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The drive down from Darjeeling's tea gardens to Siliguri drops from the hills to the plains in a long series of hairpin bends, with Himalayan views opening and closing between the ridges. Most people go by road, and the famous toy train works best as a ride of its own.
Darjeeling to Siliguri by Road
Siliguri is 77 km from Darjeeling by road via NH 55. Buses to Siliguri use the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, and shared or hired vehicles operate from the airport, the railway station and the motor syndicates. Prepaid taxi stands stand at New Jalpaiguri station and at Bagdogra airport.[1] A bus or shared jeep takes from about 3 hours, longer with traffic, rain or landslides.[2]
Bagdogra airport lies 90 km from Darjeeling via NH 110, so book a seat or a car early on the day you fly out.[1] Siliguri is 2 km from New Jalpaiguri station.[3]
Darjeeling to Siliguri by Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the Toy Train, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Mountain Railways of India.[4] Its narrow-gauge track crosses the road again and again as it winds through the hills. The Joy Ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back runs with steam and diesel locomotives, with a 10-minute stop at Batasia Loop and 30 minutes at Ghum.[5]
A landslip near Paglajhora cut the through service in 2010, and the railway has run in sections since,[5] so call DHR Control on +91 354 2005734 before you plan a ride between the hills and the plains.[3] For a transfer to the plains, take the road.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Time | Departs from |
|---|---|---|
| Bus or shared jeep | From about 3 hours[2] | Darjeeling to Siliguri, Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand[1] |
| Hired car or taxi | Depends on traffic | Your hotel |
| Toy Train Joy Ride | Darjeeling to Ghum and back, about 2 hours[5] | Darjeeling station |
Tips for Traveling from Darjeeling to Siliguri
- Motion sickness: The road is one sharp bend after another. Take medication beforehand if you are prone to it, and sit at the front.
- Fly-out day: Leave early for a Bagdogra flight, because monsoon landslides and traffic can slow the descent.
- Luggage: A hired car or shared jeep suits big bags better than a crowded local bus.
- Agree the fare first: Settle the price with the driver before you set off.
Timetable
| Bus Darjeeling - Siliguri $ 1.85 3h | |
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| Taxi Darjeeling - Siliguri $ 50.65โ258.50 40m โ 46m | |
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| Train Darjeeling - Siliguri $ 17.82โ20.57 7h 30m โ 7h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Darjeeling to Siliguri, including current prices and schedules.
A local bus or a seat in a shared jeep is the cheapest way down the hill. Buses to Siliguri run from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand.
A hired car or taxi takes you straight to your destination, but the winding mountain road sets the pace for every vehicle. Expect from about 3 hours.
A bus or shared jeep takes from about 3 hours, longer with traffic, rain or landslides.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has run in sections since a landslip near Paglajhora in 2010. Call DHR Control on +91 354 2005734 to check which services run, and take the Joy Ride from Darjeeling to Ghum for the classic experience.
About 90 km via NH 110. Shared and hired vehicles and prepaid taxis serve the airport.
At New Jalpaiguri railway station and at Bagdogra airport.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Darjeeling District, Government of West Bengal: How to Reach. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable Darjeeling - Siliguri. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
- [3] Darjeeling Himalayan Railway / Indian Railways Portal: How do I reach DHR & FAQ (last reviewed 07-08-2014). Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [4] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Mountain Railways of India. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [5] Darjeeling Himalayan Railway / Indian Railways Portal: DHR Time Table (page last reviewed 17-11-2016). Retrieved October 28, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.