North Bengal is a region of diverse landscapes, from the tea gardens of Darjeeling to the riverine plains of the Dooars. Getting around means navigating varying terrain, and having a dependable taxi service is crucial. MoCabs operates across this region, offering both shared and reserved cabs for your travel needs.+

Covering the Plains: Siliguri, NJP, and Bagdogra

Siliguri is often the main entry point to North Bengal and Sikkim. It's a bustling city, and from here, many journeys begin. MoCabs provides services within Siliguri and connects to the major transport hubs:

  • Bagdogra Airport (IXB): This is the primary airport for the entire region. You can book a cab from Bagdogra to Siliguri, or directly to hill stations like Darjeeling, Gangtok, or Kalimpong. Shared cabs from Bagdogra are a common and economical option.

  • New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP): NJP is the busiest railway station in North Bengal. Similar to Bagdogra, MoCabs offers connections from NJP to Siliguri, and onwards to your destination in the hills or plains.

When arriving at IXB or NJP, allow some time for traffic, especially during peak seasons or holidays. The journey from either of these points into Siliguri town can take 30-45 minutes.

To the Hills: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Mirik

The hill stations of North Bengal are popular destinations. MoCabs provides extensive coverage here:

Darjeeling Taxi Service

Darjeeling, the 'Queen of Hills', is a major draw. The road from Siliguri or NJP up to Darjeeling is NH55, passing through Kurseong. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. During monsoon, landslides can occasionally cause delays, so it's always good to check local conditions.

  • From Bagdogra/NJP to Darjeeling: You can easily book shared or reserved cabs. Shared cabs typically depart once they are full. Reserved cabs offer direct, private transport.

  • Local Darjeeling Travel: For sightseeing within Darjeeling or short trips to nearby places like Tiger Hill (for sunrise), Ghoom Monastery, or Batasia Loop, you can arrange local cabs. MoCabs primarily handles inter-city transfers, but check the app for local options or ask your driver upon arrival.

Kalimpong Taxi Service

Kalimpong offers a quieter alternative to Darjeeling, with stunning views of the Teesta River valley. The route to Kalimpong from Siliguri is often via Sevoke Road and then branching off NH10. The journey usually takes around 2.5-3 hours.

  • From Bagdogra/NJP to Kalimpong: Direct cabs are available. This route is generally smoother than the Darjeeling route as it avoids the steeper, winding sections of NH55 for longer stretches.

  • Kalimpong to Gangtok: This is a popular inter-state route, typically taking 2-2.5 hours. The road offers good views of the Teesta River.

Mirik Taxi Service

Mirik, known for its serene lake and orange orchards, is a pleasant stopover or destination. It's roughly a 2-hour drive from Siliguri. You can connect from Darjeeling to Mirik (about 1.5-2 hours) or make it a day trip from Siliguri. MoCabs can facilitate reserved cabs for these routes.

Eastwards to the Dooars and Beyond: Jaigaon / Phuentsholing

Beyond the primary hill stations, MoCabs extends its services into the Dooars region, which serves as a gateway to Bhutan.

Jaigaon / Phuentsholing Taxi Service

Jaigaon is the Indian border town adjacent to Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Many travelers heading to Bhutan use Jaigaon as their entry point. The journey from Siliguri to Jaigaon typically takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions through the plains.

  • From Siliguri/NJP/Bagdogra to Jaigaon: MoCabs offers reserved cabs for this route. It's a longer journey through the plains and tea gardens. Shared cabs for this specific route are less common and may require transfers or specific booking. Always confirm directly in the MoCabs app.

  • Crossing the Border: While MoCabs will drop you off at Jaigaon, crossing into Phuentsholing (Bhutan) involves immigration procedures. MoCabs drivers generally do not cross international borders.

Important Considerations for North Bengal Travel

  • Road Conditions: Roads in North Bengal, especially in the hills, can be affected by weather. During monsoon (June to September), heavy rains can lead to landslides and delays. Always check weather forecasts.

  • Travel Permits: For certain areas, especially those bordering international boundaries or protected areas, permits might be required. For travel within North Bengal, this is generally not an issue, but for onward journeys into Sikkim or Bhutan, specific permits are mandatory.

  • Booking in Advance: For reserved cabs, especially during peak tourist season (October-November and March-May), booking in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability and preferred timings.

  • Shared vs. Reserved Cabs:

    • Shared Cabs: Economical, fixed departure points (often from designated stands in Siliguri, NJP, or Bagdogra), and drivers wait until the vehicle is full. Good for solo travelers or small groups on a budget.

    • Reserved Cabs: Offer flexibility in timing, direct pick-up and drop-off, and personal space. Ideal for families, groups, or those with specific schedules.

MoCabs is committed to providing reliable transport throughout North Bengal. You can check routes, availability, and book your ride directly through the MoCabs app or website. For any specific route not listed, contact support for assistance.