How to Reach Darjeeling: A Complete Travel Guide

By Air: The Fastest Route

The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located about 70 km away.

• Flights Available: Bagdogra Airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati.

• From the Airport to Darjeeling: After landing at Bagdogra, you can hire a private taxi, take a shared cab, or use a prepaid service to reach Darjeeling. The journey takes around 3 hours through picturesque mountain roads.

By Train: A Scenic Ride

The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 75 km away.

• Train Connectivity: NJP is well-connected to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati with multiple express trains.

• Toy Train Experience: For a nostalgic and scenic experience, take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) from NJP or Siliguri to Darjeeling. This UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge train ride takes around 7 hours, offering mesmerizing views of the hills.

By Road: A Journey Through the Hills

Darjeeling is well connected by road with Siliguri, Gangtok, and Kalimpong.

• From Siliguri/NJP/Bagdogra:

  • Private Cabs: Available from NJP, Siliguri, and Bagdogra.

  • Shared Taxis: A budget-friendly option for solo travelers.

  • Buses: Operated by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), though less frequent.

• Best Route: The most popular and scenic route is via NH110, passing through Kurseong and Ghoom.

• Alternative Routes:

  • From Kolkata: A road trip via NH12 takes around 12-14 hours.

  • From Gangtok: A scenic 4-hour drive via NH10.

Best Time to Travel

• Summer (March-June): Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing.

• Monsoon (July-September): Risk of landslides, but lush greenery.

• Winter (October-February): Cold and crisp, ideal for clear mountain views.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Darjeeling is an adventure in itself, with every route offering its charm. Whether you prefer a quick flight, a scenic train ride, or a thrilling road trip, the journey to this hill station is bound to be as memorable as the destination itself.

Plan your trip and get ready to experience the magic of Darjeeling!