The Toy Train in Darjeeling is one of the most exciting adventures and is officially known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. In 1999, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, it has been carrying passengers from the lower Himalayan region to lush mountains and undulating hills.
Darjeeling toy train ride travels on a narrow gauge over the course and offers an experience of heritage and engineering marvels that stays with you for a lifetime. It is one of the perfect ways to adore the natural beauty of this famous hill town and make your trip more enjoyable. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway started its operation around 1881 and became one of the few hill railways operating in India. So traveling to Darjeeling feels even better when you board this hill train.
On the Toy Train Darjeeling, you can also get a glimpse of Batasia Loop, one of the most picturesque places in Darjeeling. The train ride also takes you through the 5 major and 500 minor bridges. Further, the train passes through some lush green hills, jungles, and tea farms of Darjeeling. The mesmerizing view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, will surely leave you amazed. Tourists from around the globe come here to enjoy the incredible ride.
You must include this toy train ride on your Darjeeling tour. We provide customization for your Darjeeling tour packages and let you get the best of this hill station.
What to Know Before You Go Toy train Ride in Darjeeling
Types of Toy Trains in Darjeeling
There are three types of tourist trains run by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Here is the detailed information about the trains:
1. Regular Darjeeling Toy Train services
The diesel engine toy train service is available for tourists. It is one of the famous train rides which takes travelers from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. These trains usually comprise one first-class coach, one AC car coach, and a luggage van to store luggage. However, during the peak season, extra coaches may also get attached. In addition, new Vistadome air-conditioned carriages recently joined the train, offering a unique experience.
Location – There are regular NJP to Darjeeling toy trains that run via Siliguri, Sukna, Rangtong, Tindharia, Gayabari, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, and Ghoom. It stops at Kurseong for 10 minutes, and at other stations, it halts for only a minute.
How to reach New Jalpaiguri
The nearest airport to New Jalpaiguri is Bagdogra Airport, situated at 18 km. It is well connected with the country’s major cities by railhead and a good road network.
- Fares: The toy train Darjeeling ticket price from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in first class is INR 1420, and for the AC chair car is INR 1700.
Note: First-class coaches are available on all the trains. However, the second class is available on limited regular trains.
2. Toy Train Joy Rides
The toy train joy rides start from Darjeeling railway station and take 2 hours to complete the journey. There are two options for the joy rides, and you can choose according to your preference, either a steam engine hauled toy train or one with a diesel engine. The steam engine train ride is most in demand, as it recreates the authentic experience of the heritage and the colonial aura when such toy trains were first created.
Location – The Darjeeling toy train route takes you through Batasia Loop and Ghoom. This route runs for 14 km, and the highest point of the train journey is the Ghoom, located at 2,255 m above sea level. After that, the train passes over 870 curves and exhilarating reverses and loops.
How to reach Darjeeling
New Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest railhead from Darjeeling, which is well-connected with the country’s major cities. The nearest airport from Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is situated at a 68 km railway station. In addition, the city has a good road network and is easily accessible from the nearby towns and cities.
- Fares: Toy train Darjeeling ticket prices cost INR 1,600 for a first-class ticket in a steam engine train, whereas the diesel engine train costs INR 1.000 in first class. The entry fee to Ghoom Museum is included in the fare.
Note:
- The above fares are the round trip price for Darjeeling – Ghoom – Darjeeling.
- The train stops for 25 minutes at Darjeeling railway station so tourists can visit Darjeeling Himalayan Museum. The ticket to the museum is included in the train fare.
- No tickets are required for children below 5 years. However, no concession in toy trains for children above 5 years and neither for senior citizens.
3. Darjeeling Safari Trains
The Darjeeling toy train journey starts from Siliguri Junction and takes 3 hours to complete the round trip. Safari trains take you through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and offer a breathtaking view of the Rangtong and Tindharia. The train consists of two to three coaches depending on the demand. The trains running on this route comprise diesel and steam locomotives.
Location – Safari trains run from Siliguri to Rangtong to Siliguri and cover a 32 km distance in 3 hours. The jungle safari is a retreat for nature lovers, and tourists can enjoy the scenery from the train. The highlight of the safari train is Mahananda Sanctuary and the railway museum at Sukna.
How to reach Siliguri
Bagdogra Airport serves as the primary airport in the city, located 15 minutes from the railway station. Siliguri railhead is well-connected with the major cities of the country. By road network, the city is easily accessible from nearby towns.
- Fares: The cost of the morning safari of the AC chair car is INR 700, and for the first class is INR 590. And for the afternoon safari, the fare of the AC chair car is INR 1200 and for the first class is INR 1000.
Note: The train has one general coach with a capacity of 17 persons and one dining car with a capacity of 12 persons. Tourists can relish delicious meals onboard.
Best Time to Enjoy Darjeeling Toy Train Ride
The peak season for the Darjeeling Toy Train ride is October to December, when the region experiences pleasant weather, allowing tourists to enjoy comfortable rides. In this season, there are more than 10 daily ride services available. However, the monsoon season from July to mid-September and the months of January and February are considered the low season; only four toy train rides are available.
How to book a Toy Train in Darjeeling?
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train reservations can be made online or offline. Darjeeling train tickets can be booked at Indian Railways reservation counters all over India or on the Indian Railways (IRCTC) official website.
Tips: It is advisable to book the tickets in advance as getting tickets on the spot is less due to high demand.
