Darjeeling, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal, is a charming hill station known for its tea gardens and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a bustling city famous for its rich history and cuisine. Traveling from Lucknow to Darjeeling is popular among tourists seeking a refreshing mountain escape from the plains.

This guide covers all practical ways to reach Darjeeling from Lucknow, including train, bus, car, and flight options. Whether you prefer scenic train rides, comfortable flights, or adventurous road trips, you'll find detailed information and insider tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Lucknow to Darjeeling – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Lucknow to Darjeeling is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy scenic routes. However, there is no direct train to Darjeeling; the nearest broad-gauge station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 70 km from Darjeeling.

• Route and key stations:

  Board a train from Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Trains like the North East Express or Padatik Express connect these stations with travel times around 18 to 22 hours.

• Ticket cost and booking:

  Sleeper class tickets range from ₹400 to ₹800, while AC classes cost ₹1,200 to ₹2,000. Book tickets well in advance via IRCTC, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Several trains run weekly or bi-weekly. AC coaches offer better comfort for the long journey, but sleeper class is economical. Carry snacks and water, as pantry services may be limited.

• Last leg to Darjeeling:

  From NJP, take a shared jeep or taxi to Darjeeling, which takes around 3 to 4 hours on winding mountain roads. Alternatively, board the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train from NJP to Darjeeling for a scenic but longer journey.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid monsoon months (June to September) for train travel due to landslide risks near Darjeeling. Book early during winter holidays when demand spikes.

Bus

Direct bus services from Lucknow to Darjeeling are limited, but you can combine buses to reach Siliguri or NJP and then proceed to Darjeeling by local transport. This option suits budget travelers comfortable with multiple changes.

• Route details:

  Take a Lucknow to Siliguri or NJP bus via NH27 and NH31, covering approximately 1,200 km in 24 to 28 hours. State transport buses like UPSRTC and NBSTC operate on these routes.

• Ticket costs and classes:

  Sleeper and semi-sleeper buses cost ₹800 to ₹1,200. Volvo buses are rare on this route but offer more comfort if available.

• Frequency and stops:

  Buses run daily but may have limited direct options. Prepare for multiple stops and possible overnight travel.

• Local transport from Siliguri/NJP:

  From Siliguri or NJP, shared jeeps and taxis are readily available for the 3-4 hour drive to Darjeeling.

• Travel tips:

  Carry warm clothes for night travel and keep essentials handy. Booking tickets at bus depots or via online portals like RedBus is advisable.

Car/Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Darjeeling offers flexibility and the chance to explore offbeat stops en route. The journey covers about 1,200 km and takes roughly 24 hours, so plan for breaks and overnight stays.

• Route overview:

  The recommended route is via NH27 to Siliguri, then NH10 to Darjeeling. The roads are mostly well-maintained plains highways until Siliguri, after which mountain roads become narrow and winding.

• Travel time and stops:

  Expect 2 days of travel with stops at places like Varanasi, Patna, and Siliguri. Plan overnight stays in clean hotels or guesthouses along the way.

• Road conditions and challenges:

  NH27 and NH10 are generally good, but the last 70 km to Darjeeling involves steep climbs and hairpin bends. Drive cautiously, especially during monsoon and winter fog.

• Fuel and tolls:

  Multiple fuel stations are available on NH27. Toll charges apply on expressways; keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Local driving tips:

  Darjeeling town has narrow lanes and limited parking. Use local parking lots and consider hiring local taxis for sightseeing.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Lucknow to Darjeeling, though there is no airport in Darjeeling itself. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, about 70 km away.

• Flight details:

  Fly from Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport (LKO) in Lucknow to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Direct flights are rare; most itineraries include a stopover in Kolkata or Delhi.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Total flight time ranges from 4 to 7 hours depending on connections. Ticket prices vary from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one way.

• From Bagdogra to Darjeeling:

  After landing, take a shared jeep or pre-booked taxi for the 3-hour scenic drive uphill to Darjeeling. Shared jeeps are economical but can be crowded.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early via airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip. Check for seasonal discounts and flexible cancellation policies.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Flights may be delayed during foggy winter mornings or heavy monsoon rains. Arrive early at the airport to avoid last-minute hassles.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers from Lucknow to Darjeeling plan their journey efficiently, minimizing stress and maximizing comfort.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether train, bus, or flight, secure your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at Lucknow Charbagh railway station or airport 1-2 hours before departure to avoid last-minute rush and complete security checks smoothly.

• Pack essentials for the mountain climate:

  Darjeeling is cooler than Lucknow; carry warm clothes, rain gear during monsoon, and comfortable shoes for hilly terrain.

• Plan the last leg carefully:

  From NJP or Bagdogra, pre-book a taxi or use shared jeeps. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Stay connected:

  Keep a local SIM card or roaming active for navigation and communication, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas.

• Prepare for altitude adjustment:

  Take it easy on arrival, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity on the first day to acclimatize to Darjeeling's elevation.

Practical Travel Tips

• IRCTC and ticket booking:

  Use the official IRCTC website or app for train bookings to avoid scams. Check train status regularly for delays or cancellations.

• Food and water safety:

  Carry bottled water and avoid street food during transit to prevent stomach issues. Darjeeling has many clean cafes serving local and continental cuisine.

• Local commute in Darjeeling:

  Use shared jeeps or local taxis for sightseeing. Apps like Ola are limited here, so negotiate fares before rides.

• Luggage handling:

  Pack light and use sturdy bags, as transfers between transport modes can be frequent and involve stairs or uneven surfaces.

• Safety precautions:

  Avoid night travel on mountain roads due to fog and narrow paths. Keep emergency numbers handy and inform someone about your travel plans.

• Seasonal booking strategy:

  During winter and summer holidays, book accommodation and transport well in advance to avoid last-minute price surges.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Darjeeling depends on weather and traffic conditions. Avoiding peak congestion and harsh weather improves the journey experience.

Monsoon season brings landslides and slippery roads near Darjeeling, while winter mornings can have dense fog affecting flights and road visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja or Diwali when trains and flights are crowded.

• Plan departures early morning to avoid city traffic in Lucknow and reach Darjeeling before dusk.

• Skip monsoon months (June to September) for safer and more pleasant travel.

• Winter (October to February) offers clear skies but pack warm clothes due to cold temperatures in Darjeeling.

Arrival at Darjeeling & What to Expect

On arrival in Darjeeling, whether by road from NJP or Bagdogra, travelers are greeted by cool mountain air and stunning views of tea gardens and hills. The town is compact with narrow lanes and bustling markets.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train. Popular stay areas include Gandhi Road and Chowrasta, close to major attractions like the Mall Road and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

Prepaid taxis are available at Bagdogra airport and NJP station; always use them for safety and fair pricing. Walking is pleasant within Darjeeling town, but for hilltop sights, local taxis or jeeps are recommended.

Conclusion

Among the options, flying to Bagdogra followed by a taxi or shared jeep is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Darjeeling from Lucknow. It saves significant travel time and offers a hassle-free experience, especially for first-time visitors.

For budget travelers, taking a train to New Jalpaiguri and then road transport is economical and scenic, though it requires more planning. With the detailed options and tips provided, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Darjeeling without stress.