If you are planning to visit Darjeeling, one of the most important things to know is how to reach Darjeeling and the simple answer is Siliguri. Siliguri is a very well-connected city with all major three travel ways, whether you choose road, flight, or train. From Siliguri, you can easily hire a taxi or take public transport to Darjeeling. Each of the travel ways gives you a unique and memorable experience with nature’s beautiful scenic view.
Most searched routes for 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. |
| New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling | Toy Train / Cab | 7–8 hours | 70 km | The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) offers a UNESCO heritage journey through the hills. |
| 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. |
Note:- In the above table, the provided time of travel are estimated and may be affected because it depends on which route of flight or train you book.
How to reach Darjeeling by Road
If you love road trips, the ride up to Darjeeling is something special. It’s only about 65 kilometres from Siliguri, but the climb takes three to four hours — and every minute feels worth it. The road winds through green slopes and tea gardens so fresh they almost sparkle after rain.
You can start from Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP — all pretty close. Most people grab a shared jeep or taxi, though I’d recommend a private cab if you want to stop for photos or a quick tea on the way. Kurseong, Sonada, and Ghum are lovely stopovers; each has its own little charm.
By the time you reach Darjeeling, the air feels cooler, the crowd a bit friendlier, and you realize the journey itself was half the fun.
1. Hire a Cab/ Taxi
The easiest way to get to Darjeeling by road is simply to grab a taxi or hire a cab — it saves you from juggling buses and luggage.
- Outside Bagdogra Airport or NJP station, drivers are always waiting, and you’ll be on the road within minutes.
- The ride usually takes around three hours, depending on the mood of the hills and the traffic.
If you like planning ahead, you can book through a travel agency or one of the local taxi unions. Expect to pay somewhere between ₹2,500 and ₹3,500 for a one-way trip in a private cab.
It’s worth starting early — the stretch through Kurseong and Ghum looks magical in the morning light, when the mist still hangs over the tea gardens.
2. Use public transportation
If you’re on a tighter budget, hopping into a shared jeep or bus is the best way to reach Darjeeling without spending much. From Siliguri or NJP, shared jeeps leave pretty much all day — they’re what most locals take, and you’ll often end up chatting with fellow travellers on the way. Fares usually hover around ₹400 to ₹600 per person.
- You’ll also find NBSTC buses (the state-run ones) running regularly from Siliguri. They take a little longer — about three and a half to four hours — but the ride is calm and easy if you don’t mind the slower pace.
- Personally, jeeps get you there faster and give you a slice of local life, while the buses suit anyone who just wants to sit back and enjoy the hills rolling by.
How to reach Darjeeling by flight
There are no airports in Darjeeling, so Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport that you can choose to fly, which a roughly distance is 68 kilometres away. It’s well-connected major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Guwahati, this is a busy and small airport.
Once you arrive at Bagdogra, the real charm begins. You’ll find plenty of taxis, private cabs, and shared jeeps waiting outside the terminal. The drive to Darjeeling takes around three hours, but it never feels too long. The road winds through endless tea gardens, sharp hill bends, and misty valleys — a picture-perfect introduction to the mountains.
Airlines Operating to Bagdogra:
Here are the some of the airlines that operating flights in Bagdogra airport- IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air operate regular flights connecting Bagdogra with other major Indian cities.
Travel Tip:
- Book window seats for the better view of the snow-capped Himalayas during descent is breathtaking.
- After reaching Bagdogra, hire a cab to make a smoother journey to Darjeeling.
- If you’re planning a long vacation, add the nearest location, like Gangtok or Kalimpong, to your Darjeeling itinerary.
How to reach Darjeeling by train
To reach Darjeeling by train is a lovely experience especially if you enjoy the scenery of mountain journeys. New Jalpaiguri, or NJP, is one of the nearest major railway stations, located about 70 km from Darjeeling. NJP is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Bangalore.
From NJP, the two important options to travel to Darjeeling are by road or by the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train.
By Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that also known as the Toy Train is one of the best ways to reach Darjeeling. The Toy Train run between the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling that covering a distance of about 88 km.
Journey Details:
- Duration: Around 7 – 8 hours
- Route: New Jalpaiguri → Siliguri → Sukna → Kurseong → Tung → Sonada → Ghum → Darjeeling
- Operating Time: Usually one or two trains daily, depending on weather and season.
The Toy Train run slow through tea gardens, mountain tunnels, and picturesque villages, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It’s not just transportation — it’s a heritage experience loved by travelers of all ages.
Ticket Booking: You can book Toy Train tickets online via the IRCTC website or directly at NJP station. Try to reserve your seat in advance, especially during tourist season (March–June and October–December).
Travel Tip:
- Choose First Class or Vista Dome coaches for better comfort and panoramic views.
- If you’re short on time, you can also take the shorter Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghum (round trip) — a 2-hour journey that covers the most scenic stretch.
- Always check the train schedule, as operations can be affected by weather or maintenance work.
Darjeeling Tourism Package
Places to Visit in Darjeeling
Darjeeling Images
