Is the Toy Train available daily?

Yes, but it is subject to weather and maintenance.

Are there flights to Darjeeling?

No, Bagdogra is the nearest airport.

Is it safe to travel in monsoon?

It is risky due to landslides; avoid if possible.

What is the best way to reach?

Train to NJP and then a taxi is the most popular way.

Kolaghat

Darjeeling

Train Driving

Kolaghat to Darjeeling

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Kolaghat to the queen of hills, Darjeeling, is a scenic 670-kilometer trip. You must first reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) by train from Howrah. From NJP, you can hire a private taxi or take a shared cab to Darjeeling, which involves a beautiful 3-hour drive up the winding hill roads. The total travel time is approximately 16 hours, including transfers.

Total Distance: 670 km driving distance and 550 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Train to NJP followed by a private taxi to Darjeeling.

Cheapest Way

Train to NJP followed by a shared taxi to Darjeeling.

Compare Kolaghat to Darjeeling Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	13 hours (to NJP)	3 hours (from NJP)
Avg Price	800-1600 INR	3000-5000 INR (Taxi from NJP)
Operator	Darjeeling Mail	Local Taxi Union
Route	Mecheda-Howrah-NJP-Darjeeling	Hill Cart Road (NH 110)
Tip	Book the Toy Train from NJP to Darjeeling for a heritage experience.	Shared taxis are cheaper and available from the NJP station stand.

Travel Tips

Motion Sickness
Carry medication for motion sickness as the hill drive is very winding.
Clothing
Pack heavy woolens even in summer as temperatures drop at night.
Booking
Book your taxi from the official NJP taxi stand to avoid overcharging.
Cash
Keep cash handy as many small shops do not accept digital payments.
Timing
Start your hill drive early in the morning to avoid traffic.