Discover the Best Route from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, to Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a scenic hill station in the Himalayan foothills known for its beautiful views, tea gardens, and colonial history. Called the “Queen of the Hills” this place attracts travelers from around the world who want to escape city life. If you’re visiting from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, you’ll need to know how to get here. This detailed guide will explain how you can get to Darjeeling from these major hubs.
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1.Reaching Darjeeling from Delhi
By Air
The easiest way to reach Darjeeling from Delhi is by plane. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which sits about 95 kilometers away. You can catch a direct flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Bagdogra Airport. The flight takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Once you land at Bagdogra, hire a taxi or pre-book a cab to take you to Darjeeling. Depending on road conditions and traffic, it should take between 3 and 4 hours.
By Train
Although there are no trains that will take you straight into Darjeeling, you can still enjoy a scenic train ride followed by a road trip. To do this, head over to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is about 70 kilometers away from your destination. There are many trains that run between New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station every day of the week. The journey time depends on which train you choose and what route it takes; some rides last up to 32 hours while others last as little as 24 hours. After arriving at NJP, hail down a taxi or hop into a shared jeep to bring you the rest of the way.
By Road
Driving from Delhi to Darjeeling will let you see a lot more of India’s landscapes. You’ll travel roughly 1,450 to 1,550 kilometers by road depending on the route you pick. If you want to drive through Lucknow and Siliguri, take National Highway 27 (NH27). Those who’d prefer to go through Varanasi and Siliguri should ride on National Highway 19 (NH19). Either way, it will take around 30 to 35 hours unless there’s heavy traffic or poor road conditions. There are private taxis, self-driven cars, and interstate buses available for this trek too.
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2.Reaching Darjeeling from Mumbai
By Air
Like with Delhi, your best bet is flying if you’re coming from Mumbai. Just book a direct flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Darjeeling. The plane will be in the air for about 2.5 to 3 hours before landing.
By Train
The second option for people traveling here from Mumbai is taking a train. Plenty of trains run between Mumbai and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), so just find one that works for your schedule. Some examples include the Mumbai CSMT-Guwahati Express and the Mumbai CSMT-Kamakhya AC Express. Both these stop at NJP before continuing their journey eastward. They’ll get you here in about 30-36 hours total.
By Road
Starting a road trip from Mumbai to Darjeeling can be very adventurous and exhilarating. The distance between the two cities is about 2,000 to 2,200 kilometers, depending on which route you take. People usually prefer National Highway 27 (NH27) via Nagpur and Kolkata or National Highway 19 (NH19) via Raipur and Kolkata. Both options are great for sightseeing along the way. You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of various landscapes like mountains, forests, waterfalls, and cultural villages.
If you’re driving nonstop with no sleep breaks, expect to reach your destination in about 35 to 40 hours. Although it might seem impossible not to stop for a night’s rest, it doesn’t have to be that way! You can always pause at towns along the way if you’d like. Private taxis or self-driven cars are the most comfortable options for transportation but buses work well too.
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3.Reaching Darjeeling from Kolkata
By Air
If you’re coming from Kolkata then air travel is going to be your best bet. From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata there are direct flights that can take you straight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). On average the flight lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes but it could go up to 2 hours if there happens to be delays or diversions. When you land at Bagdogra Airport all that’ll be left for you is a few hours drive by taxi or pre-booked cab.
By Train
With rail services such as Howrah-Yesvantpur Duronto Express and Shalimar-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express running through Kolkata New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) has become very accessible for tourists traveling from there. There’s no need for an extra mode of transport either since those trains make a stop at NJP. The ride is a bit longer than the flight though, taking about 10 hours to 14 hours depending on which train you catch. You’ll then have to take a taxi or cab from NJP to Darjeeling, which should take approximately 3 to 4 hours.
