Siliguri and NJP to Darjeeling: Distance, Taxi Fare, Shared Jeep and Toy Train (2026)
Every way from Siliguri, NJP or Bagdogra up to Darjeeling: distance, drive time, typical taxi and shared jeep fares, the toy train, and which road to take.
Siliguri is the gateway to the Darjeeling hills. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is its main railway station, and Bagdogra is the airport. From any of them, Darjeeling is roughly 65 to 75 km up the hill, about three hours by road.
The short answer
| Option | Typical cost | Time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved taxi | ₹2,500–4,500 for the car | About 3 hours | Families, luggage, door to door |
| Shared jeep | ₹300–400 a seat | 3 to 3.5 hours | Solo travellers, light bags |
| Toy train | Depends on class | 7 to 8 hours, when it runs | The experience, not the speed |
Fares are typical market rates in 2026, not fixed prices. They rise in peak season, especially around Durga Puja and the summer holidays.
Distance
| From | To Darjeeling | Time |
|---|---|---|
| NJP station | About 70 km | About 3 hours |
| Siliguri town | About 65 km | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Bagdogra Airport | About 70 to 75 km | About 3 hours |
Which road?
There are three ways up, and your driver will pick based on traffic and weather:
- Rohini Road via Kurseong: the usual route. Wider and faster, joining the main road below Kurseong.
- Hill Cart Road: the old road beside the toy train line, through Sukna, Tindharia and Kurseong. Slower and narrower, but scenic.
- Via Mirik: a longer, quieter route through tea gardens and past Mirik Lake. It adds a couple of hours. See our Mirik Lake guide.
All three meet at Ghum before the last stretch into Darjeeling, where traffic is heaviest in the afternoon.
Reserved taxi
A reserved car meets you on the NJP platform or at Bagdogra arrivals, takes your bags, and drops you at your hotel. Darjeeling's Mall is car-free, so the driver stops at the nearest road. Prepaid taxi counters at NJP and Bagdogra also sell one-way drops.
See our NJP to Darjeeling cab page for vehicles and the stops on the way.
Shared jeep
Shared jeeps leave from the stands at NJP and Siliguri when they're full. They drop you at the Darjeeling motor stand, below the Mall. Bags go on the roof, so they are best for one person with light luggage. Fares rise in peak weeks.
Toy train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage line. The full run from NJP takes seven to eight hours, and services change by season, so check IRCTC before planning around it. Most people ride the short joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum instead, which takes about two hours.
When to leave
Leave NJP or Bagdogra by about 2PM so you reach Darjeeling before dark and before the evening jam at Ghum. If you land late, a night in Siliguri and an early start is the calmer plan.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from NJP to Darjeeling?
About 70 km by road, roughly three hours.
What is the distance from Siliguri to Darjeeling?
About 65 km from Siliguri town, two and a half to three hours.
How much is a taxi from Siliguri to Darjeeling?
Typically ₹2,500–4,500 for a reserved car, depending on the vehicle and the season.
How much is a shared jeep from NJP to Darjeeling?
Typically ₹300–400 a seat, more in peak season.
Is the toy train faster than a taxi?
No. The toy train takes seven to eight hours from NJP. Take it for the ride, not to save time.
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