How to travel from Shimla to Darjeeling, India
The distance between Shimla and Darjeeling is around 1,545km (960 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi and then fly which takes around 5h 45m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Shimla to Darjeeling by taxi, plane, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Darjeeling → Shimla if you're planning a return trip.
Taxi and Plane
Take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Bagdogra (IXB).
- Duration5h 45m
- Flight time2h 55m
- Typical cost₹18,780($235)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Taxi and Train
Take a taxi to Chandigarh then take the train to New Jalpaiguri then take a taxi to Darjeeling.
- Duration1 day 12h
- Departsonce a week
- Typical cost₹6,685($84)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Shimla and Darjeeling
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Shimla to Darjeeling by taxi, plane, train and car. The cheapest option is to take a taxi and then take the train which costs around ₹6,685 ($84) and will take around 1 day 12h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and then fly and arrive in approximately 5h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₹18,780 ($235).
The distance between Shimla and Darjeeling is around 1,545km (960 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,168km (726 miles)
It takes around 5h 45m to get from Shimla and Darjeeling by taxi and plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 24hrs to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Shimla to Darjeeling is to take a taxi and then fly which takes around 5h 45m and will set you back approx ₹18,780 ($235).
The cheapest way to travel between Shimla and Darjeeling, if you exclude driving, is to take a taxi and then take the train which will typically cost around ₹6,685 ($84) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Shimla and Darjeeling. We recommend that you take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Bagdogra (IXB). instead which will take 5h 45m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Shimla and Darjeeling. We recommend that you take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Bagdogra (IXB). instead which will take 5h 45m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Shimla to Darjeeling. We recommend that you take a taxi to Chandigarh (IXC) then fly from Chandigarh (IXC) to Bagdogra (IXB). instead which will take 5h 45m.
The closest major airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (IXB) which is approximately 40km (25 miles) from Darjeeling. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) (GAU) and Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) (PAT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
Yes it is possible to drive from Shimla and Darjeeling. The distance is around 1,789km (1,112 miles) by road and it will take around 24hrs in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Shimla to Darjeeling is to take a taxi and then fly which takes, on average, 5h 45m and will usually cost around ₹18,780 ($235).
Compare travel optionsbetween Shimla and Darjeeling
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxi and Plane + 1 similar | 5h 45m | ₹18,780($235) | on demand | 1,545km (960 miles) |
| Taxi to Dehra Dun (DED), Fly | 8h 10m | ₹17,905($225) | on demand | 1,657km (1,030 miles) |
Taxi and Train | 1 day 12h | ₹6,685($84) | once a week | 1,850km (1,150 miles) |
Drive | 24hrs | ₹14,485($180) | on demand | 1,789km (1,112 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Shimla and Darjeeling
Airlines
IndiGo Airlines
Air India Limited
GoAir
Helitrans
Spicejet
Train operators
Indian Railways
Airports near Darjeeling
The following major airports near Darjeeling offer regular flights to various popular destinations within India and internationally.
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Distance
- 40km (25 miles) from Darjeeling
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)
- Distance
- 347km (215 miles) from Darjeeling
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT)
- Distance
- 355km (220 miles) from Darjeeling