New Delhi to Darjeeling Route Guide | 4 Best ways to travel by Bus, Train, Flight and Drive

There are 3 ways to get from New Delhi to Darjeeling by Train, Self-Drive or Private Vehicle, or Flight.

Distance Summary

Distance between New Delhi and Darjeeling is 1525.55 kms, 948.14 miles or 823.73 nautical miles.

Origin	New Delhi
Destination	Darjeeling
Driving Distance	1525.55 kms (948.14 mi, 823.73 NM)
Estimated Time	1 day 1 hr 31 minutes

It takes approximately 1 day 1 hr 31 minutes to travel by car from New Delhi to Darjeeling.

The total driving distance between these two points is around 1525.55 kilometers, which equals approximately 948.14 miles or 823.73 nautical miles.

Travel time is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the route you take, the time of day, and live traffic conditions. The numbers shown are based on standard driving routes.

You can refer to the distance values shown above in kilometers, miles, and nautical miles for easy understanding and travel planning.

Unit conversions:
1 mile = ~1.609 kilometers
1 nautical mile = exactly 1.852 kilometers

Scroll down to view the interactive route map below. You can click and zoom on the map to explore the journey in more detail and plan your trip better.

Best Travel Options

🚆 Train

Route: New Delhi → New Jalpaiguri (NJP) / Siliguri Junction
Options: DBRT Rajdhani (fast), Mahananda Express (budget), others
Duration: 21–35 hrs depending on train
Last Leg: Shared jeep from NJP to Darjeeling (₹250)
Tip: Avoid Vande Bharat, try Tatkal or RAC bookings

🚗 Self-Drive or Private Vehicle

🚗 Car (Road Trip)

Route: Delhi → Lucknow → Muzaffarpur → Siliguri → Darjeeling (~1350 km)
Duration: ~19–22 hrs (nonstop), realistically more
Note: Not recommended for first-time hill drivers due to narrow, curvy roads

🏍️ Bike (Adventurous, But Not for Beginners)

Suggestion: Avoid full ride from Delhi; fly/train to Siliguri and rent bike locally
Road Condition: Good but includes blind turns, sharp climbs, and narrow roads

✈️ Flight

Route: New Delhi (DEL) → Bagdogra (IXB)
Duration: ~2.5 hrs flight + 3–4 hrs road journey
Post-flight: Shared jeeps from Bagdogra/Siliguri (₹250–₹350), or private taxi
Ideal For: First-timers, time-conscious travelers

About Darjeeling

Darjeeling, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas of West Bengal, is a charming hill town known for its stunning vistas, colonial-era charm, and cool weather. Famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), lush tea gardens, and a clear view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, this town offers a peaceful retreat and rich cultural mix. Highlights include the sunrise from Tiger Hill, strolls along Mall Road, red pandas at the local zoo, and cozy cafés like Glenary’s. While the town can get crowded during peak tourist season, its unique blend of natural beauty and Himalayan heritage makes it one of India's most beloved hill stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓1. What is the best way to reach Darjeeling from New Delhi?

Answer: The fastest and most convenient way is to fly from New Delhi (DEL) to Bagdogra (IXB), then take a shared cab (Sumo) or a private taxi to Darjeeling. Shared jeeps from Siliguri or Bagdogra cost ₹250–₹350 per person.

❓2. Can I go to Darjeeling by train?

Answer: Yes. Take a train from New Delhi to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri Junction. From there, shared jeeps are easily available to reach Darjeeling. Avoid taking Vande Bharat, as it has poor timing and doesn't suit this route well.

❓3. Is it safe to drive or ride a bike from Delhi to Darjeeling?

Answer: It’s not recommended for first-timers to take a bike from Delhi. The hilly roads near Darjeeling have sharp blind turns and narrow sections. If you're confident, rent a bike in Siliguri instead. Car travel is possible, but the 1,350 km journey is long and tiring.

❓4. Are there scams to be aware of in Bagdogra or Siliguri?

Answer: Yes. Be cautious when dealing with taxis, overcharging and confusion about fares is common. Prefer official shared jeeps from designated stands like Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri.

❓5. Are there buses available from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling?

Answer: No direct buses from the airport. You may need to go to Siliguri town to access Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses or find shared cabs.

❓6. What’s the cheapest way to reach Darjeeling?

Answer: The cheapest option is:

Take a train to NJP (₹700–₹1500)

Then a shared jeep to Darjeeling (₹250)
This is ideal for budget travelers but time-consuming.

❓8. What’s the best time to visit Darjeeling?

Answer: Avoid monsoon (June–September) and the October Durga Puja rush. Ideal months are April–May or October–November.

❓9. How much should I budget for the full Delhi to Darjeeling trip?

Answer: A typical 4–5 day trip with flight, lodging, food, and local travel will cost ₹18,000–₹22,000 per person. Trains and budget stays can bring it lower.

❓10. What should I not miss in Darjeeling?

Answer:

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Walk on Mall Road

Eat at Glenary’s and Himalayan Café

Visit Darjeeling Zoo for red pandas

Try the Toy Train Ride (UNESCO World Heritage)

Explore peaceful spots like Lamahatta or take a day trek to Singalila National Park

New Delhi to Darjeeling

Route Guide