1.5 h₹100–150 a seat
Shared jeep
Jeeps leave the Kurseong stand near the station when full, throughout the day. The road climbs with the railway alongside, through Tung, Sonada and Ghoom. Sit on the left going up for valley views.
Route · Kurseong & Mirik
Kurseong to Darjeeling
Kurseong to Darjeeling is about 32 km up Hill Cart Road, 1.5 hours by shared jeep for ₹100–150. The toy train covers the same stretch in about 2.5–3 hours via Tung, Sonada and Ghoom when services run.
Darjeeling32km
Climb1,482→2,042m
Departures · shared and reservedFares indicative · check on the day
| From | To | How | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KURSEONG | DARJEELING | Shared jeep | 1.5 h | ₹100–150 |
| KURSEONG | DARJEELING | Toy train | 2.5–3 h | CHECK IRCTC; VAR |
| KURSEONG | DARJEELING | Reserved car | 1–1.5 h | ₹1,800–2,500 A C |
From our route pages. Fares change with fuel prices, season and demand: check current status before you travel.
2.5–3 hCheck IRCTC; varies by class
Toy train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs from Kurseong through Tung, Sonada and Ghoom, the highest station on the line at 2,258 m, and loops round Batasia before Darjeeling. Services and timings change; book on IRCTC and check current status before you travel.
1–1.5 h₹1,800–2,500 a car
Reserved car
A car lets you stop at Sonada, Ghoom monastery or the Batasia Loop on the way. Agree the stops in advance; extra waiting time may be charged.
On the way
- Tung
- Sonada
- Ghoom and Yiga Choeling monastery
- Batasia Loop
Local tip: Ride the toy train up and take a shared jeep down, so you get the railway experience without spending a whole day on it.
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is the toy train from Kurseong to Darjeeling worth it?
Yes, if it is running and you have the time. The 2.5–3 hour ride climbs through village bazaars and forest to Ghoom and loops round Batasia. It is slower than a jeep but far more memorable. Seats are limited; book on IRCTC in advance.
How much is a shared jeep from Kurseong to Darjeeling?
About ₹100–150 a seat, for a ride of roughly 1.5 hours. Jeeps leave from the stand near Kurseong station when full, frequently in the morning and less often in the late afternoon.
Can I do a day trip from Kurseong to Darjeeling?
Yes. Leave Kurseong by 8 am by jeep, spend the day in Darjeeling and return by a jeep before about 4 pm, when they thin out. A reserved car gives more flexibility for about ₹3,000–4,000 for the day.
Is the Kurseong–Darjeeling road open all year?
Usually, yes. Monsoon landslides can cause delays between June and September, and fog reduces speed in winter evenings. Check current status before you travel during heavy rain.