The Darjeeling Toy Train Ticket Price, formally called the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), is a heritage experience of India that is most recognised globally. It meanders through the picturesque hills of West Bengal. This narrow, gauge train is notable for its gradual speed, precipitous curves, and spectacular mountain scenery. Tourists come to the Toy Train not just as a means of transport but also to get back to the past, have a good time in nature, and take a trip that is quite different from any contemporary train ride.
Darjeeling Toy Train Ticket Price
The ticket price for the Darjeeling Toy Train varies according to the journey, the type of engine (diesel or steam), and the class of the coach. Short joy rides are more preferred by tourists while the full route constitutes a complete heritage journey.
| Ride Type | Coach / Engine | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling–Ghum Joy Ride | Diesel Engine | ₹600 – ₹800 |
| Darjeeling–Ghum Joy Ride | Steam Engine | ₹1,100 – ₹1,500 |
| Vista Dome / Executive Coach | Tourist Coach | ₹1,200 – ₹1,600 |
| NJP–Darjeeling (Long Route) | Passenger / Tourist | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Regular Short Passenger (DJ–Ghum) | First / Chair Class | ₹450 – ₹525 |
Online & Offline Ticket Booking
Both online and offline methods are available for booking Darjeeling Toy Train tickets; however, it is strongly advised to book in advance during the tourist season.
| Booking Method | Availability |
|---|---|
| IRCTC Website / App | Available |
| Railway Reservation Counter | Available |
| Darjeeling Station Counter | Available |
| Hotel / Tour Operator | Available (service charge may apply) |
Darjeeling Toy Train Route & Journey Details
The Toy Train journeys along an old mountain trail and makes use of loops and zigzags to ascend steep gradients.
| Route Section | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) → Darjeeling | 88 km | Full heritage journey |
| Darjeeling → Ghum → Darjeeling | 14 km (round trip) | Most popular joy ride |
Major Stations & Places on the Route
- New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri
- Sukna & Rangtong
- Tindharia
- Kurseong
- Sonada
- Ghum (India’s highest railway station)
- Batasia Loop (famous spiral loop & viewpoint)
- Darjeeling
Darjeeling Toy Train Timings
The Darjeeling Ghum Toy Train has several trips per day, mainly providing joy rides for tourists.
| Departure from Darjeeling | Duration |
|---|---|
| 09:25 AM | 45–50 minutes |
| 09:35 AM | 45–50 minutes |
| 11:30 AM | 45–50 minutes |
| 11:40 AM | 45–50 minutes |
| 01:30 PM | 45–50 minutes |
| 03:35 PM | 45–50 minutes |
Best Time to Ride the Darjeeling Toy Train
The Toy Train is a great experience any time of the year, but the comfort level depends on weather and crowd.
| Time Period | Experience |
|---|---|
| March – May | Pleasant weather, peak season |
| October – December | Clear views, festive vibe |
| Early Morning Rides | Peaceful & scenic |
| Monsoon (July–Aug) | Lush views but delays possible |
Darjeeling Toy Train History
Darjeeling Toy Train 5 Years Before (Around 20192020)
Five years ago, the Toy Train was mostly associated with heritage steam joy rides and a limited tourist service. From time to time, the operations were disrupted by landslides, bad weather, and maintenance issues. The ticket prices were a bit cheaper, and very few tourists knew about online booking.
Changes & Developments Till Now
Over the past five years, many changes have been implemented to enhance the experience:
| Aspect | Increase / Decrease |
|---|---|
| Ticket Prices | Slight increase due to heritage value & maintenance |
| Diesel Joy Ride Frequency | Increased |
| Online Booking (IRCTC) | Increased awareness & usage |
| Tourist Footfall | Increased post‑pandemic |
| Steam Engine Services | Limited but preserved |
| Comfort & Safety Measures | Improved |
Who Usually Rides the Darjeeling Toy Train?
The Toy Train is a popular choice for a diverse group of visitors both from India and overseas.
| Visitor Type | Experience |
|---|---|
| Families | Fun & educational |
| Couples | Romantic scenic ride |
| Foreign Tourists | Heritage experience |
| Photography Lovers | Iconic views |
| Senior Citizens | Nostalgic journey |
Facilities Available on Darjeeling Toy Train
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Reserved Seating | Available |
| Window Seats | Limited |
| Clean Coaches | Yes |
| Safety Staff | Yes |
| Heritage Coaches | Selected services |
Darjeeling Toy Train Location, Address & Map
| Station | Location | Pin Code |
|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling Railway Station | Darjeeling Town, West Bengal | 734101 |
| Ghum Railway Station | Ghum, Darjeeling District | 734102 |
| New Jalpaiguri Junction | Siliguri, West Bengal | 734007 |
How to Reach Darjeeling Toy Train Starting Point
Nearest Bus Stand
| Bus Stand | Distance |
|---|---|
| Darjeeling Bus Stand | 1–2 km |
Nearest Railway Station
| Station | Distance |
|---|---|
| New Jalpaiguri Junction | 88 km |
Nearest Airport
| Airport | Distance |
|---|---|
| Bagdogra Airport | 90 km |
Nearest ATM & Medical Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| ATMs | SBI, ICICI, PNB ATMs near Darjeeling Mall Road |
| Hospitals | Darjeeling District Hospital (approx 2 km) |
| Medical Stores | Easily available near station & Mall Road |
Darjeeling Weather & Temperature
Darjeeling has a cool mountain climate through the whole year, which makes the Toy Train ride even more wonderful.
| Season | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Summer (Mar–May) | 11°C – 19°C |
| Monsoon (Jun–Aug) | 13°C – 18°C |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 2°C – 10°C |
Nearest Hotels, Waiting Rooms & Cloakroom Facility
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Budget Hotels | Available near Darjeeling Station & Mall Road |
| Mid-range Hotels | Easily available |
| Waiting Room | Available at major stations |
| Cloak Room / Luggage Storage | Available at Darjeeling & NJP stations |
Nearby Attractions Along the Toy Train Route
| Place | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Batasia Loop | Panoramic views |
| Ghum Monastery | Peaceful & historic |
| Tea Gardens | Scenic landscapes |
| Darjeeling Mall Road | Local shopping |
Important Visitor Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance Booking | Highly recommended |
| Seat Preference | Choose window seats |
| Time Buffer | Expect delays |
| Clothing | Carry warm layers |
Conclusion
Darjeeling Toy Train is not only a ride, it is a travelling through the history, the mountains, and the culture. Though the ticket prices have gone up a little over the last five years, the overall service has been enhanced with easier booking options, improved safety, and better tourist facilities. Whether it is just a short joyride or the whole NJP, Darjeeling route, this heritage train is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding Indian experiences.
FAQs-
What is the ticket price of Darjeeling Toy Train?
The fee of tickets varies from 450 for short rides to 2, 500 for long heritage journeys.
Which Toy Train ride is most popular?
The Darjeeling, Ghum joy ride is the most popular.
Is the Toy Train suitable for couples?
Yes, it is a romantic and scenic experience.
How long does the Darjeeling, Ghum ride take?
Around 4550 minutes one way.
Is online booking available?
Yes, tickets can be booked through IRCTC and other railway platforms.
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