Kolkata to Darjeeling: Distance, Trains, Flights, Bus and Road
Every way from Kolkata to Darjeeling: the 600 km distance, the best overnight and Vande Bharat trains to NJP, flights to Bagdogra, Volvo buses, driving, and the last 3 hours up the hill.
Darjeeling is about 600 km north of Kolkata. There is no direct train or flight to the hill town itself: you travel to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station or Bagdogra airport, both on the edge of Siliguri, and then drive about 3 hours up the hill. Door to door, plan on 5–6 hours by air or 10–14 hours by train or bus.
The short answer
| Option | Kolkata to NJP / Bagdogra | Typical cost (one way) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight to Bagdogra | About 1 hour in the air | ₹3,000–8,000 | Saving time |
| Vande Bharat to NJP | About 7.5–8 hours, daytime | Roughly ₹1,500–3,000 | Fast, comfortable day travel |
| Overnight train to NJP | About 9–12 hours | Roughly ₹500 (sleeper) to ₹2,500 (2AC) | Saving a hotel night |
| Volvo bus to Siliguri | About 12 hours, overnight | Roughly ₹1,000–2,000 | When trains are full |
| Driving | About 600 km, 12–14 hours | Fuel and tolls, or a hired car | Road-trippers with time |
Fares are typical ranges, not fixed prices; they rise around Durga Puja, the summer holidays and Christmas. Then add the drive from NJP or Bagdogra to Darjeeling: about 70–75 km and 3 hours.
By train: Kolkata to NJP
Trains are the most popular way. Overnight trains from Sealdah or Howrah, such as the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express, leave in the evening and reach NJP early the next morning, so you can be in Darjeeling by lunch. The Howrah–NJP Vande Bharat Express is a daytime option of about 7.5–8 hours. Book early: these trains sell out weeks ahead in peak season.
By flight: Kolkata to Bagdogra
Several daily flights connect Kolkata with Bagdogra, taking about an hour. With an early flight you can be in Darjeeling by early afternoon. Bagdogra is about 75 km from Darjeeling.
By bus
Overnight Volvo and sleeper buses run from Esplanade and other Kolkata stops to Siliguri, taking about 12 hours. From Siliguri, take a taxi or shared jeep up to Darjeeling.
By road
Driving takes 12–14 hours over about 600 km, mostly on NH-12 through Krishnanagar, Berhampore, Farakka and Malda to Siliguri, then up the hill. Most people break the drive at Malda or go overnight. Start early and avoid driving the hill section after dark.
The last leg: NJP or Bagdogra to Darjeeling
From either point it is about 70–75 km and 3 hours up through Kurseong and Ghum, by reserved taxi, shared jeep or, slowly, the toy train. See the NJP to Darjeeling cab and Bagdogra to Darjeeling cab pages for distance, drive time and booking.
A simple plan
Take an overnight train on night one, drive up to Darjeeling in the morning and spend two or three days there, then continue to Gangtok (about 4 hours) before flying home from Bagdogra. That way you see both hill towns without doubling back.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Darjeeling from Kolkata?
About 600 km by road. By train it is about 570 km to NJP, plus about 70 km up the hill.
Is there a direct train from Kolkata to Darjeeling?
No. Trains go to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From there you drive about 3 hours, or take the toy train, which takes much longer.
What is the fastest way from Kolkata to Darjeeling?
Flying to Bagdogra (about an hour) and then driving 3 hours: about 5–6 hours door to door.
Which is the best train from Kolkata to NJP?
For overnight travel, the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express from Sealdah are popular. For a daytime trip, the Howrah–NJP Vande Bharat Express is the quickest.
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