Updated October 2026: Most visitors today ride the toy train on the short Darjeeling–Ghum joy ride rather than the full 7–8 hour run from New Jalpaiguri, which is often suspended in the monsoon after landslides. Current fares, how to book and how to fit the ride into a trip from Ahmedabad are added below.
Spread over a precarious good country edge, limited by emerald-green tea estates and overshadowed by sublime mountains, Darjeeling is a definitive Indian slope station and is positively West Bengal's driving fascination. To relish the experience of this beautiful hill station, all you need to do is to get on the Toy Train in Darjeeling. Awarded and given the heritage status by UNESCO, the train passes through lush green forests of Darjeeling and halts at some of the highest railway stations of the world, giving you an enthralling riding experience. Here are reasons why you need to include the Toy Train ride on your Darjeeling tour packages:
1. One of the narrow gauges
The Darjeeling Himalaya Railway or the Toy Train is amongst one of the very few remaining narrow-gauge charmers in the world. It climbs more than 2000 metres between Siliguri in West Bengal and will offer you an enchanting view of the tea plantations of Darjeeling.
2. It has even ferried the kings
This British-constructed 84 kilometres train used to carry precious tea cargo from the mountains to the plains, to the teapots of the world. Ever since its launch in the year 1880, the toy train has carried millions of people that include individuals’ holding prestigious positions like the kings, queens and heads of states.
3. Loops you in
You will get an opportunity to pass through mystic forests with conifers from Sukna forests. The railway spirals up entire loops of 360 degrees to climb high slopes. In all, the train drives through 5 such reverses and 3 loops.
4. Experience hill towns
You can get an opportunity to take a look at the many small hill towns. The zig-zag route will surely turn out to be a fun ride as you get to explore many old hill towns on the way.
5. An amazing view of the Himalayas
When the train touches Kurseong, which is at a height of 4,800 feet, you get to see breath-taking sights of the snow-capped mountains of the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga; a famous destination to be included in your Darjeeling tour packages. It also makes a stop at the world’s second highest railway station, Ghoom.
It more often than not takes around 45 minutes to cover the 7km course from Ghoom to Darjeeling with a 10-minute stop at the renowned Batasia Loop, adjacent which the prepare completes a steep full circle. Here you can get an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful and scenic view of the mountains. It also has a War Memorial built in respect of the Gorkha soldiers who lost their lives during the battle for Indian Independence.
Darjeeling Toy Train Ride is one of the most interesting things to do in Darjeeling & thrilling explorations experienced by tourists. In fact, tourists from all parts of the globe come here to enjoy the delightful ride. If you are planning a trip to Darjeeling anytime soon, a toy train ride should definitely be on your priority list.
Which toy train ride to choose
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway now runs three kinds of service.
- Darjeeling–Ghum joy ride (the one most people take): a round trip of about 14 km that takes about two hours. The train stops at Batasia Loop, with its Gorkha war memorial and views of Kanchenjunga on clear mornings, and at Ghum, where you have time for the small railway museum. In June 2026 the railway was running 13 joy rides a day, and the fares quoted by its director were about ₹1,310 for a steam-hauled train and ₹800 for a diesel one. Extra diesel joy rides were added from 1 October 2026 for the festive season.
- Kurseong–Mahanadi heritage rides: two round trips a day began in October 2026, one hauled by steam and one by diesel. They make sense if you are staying in Kurseong or want a quieter ride than the Darjeeling rush.
- The full New Jalpaiguri (NJP)–Darjeeling run: about 88 km and 7–8 hours uphill. It is a lovely ride for rail lovers, but it is a long day for grandparents and small children, and it is the service most often suspended in the rains. In 2024 it stopped on 5 July after landslide damage near Paglajhora and did not run again until mid-November. Check its status close to your date before you plan a day around it.
Steam or diesel?
Choose steam if the experience is the point: the whistle, the coal smoke and a locomotive built for this line. Choose diesel if you are watching the budget or travelling with seniors who mind the smoke. Both follow the same track and stop at Batasia Loop.
How to book
- Joy-ride tickets are sold on the IRCTC website like any train ticket. Search with Darjeeling (station code DJ) as both the starting and finishing station, pick the date and the steam or diesel service, and pay online. You will receive an e-ticket.
- In June 2026 many tourists were booking nearly two months ahead, and others were on waiting lists. For October–November, the Christmas week and May, book as soon as your hotel dates are fixed.
- Pick a morning departure if you can. The mountains are usually clearer before noon, and afternoon cloud often hides Kanchenjunga.
Getting to Darjeeling from Ahmedabad
As of October 2026, SpiceJet and Akasa Air each fly non-stop from Ahmedabad to Bagdogra (IXB), in about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours. Schedules vary by day of the week. From Bagdogra, Darjeeling is about three hours by road. On an afternoon arrival, plan to reach Darjeeling in the evening and keep the toy train for day two or three, once everyone has adjusted to the cold and the height.
Best months
March to May and October to mid-December give the clearest views and the most reliable train services. December and January are cold but often clear. June to September brings cloud, landslides and the most cancellations.
Indicative cost
A private 6-night Darjeeling and Gangtok trip, with hotels, breakfast and dinner and a car from Bagdogra and back, costs from ₹16,000 to ₹56,000 per person, as of October 2026; prices vary by date. Flights from Ahmedabad and the toy train ticket are extra. We show the joy ride as a separate line on the quote so you can choose steam or diesel. Our team in Ahmedabad plans these trips privately. For the full Sikkim–Darjeeling route, permits and day-wise plans, see our Sikkim and Darjeeling guide for travellers from Ahmedabad.
Veg and Jain food
Darjeeling's Mall Road area has pure-veg restaurants, several run by Marwari families, and hotels used to Gujarati guests prepare Jain dinners when told in advance. Carry thepla or khakhra for the train. The joy ride has no catering, and the Ghum stop is short.
A sample day
Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, have breakfast at the hotel, then take a late-morning steam joy ride with a stop at Batasia Loop. After lunch on Mall Road, visit a tea estate in the afternoon. Couples on a honeymoon trip often book the steam ride for this day and keep the evening free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the toy train joy ride cost?
In June 2026 the railway quoted about ₹1,310 for a steam joy ride and ₹800 for a diesel one. Fares can change, so check the IRCTC listing when you book.
Is the toy train suitable for senior citizens?
The two-hour joy ride is, with a window seat and a warm layer. The full NJP–Darjeeling journey of 7–8 hours is tiring, and we don't suggest it for seniors.
Does the toy train run in the monsoon?
The joy rides usually continue, but the long NJP–Darjeeling service is often suspended after landslides. Check its status close to your travel date.
