Travel from Chennai to Darjeeling feels like moving from warm sea winds to cool mountain air. This journey is where you leave behind the busy city and head toward peaceful hills, green tea gardens, and soft clouds.
Many people from Chennai choose this trip to take a break from the heat and noise. Since Darjeeling doesn’t have its own airport, you need to first fly to Bagdogra and then continue by road.
The full journey of Darjeeling feels exciting, calm, and full of beautiful moments, perfect for anyone who wants a refreshing holiday in the mountains.
Chennai to Darjeeling: Distance & Travel Time
Here are the approximate distances and travel times for different travel options:
| Travel Type | Distance | Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial (Chennai → Bagdogra / Darjeeling) | ~1,950 km | 3 to 5 hours flight + 3-hour road trip to Darjeeling |
| By Road | ~2,300 km | 40–42 hours by road |
| Rail (Chennai → NJP) + Road to Darjeeling | ~2,150 km | 30–36 hours by train + 3 hours by road |
How to Reach Chennai to Darjeeling
How to go? How far is it? And how long does it take? These are the common queries asked by travellers who want to visit Darjeeling. And the simple answer is to reach Darjeeling from Chennai, you can travel by flight, train, or road.
Chennai to Darjeeling by Flight (Fastest Way)
Taking a flight from Chennai is the quickest way to reach Darjeeling. Since Darjeeling doesn’t have its own airport, you need to fly from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, which is Darjeeling’s nearest airport.
Most flights include a stop in Delhi, Kolkata, or Bangalore.
Chennai to Bagdogra Flight Details
Here is the table of flight details that you can choose to reach Darjeeling:-
| Airline | Route / Stops | Travel Time | Approx. Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | Chennai → Kolkata → Bagdogra | 4 to 5 hrs | ₹4,800 – ₹7,000 |
| Air India | Chennai → Delhi → Bagdogra | 5 to 6 hrs | ₹5,500 – ₹8,000 |
| Vistara | Chennai → Delhi → Bagdogra | 5 to 6 hrs | ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 |
| SpiceJet | Chennai → Kolkata → Bagdogra | 4.5 to 6 hrs | ₹5,200 – ₹7,800 |
| IndiGo (Long Layover) | Chennai → Bangalore/Hyderabad → Bagdogra | 6+ hrs | ₹4,500 – ₹6,500 (cheaper flights) |
Tip: Book early for cheaper fares.
Darjeeling Tourism Plan
Chennai to Darjeeling by Train (Budget Option)
Because there is no direct train to Darjeeling. You need to book a train for New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest major railway station. This journey takes 30–36 hours to complete the Chennai to New Jalpaiguri distance.
Popular Trains From Chennai to NJP:
Here is the table of the Chennai to NJP railway station train details:-
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Approx Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai – New Jalpaiguri Express (22611) | Chennai Central | NJP | ~36 hrs | SL: ₹750; 3A: ₹1,950; 2A: ₹2,850 |
| Guwahati Express (12507) | Chennai | NJP (via route) | ~33 hrs | SL: ₹720; 3A: ₹1,820; 2A: ₹2,750 |
After reaching NJP, there are two options to reach Darjeeling: the Toy Train and hiring a cab/shared jeep that estimated fare mentioned below.
Darjeeling Tourism Package
Chennai to Darjeeling by Road (Very Long Journey)
Road travel from Chennai to Darjeeling distance is almost 2,300 km, which takes 40+ hours. This route crosses several states, so if you love long drives, this is the best option for you to reach Darjeeling.
Below we mention the travel option by road to reach Darjeeling with the fare. You can also book a cab at a cheap price through Kingsland Holiday.
Travel Options from Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra to Darjeeling
Shared Jeep
- Very common among locals
- Fare: ₹275–₹300 per person
- Runs from 7 AM to 3 PM
- Drops at Chowk Bazaar, Darjeeling
Private Taxi
- Hatchback: ₹2,000–₹2,500
- Sedan: ₹2,500–₹3,500
- SUV: ₹3,500–₹4,500
(For the best rates, you can contact Kingsland Holiday)
Buses
- NBSTC buses
- Fare: ₹100–₹200 per person
- Travel Time: 3–4 hours
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. |
| 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. |
| 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
