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

By train: approximately 8 hrs 49 min. By road: approximately 7 hrs.

Shillong to Darjeeling: 396 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Shillong to Darjeeling?

The aerial distance from Shillong to Darjeeling is approximately 396 km (246 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 573 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Buses take about 11 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable.

Shillong

Meghalaya

Darjeeling

West Bengal

396 km

aerial distance (straight line)

246 miles · Road distance: ~573 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

573 km

Road distance

7 hrs

Drive time

396 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Shillong to Darjeeling

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Bagdogra (IXB)

🚆

By Train

8 hrs 49 min

573 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

11 hrs 28 min

573 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

7 hrs

573 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

396 km (246 mi)

Road distance

~573 km

Recommended

Train (8 hrs 49 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Shillong to Darjeeling distance overview

The straight-line distance from Shillong to Darjeeling is approximately 396 km (246 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 573 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Meghalaya to West Bengal.

396 kmAerial distance

~573 kmBy road

8 hrs 49 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 — Shillong to Darjeeling

8 hrs 49 min ~573 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Shillong and Darjeeling with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 49 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 — Shillong to Darjeeling

11 hrs 28 min ~573 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Shillong to Darjeeling route. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 28 min covering ~573 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 Shillong to Darjeeling Buses

🚗 By car — Shillong to Darjeeling

7 hrs ~573 km

A road trip from Shillong to Darjeeling covers approximately 573 km and takes around 7 hrs. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Shillong 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 7 hrs, 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 Shillong to Darjeeling? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Shillong to Darjeeling is approximately 396 km (246 miles). The road distance is approximately 573 km, which takes about 7 hrs by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Buses take about 11 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable. Darjeeling doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Bagdogra (IXB).

Are there buses from Shillong to Darjeeling? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Shillong to Darjeeling route. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 28 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 Shillong to Darjeeling? ▼

The train from Shillong to Darjeeling takes approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Shillong to Darjeeling travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Shillong

Shillong to Darjeeling Distance & How to Reach