Ruth Haines
Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in India, known for its beautiful tea estates and views of Mount Kanchenjunga. While there is an airport in Darjeeling, the most convenient way to get to the city is by flying to Bagdogra Airport, which is around 70 kilometres away. This airport is served by several major airlines and has direct flights from cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Bagdogra, it takes around 4 hours to reach Darjeeling by taxi. Alternatively, travellers can take a train or bus from the airport to Darjeeling, or fly into one of the other nearby airports and embark on a road trip to Darjeeling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Bagdogra Airport |
| Distance from Darjeeling | 70 km |
| Flight time from Kolkata | 1 hour |
| Flight time from Delhi | 3 hours |
| Other nearby airports | Pakyong Airport, Bhadrapur Airport, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport |
| Distance to Pakyong Airport | 90 km |
| Distance to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | 625 km |
| Alternative transport methods | Train, bus, taxi, jeep |
| Nearest railway station | New Jalpaiguri |
| Time from Kolkata to Darjeeling by road | 11 hours and 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
- The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, 70km away
- The airport served 3.2 million passengers in 2019-20, making it the 17th busiest airport in India
- Darjeeling is also accessible by road from Kolkata, a 11-and-a-half-hour journey
- The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri, which connects the city with the rest of India
- Darjeeling is known as the 'Queen of the Hills' for its natural beauty
The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, 70km away
The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 70km away. This airport is located in the city of Siliguri in West Bengal, India, and serves as a gateway to the hill stations of Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, and other parts of the North Bengal region and North Eastern Bihar. Siliguri is a major transport and economic hub, so the airport sees thousands of travellers and tourists annually.
Bagdogra Airport is the most convenient airport for reaching Darjeeling and has direct flights from several major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. It is also served by several domestic and international airlines, including Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia, Jet Airways, and Indigo. The airport has recently undergone expansion to accommodate more international flights and increase its capacity to handle more passengers.
From Bagdogra Airport, travellers can hire a taxi to reach Darjeeling, which typically takes around 4 hours. Alternatively, there is a daily 'School Train' hauled by a steam engine that runs from Kurseong to Darjeeling. The famous 'Toy Train' route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also connects New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, offering a scenic journey through the hills. This route is very popular and has been featured in many books and films. However, it tends to get fully booked during the summer months, so advance booking is recommended.
For those seeking a road trip, the drive from Kolkata to Darjeeling offers a scenic and well-maintained path, taking approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes via Badshahi Road and NH 34. Along the way, travellers can enjoy local restaurants serving delicious home-cooked meals. Darjeeling is renowned for its natural splendour, tea plantations, and enchanting views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain.
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The airport served 3.2 million passengers in 2019-20, making it the 17th busiest airport in India
There is no airport in Darjeeling itself. The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 70 kilometres away. This airport is the major gateway to the hill stations of Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, and other parts of the North Bengal region and North Eastern Bihar. Siliguri, where the airport is located, is a major transport and economic hub, so the airport sees thousands of travellers and tourists annually.
Bagdogra Airport served 3.2 million passengers in 2019-20, making it the 17th busiest airport in India. The airport has direct flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other cities. Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia, Jet Airways, and Indigo all operate nonstop flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra, which is Darjeeling's closest airport. A cab from Bagdogra to Darjeeling will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The flight time from Delhi to Darjeeling is approximately 3 hours, and the flying time from Kolkata is approximately 1 hour.
The airport in Bagdogra has undergone several developments over the years to accommodate its growing traffic. In 2010, the Government of West Bengal handed over land to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for developing infrastructure for night landing. Subsequently, the airport permitted night landings by civilian aircraft in 2013, allowing for flights past 6 pm. The airport was also shut down for 14 days in 2022 for refurbishment of its sole runway. A new terminal building is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by March 2027. The new terminal will be able to handle 12.5 million passengers annually.
While Bagdogra Airport is the most common airport for travellers flying to Darjeeling, there are other options as well. Pakhyong Airport in neighbouring Gangtok is around 90 kilometres from Darjeeling, and many tourists fly into this airport depending on their source destination. Additionally, travellers who wish to take a road trip to Darjeeling can fly into Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is approximately 625 kilometres away from Darjeeling.
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Darjeeling is also accessible by road from Kolkata, a 11-and-a-half-hour journey
Although the fastest way to reach Darjeeling is to fly to Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 kilometres away, the area is also accessible by road from Kolkata. The 625-kilometre journey takes around 11 and a half hours and offers a scenic path that will entice any adventure seeker. Along the way, travellers will encounter a variety of local restaurants serving delicious home-cooked meals.
The route from Kolkata to Darjeeling takes travellers through the beautiful landscapes of West Bengal, providing a glimpse into the local culture and way of life. The well-maintained roads wind through lush greenery, offering a pleasant and comfortable journey.
To make the trip, travellers can take Badshahi Road and NH 34, which is a well-kept and attractive path. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the local area, including the famous tea plantations that Darjeeling is known for.
For those who wish to take a break from driving, there are also several towns along the route where travellers can stop for a meal or to rest. These include Siliguri, a major transport and economic hub, and New Jalpaiguri, which is connected to Darjeeling by the famous 'Toy Train', the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The road trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling offers a unique and memorable experience, allowing travellers to explore the beauty of West Bengal at their own pace. With its combination of scenic views, cultural attractions, and delicious local cuisine, this journey is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri, which connects the city with the rest of India
The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is approximately 70-76km from Darjeeling. New Jalpaiguri is well-connected to the major Indian cities, including Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The station is served by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and its famous 'Toy Train', which connects Darjeeling with the rest of India. The journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes around 7 hours, travelling at a speed of 30mph, and includes a stop at Batasia Loop, where passengers can take in views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
The Toy Train is a popular attraction in itself, having been featured in many books and films, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is particularly busy during the summer months, so booking ahead is recommended. The steam-powered 'School Train', which still operates from Kurseong to Darjeeling, is one of the last ordinary steam trains in the world.
Darjeeling is also accessible by road from New Jalpaiguri, with the journey taking around 2 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours. Travellers can take a private or shared taxi or jeep, or a bus, although buses are reportedly slow due to the steep and winding climb up to Darjeeling.
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is located near Siliguri, 70-76km from Darjeeling. The airport serves several major Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and international destinations such as Bangkok. A taxi from the airport to Darjeeling takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Darjeeling can also be reached by road from Siliguri, with a journey time of around 3 hours. Transport options include private and shared taxis, buses, and jeeps. The road from Siliguri to Darjeeling is well-maintained and scenic, passing through local restaurants and offering views of the natural landscape.
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Darjeeling is known as the 'Queen of the Hills' for its natural beauty
The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 kilometres away. However, there is no airport in Darjeeling. Darjeeling is known as the "Queen of the Hills" because of its stunning natural beauty, breathtaking scenery, and its location in the heart of the Lesser Himalayas. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, lush tea gardens, and majestic peaks, including the famous Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. The height of Darjeeling, at 2134 meters, is sure to leave you spellbound. The rich flora and fauna and icy chilly weather of the hill station further add to its charm and earned it the regal title of "Queen of Hills". The old name of Darjeeling was Dorje-ling, a Sikkimese name that was anglicized by the British.
Darjeeling has been a popular destination for tourists for many years, attracting visitors from India and around the world with its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and its popularity as a hub for adventure sports and outdoor activities. The town has a lot to offer in terms of natural splendour and is a treasure of West Bengal. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a famous way to reach the town by train. The toy train route is very popular and has been featured in many books and films, in India and internationally. The town is also known for its tea industry, producing world-renowned Darjeeling Tea using the traditional "orthodox" method.
The road from Kolkata to Darjeeling is a well-kept and attractive scenic path that will entice any adventure seeker. Along the trip, travellers are likely to come across a variety of local restaurants offering great home cooking. The entire journey takes around 11 hours and 30 minutes by road. By train, the best option is the Darjeeling Mail, which runs nightly from Kolkata (Sealdah Station) at 10:05 PM and takes approximately 12 hours.
Darjeeling is a less expensive option compared to other popular hill stations like Gangtok, offering a serene and traditional hill station experience. It is a great place to visit for nature enthusiasts and those pursuing concord with natural surroundings. The town is also a good option for those looking to escape the heat and humidity of the plains, with its altitude providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 kilometres away.
You can take a taxi from outside the airport, which will take around 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Siliguri and then another taxi or bus to Darjeeling.
Darjeeling is approximately 625km from Kolkata by road. The journey takes around 11-12 hours and offers a scenic route for those who wish to take a road trip.
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station with tea estates and views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. The famous 'Toy Train' is a popular way to get to Darjeeling and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
