How long does it take to travel from Calcutta to Darjeeling?

By train: approximately 9 hrs 40 min. By road: approximately 8 hrs 18 min.

Calcutta to Darjeeling: 496 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Calcutta to Darjeeling?

The aerial distance from Calcutta to Darjeeling is approximately 496 km (308 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 628 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Calcutta to Darjeeling?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 9 hrs 40 min. Buses take about 12 hrs 34 min and are the most affordable.

Calcutta

West Bengal

Darjeeling

West Bengal

496 km

aerial distance (straight line)

308 miles · Road distance: ~628 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

628 km

Road distance

8 hrs 18 min

Drive time

496 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Calcutta to Darjeeling

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 25 min

Kolkata (CCU) → Bagdogra (IXB) (nearest airports)

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

9 hrs 40 min

628 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

12 hrs 34 min

628 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

8 hrs 18 min

628 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

496 km (308 mi)

Road distance

~628 km

Recommended

Train (9 hrs 40 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Calcutta to Darjeeling distance overview

The straight-line distance from Calcutta to Darjeeling is approximately 496 km (308 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 628 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks.

496 kmAerial distance

~628 kmBy road

9 hrs 40 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Darjeeling by air

No direct airport

Darjeeling does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Calcutta to Darjeeling

9 hrs 40 min ~628 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Calcutta and Darjeeling with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 9 hrs 40 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Calcutta to Darjeeling

12 hrs 34 min ~628 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Calcutta to Darjeeling route. The journey takes approximately 12 hrs 34 min covering ~628 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Calcutta to Darjeeling Buses

🚗 By car — Calcutta to Darjeeling

8 hrs 18 min ~628 km

A road trip from Calcutta to Darjeeling covers approximately 628 km and takes around 8 hrs 18 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Calcutta to Darjeeling

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 8 hrs 18 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Darjeeling

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Darjeeling Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Darjeeling

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Calcutta to Darjeeling? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Calcutta to Darjeeling is approximately 496 km (308 miles). The road distance is approximately 628 km, which takes about 8 hrs 18 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Calcutta to Darjeeling? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 9 hrs 40 min. Buses take about 12 hrs 34 min and are the most affordable. Darjeeling doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Bagdogra (IXB).

Are there buses from Calcutta to Darjeeling? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Calcutta to Darjeeling route. The journey takes approximately 12 hrs 34 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Calcutta to Darjeeling? ▼

The train from Calcutta to Darjeeling takes approximately 9 hrs 40 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Calcutta to Darjeeling travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Calcutta to Darjeeling route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Calcutta

Calcutta to Darjeeling Distance & How to Reach