How to Reach Darjeeling By Flight, Train And Bus

Darjeeling, located in the extreme north of West Bengal, is a tranquil and peaceful town with beautiful views of the Himalayas. Tea cultivation is one of the most prominent professions in this hill region, and Darjeeling tea is well-known worldwide. So, when in Darjeeling with the Darjeeling tour packages, don't forget to enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the misty morning scenery of the mountains.

The most convenient way to travel to Darjeeling is to fly into Bagdogra Airport. Darjeeling International Airport is around 70 km distant. A rail journey or a car trip from Kolkata are also possible options. Discover the most cost-effective, time-efficient, and convenient methods to get to Darjeeling Post.

Darjeeling, one of the popular historical places in India, is the place to come for nature enthusiasts, and if all you want to do on your trip is experience nature's splendour, Darjeeling is the place to go. Tea plantations are well-known in this picturesque hill station. It is often referred to as the "Queen of the Hills" because it is a gem of West Bengal. Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest mountain, can be seen from here.

Visitors visiting Darjeeling, one of the best honeymoon places in India on a low budget, can enjoy breathtaking views of the peak while also taking part in a tea sampling tour. Aside from that, let's look at how to go to Darjeeling using several modes of transportation.

How to Reach Darjeeling by Different Transports

Darjeeling is a well-known hill station in West Bengal, India, located in the lower Himalayas. It is known for its gorgeous location, tea gardens, and vibrant culture.

To get to Darjeeling, you must travel by flight, train, or road, whether from within India or from outside the country. 

This Darjeeling Travel Guide will provide you with the necessary information on how to reach Darjeeling as you plan your vacation at this magnificent tourist destination from various places in India and abroad.

How to Reach Darjeeling by flight

The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, which is roughly 94 kilometres away. Every day, flights from all major cities link to Bagdogra. You will need to rent a private cab once you arrive at the airport because shared taxis and buses are not available. Darjeeling is around three hours away from Bagdogra airport. 

You can alternatively take a taxi to Siliguri, which is only 12 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport, and then catch a bus or shared jeep to Darjeeling. However, the trip would be significantly longer. At least 3.5 hours on the bus alone.

How to Reach Darjeeling by train

There are two train stations near Darjeeling, one of the top historical places in India. Both of these stations offer wide-gauge connectivity to various cities across India. NJP, or New Jalpaiguri, is the principal railway station located 88 kilometres from Darjeeling. Several long-distance trains make stops at NJP. 

Siliguri Junction, the other station, is 80 kilometres from Darjeeling but receives fewer trains. NJP and Siliguri are twin urban cities, 8 kilometres apart. To get to your destination from these two locations, take a taxi or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways' narrow gauge toy train.

How to Reach Darjeeling by Road

If you enjoy winding roads, rich landscapes, and the freedom of a road journey, Darjeeling is the adventure for you, the best place for family vacation in India. Whether you're riding through lovely tea gardens or rolling up your windows to enjoy the fresh mountain breeze, the journey is as enjoyable as the goal.

Almost all significant cities have interstate bus routes that link with Siliguri. Aside from state-run services, many private transportation companies offer fairly comfortable rides. 

From Siliguri, you can take another bus up 70 kilometres to Darjeeling, or better yet, hop in a shared jeep. Numerous private cabs travel between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Along the trip, travellers are likely to come across a variety of local restaurants providing great home cooking.

How to Reach Darjeeling by Popular Cities

From Kolkata, take a direct flight or train to Bagdogra/Siliguri, followed by a 3-hour scenic drive to Darjeeling. From Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, flights to Bagdogra are available. Alternatively, travelers can take trains to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest railhead, and complete the journey by car or the famous Darjeeling Toy Train.

How to visit Darjeeling from Delhi

• By flight: The fastest method to go to Darjeeling is to fly to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and then drive there. The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 65 kilometres away. Airlines such as Air India, Vistara, Indigo, Air Asia, Spice Jet, and Go Air offer daily flights from New Delhi to Bagdogra International Airport. 
• By rail: Several trains run daily from Delhi to Darjeeling, including the DBRT Rajdhani, Mahananda Express, Brahmaputra Mail, Avadh Assam Express, and North Eastern Express. The cheapest way to get to Darjeeling is via train, which takes approximately 29 hours.
• By road: You can also take a cab from Siliguri to Darjeeling.

How to reach Darjeeling from Hyderabad

• By flight: There are no direct flights from Hyderabad to Darjeeling. You can fly from Hyderabad to Bagdogra Airport, the closest airport to Darjeeling. The biggest airlines that fly between these two cities are IndiGo, AirAsia, and SpiceJet.
• By rail: Take a train from Hyderabad to New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling's nearest railway station. From there, take a taxi or a shared cab to Darjeeling. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
• By road: From Bagdogra Airport, take a taxi or a shared cab to Darjeeling, which is around 70 kilometres distant. The ride takes approximately three hours and travels through Darjeeling's gorgeous tea estates.

How to reach Darjeeling from Mumbai

• By flight: How to go to Darjeeling from Mumbai? Well, the shortest way to get to Darjeeling from Mumbai is to fly to Bagdogra Airport, which is the closest airport to Darjeeling. From there, take a taxi or a shared jeep to Darjeeling, which is around 70 kilometres (43 miles) away.
• By rail: Take a train from Mumbai to New Jalpaiguri, the nearest major railway station to Darjeeling. From there, take a taxi or a shared jeep to Darjeeling, which is around 80 kilometres (50 miles) away.
• By road: You can drive from Mumbai to Darjeeling, but it is a long and tiring journey of approximately 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) that takes 2-3 days.

How to reach Darjeeling from Pune

• By flight: The most convenient way to get to your location is to fly from Pune to Bagdogra Airport, which is 96 kilometres from Darjeeling. You can take a cab from the airport to Darjeeling, which takes around 3 hours.
• By rail: You can take a train from Pune to New Jalpaiguri Station, which is located 62 kilometres from the city centre. 
• By road: The journey from Pune to Darjeeling is suitable for a road trip, which is best done in a chauffeur-driven cab. With user-friendly websites, you can book a cab online in a few easy steps and enjoy a hassle-free car rental experience. 

How to reach Darjeeling from Kolkata

• By flight: The quickest method to get to Darjeeling from Kolkata is to fly to Bagdogra Airport, which is the closest airport to Darjeeling. From there, take a taxi or a shared jeep to Darjeeling, which is around 70 kilometres (43 miles) away.
• By rail: Take a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri, the nearest major railway station to Darjeeling. From there, take a taxi or a shared jeep to Darjeeling, which is around 80 kilometres (50 miles) away.
• By road: You can drive from Kolkata to Darjeeling, but it is a long journey of approximately 600 kilometres (375 miles) that takes 12-14 hours.

How to reach Darjeeling from Bangalore

• By flight: The quickest route is to fly from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). This route is served by several airlines, and the flight lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on average.
• By rail: You can take a train from Bangalore to New Jalpaiguri, the closest major railway station to Darjeeling. The trip can take anywhere between 30 and 40 hours, depending on the rail service.
• By road: If you want to go by road, you can drive or take a long-distance bus from Bangalore to Darjeeling. The journey is around 1,800 kilometres and can take between 30 and 35 hours.

How to reach Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri

• By flight: Are you wondering how to reach Darjeeling from NJP? Fly to Bagdogra Airport, which is accessible via Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From there, you can rent a taxi or take a pre-paid taxi to Darjeeling. The trip from Bagdogra to Darjeeling takes approximately 2-3 hours.
• By rail: Take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often known as the "Toy Train," from NJP to Darjeeling. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a famous tourist destination offering a picturesque ride over the highlands.
• By road: Take a bus or shared taxi from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri, which is connected to Darjeeling via National Highway 110. You can also rent a private taxi for a more tailored experience.

How To Reach Darjeeling From Gangtok

• By rail: Take a train from NJP or Siliguri to Darjeeling. Some popular trains are the NJP DJ AC PASS, NJP DJ PASSENGER, and SGUJ APDJ SPL.
• By road: The journey from Gangtok to NJP or Siliguri by road takes approximately 4-5 hours. The most popular route is National Highway 10, which provides views of the Himalayas.
• By toy train: Take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often known as the "Toy Train," for a picturesque ride across the hills and valleys of the Eastern Himalayas.

Best Places to Visit In Darjeeling 

Darjeeling is one of India's most popular hill stations. Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is a stunning combination of snowy and powerful Himalayan hills, meandering trekking trails, valleys, monasteries, momo, tea plantations, and toy trains. Amidst the green-grey hills, the tranquil nature and breathtaking landscapes ensure an unforgettable trip. 

Let's dive into this list of the finest tourist attractions in Darjeeling, one of the best places to visit in November in India, that you won't want to miss on your trip.

• Tiger Hill
• Batasia Loop
• Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
• Peace Pagoda 
• Ghoom Monastery 
• Rock Garden
• Himalayan Railway Station 
• Nightingale Park
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute 
• Singalila National Park
• St. Andrew's Church
• Happy Valley Tea Estate

How to Commute Within Darjeeling 

Many people dream of visiting Darjeeling, a lovely hill station tucked in the Himalayan foothills. Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes, tea gardens, and lovely colonial architecture. If you want to visit this lovely place, you must first learn how to traverse Darjeeling, which is among the best honeymoon places in India in December. In this complete guide, we will look at the numerous transportation alternatives accessible in Darjeeling.

1. By buses: Local buses are a common mode of transportation for budget-conscious vacationers in Darjeeling. The town has an extensive transportation network that connects most of the major attractions and surrounding towns. The buses are generally busy, especially during peak tourist season, but they provide a unique opportunity to engage with residents and learn about daily life in Darjeeling. Prepare for bumpy trips and limited legroom, but don't worry; the breathtaking sights outside the bus window will more than compensate.
2. By car: Car services include shared and private taxis. Shared taxis are a convenient and cost-effective means of transportation in Darjeeling. These small cars, often known as "sumos," can carry 8-10 persons at once. On the other hand, if you prefer greater luxury and freedom, hiring a private cab is an excellent choice. You can easily rent a cab for a few hours or the entire length of your stay in Darjeeling. Private taxis provide a more personalised experience, allowing you to tour the area at your speed.
3. By motorcycles: If you have a valid driver's licence and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a motorcycle, you can rent one in Darjeeling. Riding a motorcycle allows you to explore the town and its surroundings at your leisure without being constrained by predetermined schedules or routes. However, keep in mind that the mountainous terrain might be difficult, so be an experienced rider and take all necessary measures.
4. By auto rickshaws: Choose rickshaws, a quaint and affordable means of transportation. Engage with rickshaw drivers, who might offer insights into local life. Although the distance covered is short, you will thoroughly enjoy the ride as you can see the picturesque surroundings and take pictures along the way. 

Most frequently searched routes to Darjeeling