Darjeeling is a hill station, but besides this, it is also a piece of Himalayan heaven. This Queen of Hills is known as a tea garden location, colonial charm drawing travelers across India. Are you a tea enthusiast keen to taste Darjeeling’s fresh tea, a traveler seeking a view of sunrise at the Tiger Hill, or a tourist interested in finding the monasteries through the mist? Your trip begins with a big question: How do you reach Darjeeling from Mumbai?
So, what are all your travel options from Mumbai? We will break it down and get you to make your travel choice to fit your style and price range.
Mumbai to Darjeeling Distance
The distance between Mumbai and Darjeeling is around 2,050km. The time it takes you to get to this Himalayan jewel depends on your means of travel, i.e., by flight, it takes about 6 hours, by train, and by road, 2 days.
How to Reach Darjeeling from Mumbai by flight?
The fastest mode of transportation between Mumbai and Darjeeling is by air.
Step 1: Take a flight to Bagdogra Airport (the closest to Darjeeling is about 70 km).
Step 2: Drive to Darjeeling in a shared taxi, a personal cab, or a pre-booked transfer and travel one way to Darjeeling. In about 3 hours, the drive presents incredible views.
Why is this option selected?
- Saves time to take a short vacation
- Comfortable and convenient
- Best suited to honeymoon or family travellers
The duration of flights is 3-3.5 hours, more often with one stop.
How to Reach Darjeeling from Mumbai by Train?
Though there is no direct train connection between Darjeeling and Mumbai, you can travel by train with an addition of a road trip.
Step 1: Board a train from Mumbai to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Guwahati Express and Kolkata Express have become very popular. The travel time is approximately 3640 hours.
Step 2: Get a taxi or a shared jeep from NJP to Darjeeling. This ride lasts about 3 hours.
Why select this option?
- An excellent place for slow travel enthusiasts
- Affordable as opposed to flights
- Chance to appreciate the dynamic scenery
To add more excitement, go by train on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), which is run between NJP or Siliguri to Darjeeling as a UNESCO-listed rail journey.
How to Reach Darjeeling from Mumbai by Road?
If you want to travel towards Darjeeling by road, you can go all the way by road, albeit it is a lengthy journey, from Mumbai to Darjeeling.
Travel: Mumbai -> Nagpur -> Kolkata -> Siliguri -> Darjeeling
Time: Approximately 40 45 hours of driving with no breaks
Why choose this option?
- Flexible itinerary
- Opportunities to visit several states on the road
- Excellent for motorcyclists or those who love to drive
This is, however, best achieved in stages with overnight stops in between.
Other Option: Flight + Train Combo
If you want a balance between speed and budget, try this combination:
- Fly from Mumbai to Kolkata or Patna
- Take a train from there to NJP
- Continue to Darjeeling by road
This reduces train travel time and costs less than a full Mumbai–Bagdogra flight.
Travel Summary Table
| Mode | Duration | Ideal For |
| Air | 6–7 hrs (incl. drive) | Quick trips, honeymooners |
| Train + Road | 40+ hrs | Budget, slow travellers |
| Road | 40–45 hrs | Adventurers, bikers |
| Air + Train | 15–20 hrs | Balanced time & budget |
What Happens After You Arrive in Darjeeling?
Once you’ve reached, the real experience begins:
- Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill
- Visit Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Explore tea estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Stroll along Mall Road for shopping and food.
Packing Tips for Darjeeling
For a comfortable trip, don’t forget:
- Warm clothes (especially in winter)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear (for monsoon travel)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime outings
Best Time to Visit
While Darjeeling is beautiful year-round, here’s a quick guide:
- March–May: Pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons
- October–December: Crisp skies and great mountain views
- Late December–February: Chance of snowfall in nearby areas like Sandakphu
Planning Made Easy with Honeymoon Bug
The trip to Darjeeling may require several changes and needs proper planning, starting with Mumbai. Honeymoon Bug design tailored Darjeeling packages from Mumbai that take care of every aspect of the tours, flights, trains, and hotel accommodation and sightseeing. They ensure your trip is seamless and your experience unforgettable, whether you want a luxury honeymoon vacation or a budget-friendly family one.
In Conclusion – Your Darjeeling Journey Awaits
In conclusion, the ideal means of transportation is the most suitable depending on the time, money, and your traveling preference to reach Darjeeling departing Mumbai. If you are in a hurry, fly to Bagdogra and transfer up the hills. Train to NJP and then by road to enjoy a leisurely scenic drive. Adventurers can even attempt a complete road trip.
The beauty of Darjeeling will be more than enough to make every mile worth traveling, no matter which path you take.
To plan a smooth and hassle-free holiday, Honeymoon Bug organizes your tailor-made itinerary and also takes care of all travel ups and downs- allowing you to savor all the magical moments within Queen of the Hills.
