Whether you are going for a family holiday, a romantic trip, or just to relax, the journey from Jamshedpur to Darjeeling gives you a mix of excitement and calm. The road slowly climbs up the hills, and with every turn, the views get more beautiful. This trip is simple, enjoyable, and perfect for anyone who wants a break from daily life. If you are looking for the best guidance to visit Darjeeling, then you can visit the Darjeeling tourism official website.
Darjeeling is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, iconic tea estates, and its old-world charm, featuring the vintage Toy Train, charming cafés, and a culture that feels both small-town and world-facing at once. It’s a destination that can feel like a dream after the bustle of Jamshedpur.
Jamshedpur to Darjeeling: Distance and Travel Time
Here are the approximate distances and travel times for different transport options:
| Travel Type | Distance | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Road (Jamshedpur → Darjeeling) | ~ 763 km | ~ 15 hours 36 minutes |
| Aerial / Straight-line Distance | ~ 514 km | — (depends on flights + road from airport) |
| To New Jalpaiguri (Rail or Road) + Then to Darjeeling | Jamshedpur → NJP: ~ 695 km by road | Depending on transport mode + onward journey |
How to Reach Darjeeling from Jamshedpur
If you want to travel from Jamshedpur to Darjeeling, you can choose different ways depending on what matters to you the most—saving time, saving money, or having a comfortable journey. Here are the main travel options to help you pick the best one.
1. Jamshedpur to Darjeeling by Flight
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Once you land at Bagdogra, Darjeeling is around 69 km away via road. The drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling takes about 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Why choose a flight?
Flying saves a lot of time. If you value comfort and want to make the most of your trip without exhausting yourself on the road, this is a great choice.
Jamshedpur → Darjeeling: Flight Routes (to Bagdogra Airport)
| Route | Typical Stops | Airlines | Approx. Total Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamshedpur → Bagdogra (via Kolkata) | JSR (Tatanagar/IXW) → Kolkata (CCU) → Bagdogra (IXB) | IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India | 4–8 hours | ₹4,500 – ₹12,000. |
| Jamshedpur → Bagdogra (via Delhi) | JSR → Delhi (DEL) → Bagdogra | Air India, IndiGo, Vistara | 5–9 hours | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000. |
| Jamshedpur → Bagdogra (via Ranchi / Kolkata as multi-stop) | JSR → Ranchi (IXR) → Kolkata (or DEL) → Bagdogra | Multiple | 6–12 hours | ₹5,500 – ₹16,000 (varies widely). |
| Jamshedpur → Bagdogra (train-to-flight combo) | Tatanagar → Kolkata / Delhi by rail, then flight → Bagdogra | Use rail + any airline from larger hub | Varies (depends on rail+flight) | Varies — often cheaper if split-ticketed. |
| No direct nonstop JSR → IXB | — | — | — | — (Direct nonstops are generally not available; most itineraries use 1+ stops). |
2. Jamshedpur to Darjeeling by Train
There is no direct train to Darjeeling because the town is in the hills. So first, you need to go from Jamshedpur (Tatanagar) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is the nearest big railway station.
Trains from Tatanagar to NJP usually take about 13–14 hours. The ticket price can be anywhere between ₹360 to ₹2,800, depending on the class you choose.
Why choose this route?
This is more economical than flying and gives you a taste of mountain rail travel. It’s ideal if you’re not in a rush and want a memorable journey.
3. Jamshedpur to Darjeeling by Road
You can also go from Jamshedpur to Darjeeling by road. Many people choose this option because it gives them more freedom to stop and enjoy the trip. You can drive your own car or book a private taxi/cab.
For a one-way trip, cab prices usually start from around ₹7,380 for a small car (hatchback).
The total distance is about 735–763 km. Different maps show slightly different numbers.
The road trip normally takes 15 to 17 hours, depending on your speed, traffic, and stops.
Why These Stops Make Your Road Trip Better
A long trip from Jamshedpur to Darjeeling can feel tiring, but taking a few short breaks makes the journey enjoyable. Here’s why these places are good to stop at:
1. Siliguri – The Main Gateway to the Hills
Siliguri is the last big city before you enter the mountains. Almost every traveler going to Darjeeling passes through here.
You can stop to:
- Rest and stretch your legs
- Eat food or refill snacks
- Use clean washrooms
- Check your car or cab before climbing the hills
Siliguri also has beautiful views of the surrounding forests, making it a relaxing break point.
2. Kurseong – Famous for Tea Gardens
After Siliguri, the road climbs into the hills, and Kurseong is the first charming hill town you pass.
It is known for:
- Wide green tea gardens
- Fresh mountain air
- Pretty viewpoints
Stopping here gives you your first taste of the hill beauty before reaching Darjeeling. The place is calm and peaceful, perfect for photos and a tea break.
3. Other Scenic Spots on the Way
As you drive higher, the road becomes more scenic. You may find:
- Small villages
- Forest areas
- Valley viewpoints
- Shops selling hot tea, momos, and snacks
You can stop anywhere safe to enjoy the amazing mountain views. These small breaks make your long journey feel like a fun adventure instead of a tiring drive.
Why drive?
A road trip gives you flexibility, freedom to stop, and a chance to soak in the changing landscapes. It’s perfect if you want an on-road adventure.
Local Transport to Darjeeling (From Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri)
Once you reach the plains (Bagdogra Airport or NJP), you still have to climb up to Darjeeling. Here are common hill transport options:
- Shared Jeep / Shared Taxi
- Very common.
- Shared seat fares from NJP or Siliguri to Darjeeling are quite reasonable.
- These can fill up, so sometimes you may have to wait a bit.
- Private Taxi / Cab
- More comfortable, especially with luggage or family.
- Favorites include small cars, sedans, and SUVs.
- You can negotiate or pre-book via a travel agent for better rates.
- Buses
- There are state-run buses (NBSTC) or private buses that go from Siliguri or NJP to Darjeeling.
- They are cheaper than taxis but slower, and road conditions may affect the journey time.
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. |
| 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
