Hey travel dreamers! 🌍💫 If you’ve been craving to escape the busy life of Delhi and breathe in the misty mountain air of Darjeeling 🌿☕ — this guide is all you need! I’ll take you step by step through how to go Darjeeling from Delhi, including all routes, modes of transport, travel tips, best time to visit, and total budget so you can plan your journey perfectly for 2026.
So grab your cup of tea (Darjeeling tea, of course 😉), and let’s start our virtual trip to the Queen of Hills! 🏞️
🗺️ A Quick Overview
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal, famous for its tea gardens 🍃, the Toy Train 🚂, and the majestic view of Kanchenjunga Peak 🏔️ — the third highest mountain in the world!
- Distance from Delhi to Darjeeling: Approximately 1,500 km
- Average travel time: 20–28 hours (depending on the route and mode)
You can reach Darjeeling by:
- ✈️ Flight + Taxi/Train combination
- 🚆 Train from Delhi to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) + Toy Train/Car
- 🚗 Road trip (Delhi → Lucknow → Siliguri → Darjeeling)
✈️ Option 1: Delhi to Darjeeling by Flight (Fastest Way)
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Darjeeling from Delhi is by flight. However, note that Darjeeling doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), around 70 km away from Darjeeling.
🛫 Step-by-Step Route
- Book a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Bagdogra (IXB).
- Flight Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Major Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara
- Ticket Price (One-way): ₹4,000–₹7,500
- After landing at Bagdogra Airport, take a shared taxi, private cab, or bus to reach Darjeeling.
🚖 Bagdogra to Darjeeling by Road
- Distance: 70 km
- Time: Around 3 hours
- Taxi Fare: Shared Jeep ₹400–₹600 / Private Cab ₹2,000–₹2,500
🌄 The road journey from Bagdogra to Darjeeling is breathtaking — passing through lush green tea gardens 🍃 and winding mountain roads.
💰 Total Cost Estimate (One-way)
| Expense | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Flight (Delhi → Bagdogra) | ₹4,500–₹7,000 |
| Taxi (Bagdogra → Darjeeling) | ₹400–₹2,500 |
| Total | ₹5,000–₹9,500 |
✅ Best for: Comfort lovers, short vacations, or family trips
⏰ Total Time: Around 5–6 hours (door-to-door)
🚆 Option 2: Delhi to Darjeeling by Train (Budget-Friendly Way)
If you love train journeys 🚉 and want to save money, this is your best option! Darjeeling has no direct train from Delhi, so travel in two parts:
- Delhi → New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- NJP → Darjeeling
🏙️ Step 1: Delhi to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- Distance: ~1,460 km
- Travel Time: 25–30 hours
- Popular Trains: Rajdhani Express, Mahananda Express, North East Express, Avadh Assam Express
- Ticket Cost: Sleeper ₹700–₹1,000, 3AC ₹1,500–₹2,000, 2AC ₹2,500–₹3,000
🚂 Step 2: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling
- Toy Train (Heritage Ride) – 88 km, 6–7 hours, ₹1,200–₹1,500
- Shared/Private Taxi – 3 hours, ₹400–₹2,000
💰 Total Cost Estimate (One-way)
| Expense | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Delhi → NJP (Train) | ₹700–₹3,000 |
| NJP → Darjeeling (Toy Train/Taxi) | ₹400–₹1,500 |
| Total | ₹1,000–₹4,500 |
✅ Best for: Budget travelers, students, or adventure lovers
⏰ Total Time: 28–35 hours
🚗 Option 3: Delhi to Darjeeling by Road (For Road Trip Lovers)
For those who enjoy long drives 🚗🎶 — a road trip from Delhi to Darjeeling is thrilling!
🛣️ Route Map
Delhi → Lucknow → Gorakhpur → Siliguri → Darjeeling
- Total Distance: ~1,500 km
- Travel Time: 28–32 hours (non-stop)
- Recommended Stops: Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Siliguri
🧾 Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (Petrol/Diesel) | ₹8,000–₹10,000 |
| Toll Charges | ₹1,000–₹1,500 |
| Food & Lodging | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Total (One-way) | ₹11,000–₹15,000 |
✅ Best for: Road trip enthusiasts, bikers, group travelers
🚙 Tip: Carry vehicle documents, keep fuel topped up, avoid night driving in hills.
🏨 Where to Stay in Darjeeling
🏡 Budget Options (₹800–₹1,500)
- Hotel Alice Villa
- Broadway Annexe
- Magnolia Residency
🏨 Mid-Range (₹2,000–₹4,000)
- Summit Grace Hotel & Spa
- Mayfair Darjeeling
- Central Heritage Resort
💎 Luxury Stay (₹5,000+)
- Elgin Darjeeling
- Windamere Hotel
- Sterling Darjeeling
☕ Top Attractions in Darjeeling
- Tiger Hill – Sunrise over Kanchenjunga 🌅
- Batasia Loop – Panoramic view with Toy Train track 🚂
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum
- Peace Pagoda 🕊️
- Tea Gardens 🍃☕
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Mall Road – Shopping and local food 🍜
- Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park
🕒 Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | March – May | Clear skies, sightseeing |
| 🌧️ Monsoon | June – September | Lush greenery, rains |
| 🍁 Autumn | October – November | Crisp air, festive |
| ❄️ Winter | December – February | Snowy vibes, cozy |
🍛 What to Eat in Darjeeling
- Momos 🥟
- Thukpa 🍜
- Darjeeling Tea ☕
- Aloo Dum with Churpi
- Sael Roti
🛍️ Shopping in Darjeeling
- Darjeeling Tea Packets 🍃
- Hand-knitted woollens 🧣
- Tibetan handicrafts and prayer flags 🕉️
- Silver jewellery and local art pieces
Shopping spots: Chowrasta, Nehru Road Market, Bhutia Market
💡 Travel Tips
- Carry warm clothes ❄️
- Book Toy Train tickets in advance 🚂
- Avoid plastic, support eco-tourism 🌿
- Keep cash handy 💳
- Stay 3 nights / 4 days minimum 🌄
💰 Total Budget Estimate (Round Trip – 5 Days)
| Type | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | ₹2,500 | ₹7,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Stay (4 Nights) | ₹3,000 | ₹8,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Food | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Sightseeing | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Total | ₹8,500 | ₹21,000 | ₹47,000 |
🧭 Summary: Best Way to Go Darjeeling from Delhi
| Mode | Time | Cost | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight + Taxi | 5–6 hrs | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | Comfort seekers |
| 🚆 Train + Taxi | 28–35 hrs | ₹1,000–₹4,500 | Budget travelers |
| 🚗 Road Trip | 30 hrs | ₹11,000–₹15,000 | Adventure lovers |
🌄 Final Words
Darjeeling is not just a destination — it’s a feeling 💖. Breathe in the cool mountain air, sip Darjeeling tea, and enjoy the breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga. 🌤️ Whether by flight, train, or road, pack your bags and warm jacket 🧥🎒 — Darjeeling awaits you in 2026!
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