Is there a direct bus from Cooch Behar to Darjeeling?

No, you must change at Siliguri Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

Which is the nearest airport to Darjeeling?

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the closest, located 70 km away.

Are there trains to Darjeeling?

Trains only go up to New Jalpaiguri (NJP); the rest of the journey is by road.

How long does the toy train take?

The joy ride takes about 2 hours, while the full route varies.

Is it safe to travel to Darjeeling in monsoon?

It is generally discouraged due to the high risk of landslides on NH 10.

Cooch Behar

Darjeeling

Train Driving

Cooch Behar to Darjeeling

Updated: 22 May 2026

The journey from Cooch Behar to Darjeeling covers approximately 220 km through the plains of North Bengal into the Himalayan foothills. You will typically travel via NH 27 to reach Siliguri, which serves as the gateway to the hills. From Siliguri, the ascent via NH 10 or the Rohini Road takes you through lush tea gardens and steep mountain curves. The total travel time ranges from 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic at the Sevoke Coronation Bridge. This route is famous for its transition from flat alluvial plains to the misty, high-altitude landscapes of the Queen of the Hills.

Total Distance: 220 km by road, 145 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Private taxi directly from Cooch Behar, taking 7 hours.

Cheapest Way

Train to NJP followed by a shared jeep to Darjeeling, costing approximately 500 INR total.

Compare Cooch Behar to Darjeeling Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	9 hours	7 hours
Avg Price	250-800 INR	3500-5000 INR
Operator	Kanchanjunga Express	Private Taxi
Route	Cooch Behar (COB) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then taxi to Darjeeling.	NH 27 to Siliguri, then NH 10 to Darjeeling.
Tip	Book your NJP to Darjeeling shared taxi from the pre-paid booth outside the station.	Hire a dedicated taxi from Cooch Behar to avoid multiple transfers in Siliguri.

Travel Tips

Carry Motion Sickness Meds
The final 70 km stretch involves sharp hairpin bends that can cause nausea.
Book Early
During peak tourist seasons, shared taxis fill up quickly at NJP station.
Layer Your Clothing
Temperatures drop significantly as you ascend; carry a heavy jacket even in summer.
Check Road Conditions
Landslides are common during the monsoon; verify road status before departing.
Carry Cash
ATMs in remote hill areas may run out of cash; keep sufficient currency for the journey.

Safety Tips

Avoid Night Travel
Driving on mountain roads after dark is risky due to fog and narrow paths.
Use Registered Taxis
Only hire vehicles from authorized stands to ensure driver accountability.
Stay Hydrated
High altitude can cause dehydration; drink plenty of water throughout the climb.
Keep Emergency Contacts
Save local police and taxi union numbers before starting your journey.