Darjeeling to Kalimpong

Route: via NH10 and Rishi Road.
There are two main routes to Kalimpong from Darjeeling: one via Rishi Road, covering a distance of around 51 km, which can be completed within 2 hours, and the other via Melli-Nayabazaar Road, which is approximately 69 km and may take slightly longer. Both routes offer scenic views of the Eastern Himalayas and are popular among travelers for their natural beauty and convenience.

Road Conditions
The roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding, typical of hilly terrain. During the monsoon season (June to September), heavy rainfall can lead to slippery conditions and occasional landslides. It's advisable to check the weather forecast and road conditions before starting your journey.
The route offers a smooth drive with occasional sharp bends, so experienced drivers are preferred.

Taxis from Darjeeling to Kalimpong
A taxi ride from Darjeeling to Kalimpong typically costs between Rs. 2,860 to Rs. 5000 for a single trip. The distance is approximately 49 kilometers, and the journey usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Please note that the mentioned price is subject to change, and it's advisable to confirm the fare beforehand.

Shared Taxis: Shared jeeps from Chow Bazaar of Darjeeling can cost anywhere around INR 300 per person with maximum seating of 10 people. They are available from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. 

Taxi stands in Darjeeling:
Upper Club-Side stand: below Planter's Club on Gandhi Road, offers private taxis at reasonable rates.
Lower Club-Side stand: on Laden-La road near Gandhi Road traffic police point, provides private reserved taxis.
Motor Stand at lower town on Lebong Cart Road near Chowk Bazaar: offers both private and shared taxis, including those heading to Gangtok.
Jeeps operate from early morning to afternoon, accommodating about 10 passengers.

Buses from Darjeeling to Kalimpong
There are no direct buses from Darjeeling to Kalimpong. Buses ply through Siliguri and Kalimpong, but they're not as frequent. It is advisable to take shared or private taxis due to irregular bus schedules.
Bus stand in Siliguri: Tenzing Norway Bus stand.
Bus Fare: Average bus fare for this route is 200 INR.

Currently, there isn't a direct train route from Darjeeling to Kalimpong. Travelers typically opt for road transportation via private or shared jeeps, as mentioned earlier. If you're looking for a rail journey, you may need to consider alternative routes, such as traveling from Darjeeling by toy train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is located at a distance of approx 70 km from Kalimpong followed by a road journey to reach Kalimpong.

There aren't any direct flights between Darjeeling and Kalimpong as both are hilly regions without airports. The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Siliguri, while Kalimpong doesn't have its own airport either. Travelers typically reach Bagdogra Airport and then continue their journey to Kalimpong by road, which takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. Private taxis, shared taxis, or rental cars are commonly used for this leg of the journey.