Darjeeling is a famous hill station in West Bengal known for its tea gardens and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Pelling, located in Sikkim, is a popular destination for its serene monasteries and mountain landscapes. Traveling between these two places is common for tourists exploring the eastern Himalayas.

This guide explains the main travel options from Darjeeling to Pelling, including train, bus, and car. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to visit. This will help you plan your trip confidently and enjoy the journey.

Getting from Darjeeling to Pelling – Main Options

Train

Train travel is not a direct option between Darjeeling and Pelling due to the hilly terrain. However, you can use nearby railway stations to connect part of the journey by train combined with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 70 km away, connected by regular trains from Kolkata, Delhi, and other cities.

• From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pelling, which is approximately 115 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours by road.

• Train fares to NJP vary widely depending on class and train, typically ranging from ₹300 to ₹1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• Train travel to NJP is comfortable and fast, but the onward road journey to Pelling involves winding mountain roads that require careful driving.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel from Darjeeling to Pelling, though the journey can be long and winding. State-run and private buses operate on this route.

• West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) run buses from Darjeeling to Pelling, usually via Siliguri or Jorethang.

• The direct bus journey takes about 6 to 7 hours covering roughly 120 km, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the bus type.

• Buses depart mostly in the morning and early afternoon; evening buses are limited due to mountain road safety concerns.

• Seats can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so arriving early at the bus stand in Darjeeling is advisable.

• Road conditions can be affected by monsoon rains causing delays; winter fog may also slow travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Darjeeling to Pelling is a flexible and scenic option. The route passes through beautiful mountain landscapes and small towns.

• The distance by road is approximately 115 km via NH10 and NH717A, taking around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and weather.

• You can hire a private taxi from Darjeeling or rent a self-drive car from Siliguri or Darjeeling for this journey.

• Toll plazas and mountain passes on the route require careful driving, especially during monsoon when landslides are possible.

• There are several rest stops and dhabas along the way, including at Jorethang and Legship, offering local food and refreshments.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid traffic and reach Pelling before dusk, as mountain roads can be challenging at night.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Darjeeling and Pelling. The nearest airport to both places is Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which serves as a gateway for air travelers.

• From Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Darjeeling (about 70 km) or directly to Pelling (about 120 km).

• The road journey from Bagdogra to Pelling takes around 4 to 5 hours, similar to the Darjeeling-Pelling route.

• Flights to Bagdogra are frequent from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati, with fares varying seasonally.

• Booking flights and ground transport in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Bagdogra airport has basic facilities and taxi counters for easy onward travel arrangements.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers moving from Darjeeling to Pelling, focusing on ease and safety.

• Book your train ticket to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) online via IRCTC well in advance to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute rush.

• From NJP, arrange a pre-booked taxi or shared jeep to Pelling to ensure a comfortable and direct road journey without waiting at bus stands.

• Start your journey early in the morning from Darjeeling to NJP or Bagdogra to avoid traffic and reach Pelling before dark.

• Carry light luggage and pack snacks and water for the road, as mountain routes have limited food options and frequent stops.

• Use Ola or Uber cabs within Darjeeling for local transfers to bus stands or taxi points, as these apps are widely available and reliable.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, since network coverage can be patchy in mountain areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from NJP or Bagdogra to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel on unfamiliar mountain roads.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted dhabas or restaurants to avoid stomach issues during the journey.

• Book bus or taxi tickets a day in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to secure your seat and avoid last-minute cancellations.

• Carry a small first aid kit and medicines for motion sickness, as the winding roads can cause discomfort for some travelers.

• Dress in layers and carry rain gear during monsoon months (June to September) as weather can change quickly in the hills.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive gadgets openly, especially in crowded bus stands and markets.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Darjeeling to Pelling is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is clear and roads are dry. Winters are cold but offer crisp mountain views.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains causing landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky and slow. Early morning departures help avoid afternoon fog and traffic jams.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Christmas in Darjeeling, as transport options get crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause landslides on NH10 and NH717A, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility on mountain roads, so plan for extra travel time.

• Departing between 6 AM and 9 AM is ideal to enjoy daylight driving and reach Pelling comfortably before sunset.

Arrival at Pelling & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pelling, you will find a small town with limited public transport but good options for local travel. The main bus stand and taxi points are near the town center.

Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available for local sightseeing or transfers to nearby attractions like Pemayangtse Monastery and Khecheopalri Lake. Many hotels offer pickup services if informed in advance.

Local buses are infrequent and not very reliable, so hiring a taxi or renting a scooter is common. The town has several guesthouses and hotels near the main market area, making it convenient for tourists.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Pelling from Darjeeling is by combining train travel to New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra with a private taxi or shared jeep for the mountain road journey. This balances comfort, time, and cost effectively.

Planning ahead by booking train tickets and ground transport early, starting your journey early in the day, and preparing for mountain road conditions will ensure a smooth trip. With these tips, you can confidently explore the beautiful route between Darjeeling and Pelling and enjoy the scenic Himalayan experience.