.
Smart approach:
- Start early morning from Kolkata (5-6 AM)
- Breakfast break at Durgapur (8-9 AM)
- Lunch at Siliguri (2-3 PM)
- Reach Dooars by evening (6-7 PM)
Alternatively: Break it into two days with an overnight halt at Siliguri.
Less exhausting, more scenic.
Road Conditions
NH12 is mostly well-maintained.
Smooth four-lane highway till Siliguri.
After Siliguri, roads get narrower but still decent.
During monsoons (June-September), some stretches can be tricky with occasional landslides.
Bus from Kolkata to Siliguri Then Dooars
Not driving yourself? No problem.
Government buses: NBSTC and WBTC run regular services
- Depart from Esplanade and Babughat
- Overnight buses available
- Cost: ₹500-₹800
Private operators: More comfortable
- Volvo and sleeper coaches
- Cost: ₹800-₹1,500
- Book through RedBus or direct operators
From Siliguri, local buses and shared taxis connect to various Dooars destinations.
The North Bengal Dooars connectivity has improved massively in recent years.
Self-Drive Tips
Fuel up properly. Petrol pumps are available but spread out after Siliguri.
Keep your phone charged—Google Maps works, but the network can be patchy in forest areas.
If you’re exploring offbeat locations like those mentioned in Offbeat Places Near Jaldapara, a sturdy vehicle helps.
Which Route Should You Choose?
Let me make this simple.
| Factor | Train | Flight + Taxi | Road |
| Travel Time | 8-10 hours | 4-5 hours total | 12-14 hours |
| Cost (per person) | ₹300-₹1,500 | ₹4,000-₹8,000 | ₹3,000-₹5,000 (shared costs if driving) |
| Comfort | High (sleeper/AC) | Highest | Medium (depends on vehicle) |
| Scenic Value | Excellent | Limited | Excellent |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Fixed schedule | Complete freedom |
| Best For | Budget travellers, solo trips | Time-crunched travellers | Groups, families |
My recommendation?
Weekend trip Dooars from Kolkata: Take the flight. Maximise your time there, not in transit.
Week-long holiday: Train journey is beautiful and economical. Plus it’s part of the experience. If you need a detailed plan, this 7-Day Dooars Itinerary breaks down exactly what to do each day.
Group of 4-5 friends: Road trip all the way. Split costs, stop wherever you want, create memories.
Getting Around Once You’re in Dooars
You’ve made it to the Dooars region.
Now what?
Hiring Local Taxis
Most hotels and homestays arrange taxis for sightseeing.
Daily rates:
- Small car (4-seater): ₹2,000-₹2,500
- SUV (6-7 seater): ₹3,000-₹4,000
Book through your accommodation—they know reliable drivers.
Shared Jeeps
The local lifeline.
These run between major points like:
- Lataguri to Chalsa
- Madarihat to Alipurduar
- Siliguri to New Mal Junction
Cheap (₹20-₹50 per person) but can be crowded.
For Wildlife Safaris
You can’t drive your own vehicle inside national parks.
Safari bookings include dedicated jeeps with trained drivers.
For Gorumara National Park or Buxa Tiger Reserve, advance booking is essential—especially in peak season.
The Eco-Tourism in Dooars article covers responsible safari practices if you’re interested.
Best Time to Visit After Reaching Dooars
Timing matters.
October to March: Peak season
- Perfect weather (15-25°C)
- Clear skies, great for wildlife spotting
- Tea gardens look stunning
- Book everything in advance
April to May: Summer
- Hot and humid (25-35°C)
- Fewer tourists, better deals
- Good for spotting animals near water sources
June to September: Monsoon
- Heavy rainfall, lush greenery
- Some roads and parks may close
- Off-season rates, but risky travel
- Not recommended unless you love rain
Personally? November to February is unbeatable.
The Dooars travel guide consensus also agrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest way to reach Dooars from Kolkata?
The train is hands-down the most economical option.
A sleeper class ticket on trains like Kanchankanya Express costs ₹300-₹500.
Even 3AC is just ₹800-₹1,200.
From the nearest railway station to Dooars (New Mal Junction), local transport to your hotel adds another ₹200-₹500.
Total budget: Under ₹1,500 easily.
2. How long does it take to reach Dooars from Kolkata by train?
Most direct trains take 8-10 hours.
Night trains are popular—board around 9-10 PM from Kolkata, arrive by 6-8 AM.
Trains like Darjeeling Mail and Kanchankanya Express run on this schedule.
You sleep through the journey and wake up to the hills.
3. Can I do a weekend trip to Dooars from Kolkata?
Absolutely, but plan smart.
Friday evening: Take a night train or early Saturday morning flight.
Saturday-Sunday: Full days for safaris and sightseeing. Check out What Are the Best Tourist Places in North Bengal for itinerary ideas.
Sunday night: Return journey.
Flying makes weekend trips way more relaxing—you get more hours on the ground.
If you have a full week though, check out this detailed 7-Day Dooars Itinerary that covers everything from wildlife safaris to tea garden visits.
4. Is Dooars safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, generally very safe.
Dooars has a steady stream of tourists, and locals are used to travellers.
Tips:
- Book reputed homestays or hotels
- Use registered taxis
- Don’t venture into dense forests alone
- Most safari guides and drivers are professional
I’ve met dozens of solo female travellers here without any issues.
5. What’s the travel time from Kolkata to Dooars by road?
By car, expect 12-14 hours with breaks.
Straight drive without major stops takes 10-11 hours, but that’s exhausting.
Most people break it up:
- Durgapur for breakfast (3 hours from Kolkata)
- Siliguri for lunch (another 5-6 hours)
- Final stretch to Dooars (2-3 hours)
If you’re taking a bus from Kolkata to Siliguri then Dooars, add another 1-2 hours for transfers.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth about how to reach Dooars from Kolkata: there’s no “one size fits all” answer.
Your perfect route depends on your budget, time, and travel style.
Train? You get the experience of watching Bengal’s landscape transform from urban sprawl to endless tea gardens.
Flight? You’re sipping tea in a jungle lodge while others are still in transit.
Road trip? You control the adventure, stop at roadside dhabas, and arrive with stories.
I’ve done all three multiple times.
Each has its charm.
But regardless of how you get there, the Dooars region rewards every bit of effort.
Waking up to elephant calls, driving through misty forests, spotting a one-horned rhino in its natural habitat—that’s what you came for.
The journey to reach Dooars from Kolkata is just the beginning of something pretty spectacular.
Pack your bags, pick your route, and go.
Related Resources:
For more detailed planning on North Bengal destinations, explore tourist places across the region and consider sustainable travel options through initiatives promoting eco-tourism practices.
Happy travels!
- “best 3-Day Dooars Itinerary budget Under ₹5000 (2026).”
“Discover how to explore Dooars in 3 days for under ₹5000. Gorumara, Jaldapara, and Samsing are covered. No fluff, just real costs & insider tips. Read the guide!”
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