- Where
- Darjeeling station, Hill Cart Road, Darjeeling
- Altitude
- About 2,050 m at Darjeeling; about 2,260 m at Ghum, the line's highest station
- Distance
- Joy ride: Darjeeling to Ghum and back, about 14 km round trip
- Timings
- Several joy rides a day, roughly 8 am to 4 pm; schedules change by season
- Entry fee
- Joy ride roughly ₹1,000 (diesel) to ₹1,500 (steam) per person; check IRCTC for current fares
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–December and March–May for clear mountain views
- Time needed
- About 2 hours for the joy ride
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway opened in 1881 and still climbs from the plains at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling on a 2-foot gauge track, using loops and zig-zags to gain more than 2,000 m. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, now part of the Mountain Railways of India.
The joy ride: Darjeeling to Ghum and back
Most visitors don't ride the full line, which takes most of a day. Instead they take the joy ride from Darjeeling up to Ghum, the highest station on the line, with a stop at Batasia Loop for the view of Kanchenjunga and a short halt at Ghum, where there is a small railway museum. The round trip takes about two hours. Steam-hauled rides cost more than diesel ones and sell out first in season.
Booking and tips
Book on the IRCTC website or at the Darjeeling station counter, ideally a few days ahead from April to June and October to December. Morning departures have the best chance of clear views. Fares and the number of daily rides change from year to year, so check before you travel.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): questions travellers ask
How much does the Darjeeling toy train joy ride cost?
Roughly ₹1,000 per person for a diesel ride and ₹1,500 for steam, round trip from Darjeeling to Ghum. Fares change, so check IRCTC.
How long is the toy train joy ride?
About two hours, including stops at Batasia Loop and Ghum.
Is the Darjeeling toy train a UNESCO site?
Yes. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was listed in 1999 and is now part of the Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site.
Should I choose steam or diesel?
Steam is the classic experience and costs more; diesel is cheaper and runs more often. Both follow the same route.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
