🚂 Darjeeling Toy Train Ride – A Complete Travel Guide

🚆 Popular Toy Train Routes

There are three main routes offered by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

1. NJP to Darjeeling (Full Ride)

• Duration: ~7 hours

• Experience: Full scenic route, ideal for long journeys and railway lovers

• Note: Limited services; booking in advance is essential

• Best included in a Darjeeling Tour Itinerary

2. Kurseong to Darjeeling

• Duration: ~3 hours

• Experience: Shorter than NJP route but still offers beautiful hill views

3. Darjeeling to Ghum Joy Ride

• Duration: 2 hours round trip

• Stops: Batasia Loop, Ghum Museum

• Most popular among tourists — perfect for those short on time

• Available in both steam and diesel engine versions

• Often combined with a visit to Tiger Hill Sunrise Point

🕒 Darjeeling Toy Train Timings & Schedule

Joy Ride (Darjeeling–Ghum–Darjeeling) – Most frequent schedule:

• Morning Rides: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM

• Afternoon Rides: 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM

Note: Timings may vary seasonally. Always confirm via IRCTC or local railway inquiry before planning.

🎟️ How to Book Darjeeling Toy Train Tickets

• Online Booking: Visit IRCTC Tourism or the IRCTC Official Site

• Offline Booking: Available at Darjeeling station ticket counter

• Ticket Prices (approx.):

  • Joy Ride (Diesel): ₹1,000 per person

  • Joy Ride (Steam): ₹1,500 per person

  • NJP–Darjeeling route: ₹1,400–₹1,800 depending on the class

For a more immersive trip, consider combining the ride with a Darjeeling Tour Package that includes local transport and accommodation.

🪟 What to Expect on the Toy Train Ride

• Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga on clear days

• Ride through tea gardens, mountain villages, and cloud-covered hills

• Scenic photo stops like Batasia Loop and Ghum Museum

• Vintage vibes with wooden seats, colonial lamps, and station bells

For more scenic places around the route, check out 10 Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling.

📷 Best Photo Spots During the Journey

• Batasia Loop – Circular railway loop with a panoramic viewpoint

• Ghum Station – India’s highest railway station

• Tea gardens near Kurseong – Ideal for candid shots

• Darjeeling station – Old-world charm and iconic engine photos

📝 Travel Tips for the Toy Train

• Book in advance during peak seasons (April–June & October–December)

• Carry light snacks and water — the ride can be slow

• Choose early morning rides for better weather and clearer mountain views

• Don’t miss visiting the Ghum Railway Museum if you take the joy ride

• Opt for the steam engine ride if you’re after a more nostalgic experience

If you’re traveling independently, you may want to explore Car Rental in Darjeeling for easy station-to-hotel transfers.

🧳 Who Should Take the Darjeeling Toy Train?

• First-time visitors to Darjeeling

• Families with kids

• Couples looking for romantic hill experiences

• Travel vloggers, photographers, and railway heritage lovers

🗺️ Plan Your Darjeeling Toy Train Experience with Us

At Northeast Destinations, we help you plan your Darjeeling Toy Train ride as part of our customizable Darjeeling Tour Itinerary. From ticket booking assistance to local transport and hotel stays, we take care of everything so you can just sit back and enjoy the view.

👉 Contact us now to include the toy train in your Darjeeling travel plan.