Siliguri

It's about 65-70 km away, which takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by taxi, depending on traffic at Darjeeling More and the route taken (Rohini vs. Pankhabari).

Generally yes, but like any major transit hub, be cautious around NJP station and the bus stands late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and use app-based cabs if possible.

It's a 15-20 km drive. Pre-paid taxis are available at the airport for around INR 400-600. It takes about 45 minutes, but keep a buffer for traffic.

Yes, for apparel, bags, and shoes. It's the go-to place for cheap winter wear. However, you must bargain hard—start at 50% of the quoted price.

You can get the Bhutan entry permit at the border town of Phuentsholing, easily reached via bus/taxi from Siliguri. For Sikkim, standard Indian tourists don't need entry permits, but restricted area permits (Nathu La, North Sikkim) are usually arranged in Gangtok.

Uber and Ola operate here, but availability can be spotty, and drivers often ask for cash payments or extra money over the app fare. Local auto-rickshaws (Totos) are the best way to get around the city.

A Toto is a battery-operated e-rickshaw. They are the lifeline of Siliguri's local transport. Cheap, eco-friendly, but they contribute heavily to the city's traffic jams.

Sevoke Road has the best cafes and restaurants. For street food and momos, head to the lanes around Hong Kong Market or Bidhan Market.