Every trip to the Darjeeling hills starts in the plains, at Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station or Siliguri town. From there it is a drive up into the hills: under two hours to Mirik, about three to Darjeeling. Here are the distances, the options and what to expect.
Getting to the foothills
- By air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) has direct flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Guwahati.
- By train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the main railhead, with daily trains from Kolkata (overnight) and Delhi, and a Vande Bharat from Howrah.
- By road: Siliguri is the transport hub for North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan, with buses from Kolkata and across the region.
To Mirik
| From | Distance to Mirik | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra Airport (IXB)via Siliguri and Dudhia | about 52 km | 1 hr 45 min |
| Siligurivia Dudhia, the quickest road up | about 52 km | 1 hr 45 min |
| New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP)via Siliguri and Dudhia | about 60 km | 2 hrs |
| Kurseong | about 30 km | 1 hr 15 min |
| Darjeelingvia Sukhiapokhri and Ghoom | about 49 km | 2 hrs |
| Gangtokvia Siliguri or Darjeeling | about 150 km | 5 hrs 30 min |
The usual route from Siliguri climbs from Dudhia, on the Balason river, up through tea gardens to Mirik. It is the shortest and gentlest road into the Darjeeling hills, so it suits anyone who gets travel-sick. Hotel Jagjeet is in Krishnagar, the main part of town, a short walk from the lake.
To Darjeeling
| From | Distance to Darjeeling | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra Airport (IXB)via Rohini road and Kurseong | about 70 km | 3 hrs |
| Siliguri | about 65 km | 2 hrs 45 min |
| New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) | about 75 km | 3 hrs |
| Kurseong | about 30 km | 1 hr 15 min |
| Mirik | about 49 km | 2 hrs |
| Gangtok | about 95 km | 4 hrs |
Most cars take the Rohini road up to Kurseong, then continue along Hill Cart Road through Sonada and Ghoom, alongside the toy-train track. Jagjeets Hotel Pradhan is on Gandhi Road in the centre of town, a few minutes from Darjeeling railway station.
Your options
Reserved taxi
The easiest choice, especially with luggage or family. Prepaid taxi counters at Bagdogra and taxi stands outside NJP have cars for Mirik and Darjeeling. Fares depend on the car size and season, so agree the price before you leave. We can book a car for you so the driver is waiting when you land.
Shared jeep
Shared jeeps (Sumos and Boleros) leave from stands in Siliguri and near NJP when full. They are cheap and frequent in the daytime, but crowded, and they stop running in the evening. A good choice for light travellers on a budget.
Toy train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs between NJP and Darjeeling on some days, a slow and scenic ride of seven hours or more. Most visitors ride the shorter joy ride from Darjeeling instead. Check the current timetable on IRCTC, as services vary by season and are sometimes suspended in the monsoon.
Tips for the drive
- Plan to reach the hills before dark. Hill roads are narrow and fog is common in the evenings.
- In the monsoon (June–September) landslides can slow or close roads. Leave extra time if you have a flight or train to catch.
- If you get car-sick, sit in front, eat lightly before the climb and choose the Mirik road.
- Seeing both towns? Arrive in Mirik, spend a night by the lake, then continue to Darjeeling. See Mirik vs Darjeeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the nearest airport to Darjeeling and Mirik?
Bagdogra Airport (IXB), near Siliguri. It is about 52 km from Mirik and about 70 km from Darjeeling.
Which is the nearest railway station?
New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the main station for the Darjeeling hills, with trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and elsewhere. Siliguri Junction is nearby but has fewer long-distance trains.
Can the hotel arrange a pickup?
Yes. Tell us your flight or train when you book and we will arrange a car from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri. Call or WhatsApp +91 97330 87874 for the current fare.
How do I get from Mirik to Darjeeling?
By taxi or shared jeep, about 49 km and two hours via Sukhiapokhri and Ghoom. The road passes tea gardens and makes a pleasant drive.