If you are looking for a Darjeeling trip must check for Darjeeling tourism. For the people who want to reach Darjeeling from the New Jalpaiguri station, there are two ways to reach – one is by toy train, and the other is to hire a cab/ taxi.
New Jalpaiguri is a railway station that is located in Dabgram, near Siliguri in West Bengal. This is the major railway station that is the busiest and largest in northern Bengal, with the code NJP. So you can say that it is one of the most popular gateways to reach Sikkim and Darjeeling.
From New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling distance is 70KM. So after reaching New Jalpaiguri railway station, you need to hire a cab or choose the Toy Train to travel.
New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling route table
| Travel Mode | Distance | Time (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road (Taxi/Jeep) | 70 km | 2.5 – 4 hours | Most popular & fastest |
| By Bus | 70 km | 3 – 4 hours | Budget-friendly |
| By Toy Train | 88 km | 6 – 7 hours | Scenic & historic |
| By Shared Cab | 70 km | 3 hours | Affordable for groups |
Quick Fact: Darjeeling sits at an altitude of about 6,700 ft, so the drive climbs nearly 2,000 m from NJP!
Darjeeling Tourism Package
How to Reach Darjeeling from NJP by Road
From New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling by road is one of the most popular and fastest options to travel. This journey offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, tea gardens, pine forests, and small hill villages. Whether you prefer comfort, speed, or affordability, there are several ways to travel by road: taxi, shared jeep, or bus.
By Taxi or Private Cab
The most comfortable and fastest way to reach Darjeeling from NJP is by private taxi or cab. After reaching the NJP station, just find a taxi/ cab counter, where you can hire vehicles directly to Darjeeling.
By taxi, it is a 2 to 3-hour journey to reach Darjeeling with a 70 km distance. The ideal cost to hire cab from the NJP station starts from ₹2,500 to ₹5000.
The road from NJP to Darjeeling passes through some of the most beautiful hill areas in North Bengal. From NJP, you first go to Siliguri, a busy town at the foothills of the Himalayas. As you leave Siliguri, the road climbs up through green forests and tea gardens. Next comes Kurseong, a peaceful hill town known for its tea estates and cool weather.
After Kurseong, you’ll pass Ghum, which is the highest railway station in India and offers stunning mountain views. From Ghum, it’s just a short, winding drive to Darjeeling, where you can see the famous tea gardens and the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga.
Why Choose a Taxi?
- Ideal for families, couples, or small groups
- Offers door-to-door service directly from NJP to your hotel in Darjeeling
- Great flexibility to stop for photos or refreshments along the way
Travel Tips:
- Book your taxi in advance during the peak tourist seasons (April–June and October–December).
- Early morning rides are smoother and safer, with clearer views and less traffic.
- Make sure the driver is experienced in hill driving and the vehicle is well-maintained.
By Shared Jeep
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel option to reach Darjeeling by road, a shared jeep is the best option that suits your pocket. These jeeps are commonly available at the NJP railway station, Siliguri Junction, and the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. They charge ₹400 – ₹600 per person with seating capacity of 9 passengers, it takes around 3 hours to reach Darjeeling.
Shared jeeps usually leave once all seats are filled, which makes them a convenient and frequent option throughout the day.
Why Choose a Shared Jeep?
- Perfect for solo travelers, students, or anyone on a tight budget
- Faster than buses since they make fewer stops
- Great way to meet other travellers heading to Darjeeling
Travel Tips:
- Expect less legroom and comfort compared to private taxis.
- If you have heavy luggage, buy an extra seat or choose a smaller group.
- Shared jeeps may charge a little extra during monsoon or peak seasons.
By Bus
For the most economical option, you can travel by bus from Siliguri to Darjeeling. While there isn’t a direct government bus stand at NJP itself, you need to reach Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri by local auto or taxi, which is around 8 km away.
From there, both government (NBSTC) and private buses operate regular services to Darjeeling. The cost of the ticket price is ₹100 to ₹200 per person, and it takes 3 hours to reach Darjeeling.
Why Choose a Bus?
- Cheapest mode of transport to Darjeeling
- Regular morning and afternoon departures from Siliguri
- Ideal for backpackers and low-budget travellers
Travel Tips:
- Try to board an early morning bus to enjoy clear mountain views.
- Carry some warm clothes — it gets cooler as you climb up.
- Buses can be slower due to frequent stops or narrow hill roads, so plan your timing accordingly.
Route Information & Scenic Highlights
The NJP to Darjeeling road route covers about 70 km of hilly terrain, gradually climbing from 100 meters above sea level in the plains to about 2,000 meters in the hills.
Common Route:
NJP → Siliguri → Sukna → Kurseong → Sonada → Ghum → Darjeeling
What You’ll See on the Way:
- Long stretches of tea gardens like Makaibari and Castleton
- The dense forests of Sukna and the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Small hill markets and roadside stalls selling momos, tea, and local snacks
- Breathtaking viewpoints near Kurseong and Ghum
Driving Tip:
The roads are curvy with several hairpin bends — avoid heavy meals before travel and keep motion-sickness medicine handy if needed.
Darjeeling Holiday Plans
By Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), also called the Toy Train, is one of the most beautiful and historic ways to reach Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri (NJP). This UNESCO World Heritage train offers a slow and scenic journey through the hills, giving travellers a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of tea gardens, pine forests, and small mountain villages.
The total distance is about 88 km, and the ride takes around 7 to 8 hours, making it perfect for those who want to experience the charm of old-fashioned hill travel.
Here are the route details that pass through the journey:-
1. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – Starting Point
This is the starting point of the journey where the Toy Train journey begins. NJP is one of the major railway stations in North Bengal and connects to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Once the Toy Train starts, you’ll slowly move out of the plains toward the hills.
2. Siliguri Junction
After about 8 km, the train reaches Siliguri Junction, a busy town known as the “Gateway to the Northeast.” Here, you’ll see local markets, roadside tea stalls, and small houses. The train stops briefly before heading toward the forested area of Sukna.
3. Sukna
Sukna is where the real hill journey begins! The track starts to climb sharply from here as the train enters the dense Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. You can spot monkeys and colourful birds along the way.
4. Tindharia
Next comes Tindharia, a small workshop town famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Workshop that maintains the Toy Train engines and coaches. The train makes a short stop here, and you can enjoy the fresh mountain air.
5. Kurseong
Kurseong, also known as the “Land of White Orchids,” is a beautiful hill station halfway between NJP and Darjeeling. This town is surrounded by tea gardens and is famous for its schools and churches from the British era. The train passes right through the town streets, giving a close look at local life.
6. Sonada
After Kurseong, the train climbs higher and reaches Sonada, a peaceful town surrounded by forests and tea estates. The air here is cooler, and you can see distant views of mountain ridges.
7. Ghum
Ghum is one of the most famous stops on the route and also the highest railway station in India (at 2,258 meters above sea level). Here, the train stops for a few minutes. You can visit the Ghum Monastery or enjoy views of the surrounding hills.
8. Darjeeling – Final Destination
After Ghum, the Toy Train takes a gentle downhill ride to reach Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills.” The entire journey is slow but full of beauty, charm, and nostalgia.
Additional information about Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has about 873 curves, 3 loops, and 6 zig-zags — making it one of the most unique train routes in the world! The famous Batasia Loop, near Darjeeling, is one of the best spots where the train moves in a full circle with a stunning view of the Himalayas.
Best Time to Travel from NJP to Darjeeling
| Season | Weather | Road Condition | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| March – June (Summer) | Pleasant | Clear roads | Best for sightseeing |
| July – Sept (Monsoon) | Heavy rain | Landslides possible | Avoid unless necessary |
| Oct – Dec (Winter) | Cool & clear | Good | Great for mountain views |
| Jan – Feb (Cold) | Very cold | May have fog | Carry warm clothes |
More Popular routes to Darjeeling
| Route Name | Travel Option | Time | Distance | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Darjeeling | Flight to Bagdogra / Cab | 6–8 hours | 1,500 km | Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra (2h 10m) and take a 3-hour taxi or shared cab to Darjeeling. |
| Mumbai to Darjeeling | Flight to Bagdogra + Cab | 7–9 hours | 2,100 km | Direct flight to Bagdogra (3h) followed by a scenic 3-hour hill drive to Darjeeling. |
| Kolkata to Darjeeling | Flight / Train + Cab | 10–12 hours | 620 km | Fly or take a train to NJP/Bagdogra, then hire a cab or take a shared jeep to Darjeeling. |
| Lucknow to Darjeeling | Flight / Train + Cab | 12–14 hours | 900 km | Take a flight to Bagdogra or train to NJP, then proceed by road to Darjeeling. |
| Bangalore to Darjeeling | Flight to Bagdogra + Cab | 8–10 hours | 2,300 km | Fly to Bagdogra (via Kolkata or Delhi) and take a taxi or shared jeep to Darjeeling. |
| Chennai to Darjeeling | Flight to Bagdogra + Cab | 9–11 hours | 2,250 km | Take a flight to Bagdogra and travel by road through scenic hills to Darjeeling. |
| Siliguri to Darjeeling | Cab / Shared Jeep / Toy Train | 3–4 hours | 65 km | Road trip via Hill Cart Road or scenic toy train ride through Kurseong. |
| Jamshedpur to Darjeeling | Train + Cab | 14–16 hours | 620 km | Take a train to NJP and then a cab or toy train to Darjeeling. |
| Bhopal to Darjeeling | Flight / Train + Cab | 14–16 hours | 1,400 km | Fly via Delhi/Kolkata to Bagdogra and continue by road to Darjeeling. |
| Bagdogra to Darjeeling | Cab / Shared Jeep | 3 hours via Hill Cart Road (NH110) | 68 km | The fastest and most popular route for tourists; taxis and shared jeeps available. |
Places to Visit in Darjeeling
Darjeeling Images
