Delhi to Darjeeling

Delhi to Bagdogra: The most convenient way to reach Darjeeling from Delhi is by flying to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, which is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Several airlines operate daily flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Bagdogra Airport.

Bagdogra to Darjeeling: Upon arriving at Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Darjeeling. The distance between Bagdogra Airport and Darjeeling is approximately 65 kilometers, and the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Traveling from Delhi to Darjeeling involves a combination of train and road transportation, as Darjeeling does not have a railway station. Here's how you can reach Darjeeling from Delhi by train:

Delhi to New Jalpaiguri (NJP):

Board a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or any other railway station in Delhi to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri, West Bengal. Several trains connect Delhi with NJP, including the Rajdhani Express and the Darjeeling Mail.
The journey from Delhi to NJP takes approximately 24 to 30 hours, depending on the train and route chosen.

New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling:

Upon reaching NJP, travelers have two options for reaching Darjeeling: by road or by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train."

By Road: Travelers can take a taxi or shared jeep from NJP to Darjeeling. The road journey covers a distance of around 70 kilometers and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Toy Train: Alternatively, travelers can experience the scenic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train journey from NJP to Darjeeling. The narrow-gauge railway offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape and takes around 7 to 9 hours to cover the approximately 88-kilometer route.

Train Details 
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) - Darjeeling (DJ) Passenger (52541)
Duration: 7h 30m [Operates from Sunday to Saturday]
Timings; 10:00 - 17:30

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) - Darjeeling (DJ) AC Passenger (52539)
Duration: 8h 30m [Operates on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday]
Timings: 10:00- 18:30

Traveling from Delhi to Darjeeling by bus is a long journey that involves multiple stages. Here's a general overview of how to reach Darjeeling from Delhi by bus:

Delhi to Siliguri: The first leg of the journey is from Delhi to Siliguri, which is the nearest major city to Darjeeling with good bus connectivity. Several private and government-operated bus services ply between Delhi and Siliguri, covering a distance of approximately 1,400 to 1,500 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 24 to 30 hours, depending on the route, road conditions, and stops along the way.

Siliguri to Darjeeling: Once you reach Siliguri, you'll need to take another bus or shared taxi to Darjeeling. The distance between Siliguri and Darjeeling is around 70 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. Buses and shared taxis are available from Siliguri Bus Stand or taxi stands for the onward journey to Darjeeling.

Traveling from Delhi to Darjeeling by road offers a scenic journey through diverse landscapes. Here's how you can reach Darjeeling from Delhi by road:

Route Options

• There are multiple routes to reach Darjeeling from Delhi by road, each offering its own set of attractions and challenges. The most common route is via NH27 and NH19, passing through states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• Another route option is via NH27 and NH12, passing through Bihar and Jharkhand before reaching West Bengal. Both routes converge near Siliguri, the gateway to Darjeeling.

Distance and Time

• The total distance between Delhi and Darjeeling by road is approximately 1,450 to 1,500 kilometers, depending on the route taken.
• The road journey typically takes around 30 to 36 hours, depending on factors such as traffic, road conditions, and rest stops along the way.

Road Conditions

• The roads from Delhi to Darjeeling are generally well-maintained, especially the national highways. However, some sections may have rough patches, especially in hilly areas.
• It's advisable to check the weather and road conditions before embarking on the journey, particularly during the monsoon season when landslides and roadblocks may occur.

Scenic Stops

• The road journey from Delhi to Darjeeling offers opportunities to explore scenic attractions along the way, such as hill stations, national parks, and cultural landmarks.
• Consider making stops at places like Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary to break the journey and explore the surroundings.