How To Reach Darjeeling?

How To Reach Darjeeling: Darjeeling is a famous hill station situated in the district of West Bengal, in the Indian state of India and is located in the lower region of the Himalayas, famous for its scenic location, tea gardens, and colourful culture.

To get to Darjeeling, you need to travel through several means – by flight, by train and by road, whether you are arriving from different parts of India or from outside the country.

This guide will assist you with the information that you need on How To Reach Darjeeling as you plan your trip towards this wonderful tourist destination from various cities in India and beyond.

Overview of Reaching Darjeeling from Major Indian Cities

Siliguri to Darjeeling

By Road

• Route: Siliguri to Darjeeling via Matigara – Kurseong Road & NH10.
• Options: Private taxis and shared taxis are available.
• Fares: Rs 500 per person from NJP station, Rs 300-350 per person from Darjeeling Taxi Stand.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

By Train 

• Option: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling.
• Experience: Scenic journey through tea gardens and forests.
• Schedule: NJP to Ghum, Departure: 08:30 AM, Arrival: 02:50 PM.

By Flight

• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, 43 km from Darjeeling.
• Travel from the Airport: Take a taxi or other road transportation to Darjeeling.

Note: No direct flights to Darjeeling; Bagdogra offers convenient access.

Bagdogra to Darjeeling

By Road

Route 1: Bagdogra to Darjeeling via NH110

• Distance: 68 km
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Route 2: Bagdogra to Darjeeling via NH110 and Hill Cart Road

• Distance: 78 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours

Note: Scenic but slightly longer.

By Private/Shared Taxi

Shared Taxis

• Fares: Rs. 300 per seat (standard), Rs. 856 per seat (luxury)
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Private Taxis

• Fares: Rs. 1860 to Rs. 2400 (prepaid), Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3500 (negotiated)
• Duration: 3-4 hours

By Train

• Nearest Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), 12 km from Bagdogra
• Option: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
• Distance: 88 km
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Schedule: NJP to Ghum, Departure: 09:00 AM, Arrival: 02:50 PM

By Flight

• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), 68 km from Darjeeling
• Travel Options: Taxi, private car rental, or shared cab
• Duration: 3-4 hours by road
• Alternative: Helicopter services (quicker but more expensive)

Gangtok to Darjeeling

By Road

Route 1: Via NH10

• Distance: Approximately 100 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Route: Gangtok → Singtam → Ranipool → Teesta Bazaar → Darjeeling

Route 2: Via Kalimpong

• Distance: Approximately 115 km
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Route: Gangtok → Rangpo → Kalimpong → Peshok Road → Darjeeling

By Private/Shared Taxi

Private Taxi Fares:

• Hatchback: Rs. 3000 (Includes 105 km), Rs. 12 per km beyond 105 km
• Sedan: Rs. 3300 (Includes 105 km), Rs. 15 per km beyond 105 km
• SUV: Rs. 4000 (Includes 105 km), Rs. 20 per km beyond 105 km

Shared Taxi:

• Fare: Rs. 200 per person
• Timing: 6 AM to 8 AM and 12 PM to 2 PM
• Departure Point: Deorali Taxi Stand in Gangtok

By Train

No direct train route from Gangtok to Darjeeling.

Alternative:

• Step 1: Travel from Gangtok to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri by road (4-5 hours).
• Step 2: Board a toy train or hire a taxi/shared jeep from NJP or Siliguri to Darjeeling.

Tip: Book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons.

Bangalore to Darjeeling

By Train

Route: Bangalore to Kolkata (Howrah Junction)

• Trains: Bangalore Howrah Mail, Yeshvantpur Howrah Duronto Express
• Duration: Approximately 29-32 hours

Route: Kolkata (Howrah Junction) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

• Trains: Darjeeling Mail, Kanchankanya Express
• Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours

Route: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling

• Option 1: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Option 2: Taxi or other road transportation
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Tip: Check train schedules and book tickets in advance. Plan for the long travel time and ensure a comfortable trip.

By Road

Route: Bangalore to Kolkata (Approximately 2,200 km)

• Highways: NH16 or NH19
• Key Stops: Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar
• Duration: Multiple days with overnight stops

Route: Kolkata to Siliguri (Approximately 570 km)

• Highways: NH12 or NH27
• Key Stops: Bardhaman, Durgapur, Malda
• Duration: 1 day

Route: Siliguri to Darjeeling (Approximately 70 km)

• Road: Scenic mountain drive
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Chennai to Darjeeling

By Flight

Route: Chennai to Bagdogra via Flight

• Layovers: Likely in Kolkata, Delhi, or Guwahati
• Total Duration: 5-8 hours (including layovers)

From Bagdogra to Darjeeling:

• Distance: Approximately 68 km
• Duration: 3-4 hours by taxi or shared cab

Tips:

• Book flights in advance for the best fares.
• Check for any travel restrictions or advisories.

By Train

Route: Chennai to Kolkata (Howrah Junction)

• Trains: Coromandel Express, East Coast Express
• Duration: 25-30 hours

Route: Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

• Trains: Darjeeling Mail, Kanchanjunga Express
• Duration: 10-12 hours

From NJP to Darjeeling:

Option 1: Taxi or shared jeep

• Duration: 3-4 hours

Option 2: Darjeeling Toy Train (schedule may vary)

Tips: Book train tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

By Road

Route: Chennai to Kolkata

• Highway: National Highway 16 (NH16)
• Distance: Approximately 1,650 km
• Duration: 24-26 hour

Route: Kolkata to Darjeeling via Siliguri

• Highways: National Highway 12 (NH12) and National Highway 110 (NH110) or National Highway 17 (NH17)
• Distance: Approximately 600 km
• Duration: 12-14 hours

Tips:

• Plan for overnight stays and breaks.
• Drive cautiously in hilly regions with steep inclines and sharp bends.

Essential Tips for How To Reach Darjeeling Smoothly

• Book in Advance: Book tickets and a place to stay because several attractions and accommodations fill up, particularly between March and May, and October and November.
• Travel Light: Carry some items that can make it easier to move around the hilly areas.
• Acclimatize: It’s advisable to enjoy a leisurely first day upon arrival because Darjeeling is situated at an elevation of about 2,042 metres.
• Weather Check: It is advisable to always have warm clothing all year round in case of the unpredicted weather.