Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) Tourism

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tourist Attraction3.5(773 reviews)

About Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the 'Toy Train,' is a 2 ft narrow-gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. A masterpiece of engineering, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its innovative use of a rugged terrain that is both steep and mountainous. The railway was completed in 1881 and covers approximately 88 kilometers (55 miles), traversing through a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, lush tea gardens, and forests. The journey aboard the toy train offers spectacular panoramas and a unique opportunity to experience colonial-era travel, with its vintage steam locomotives and quaint passenger cars. It is not merely a tourist attraction but also an essential mode of transportation for locals. The slow-paced journey, reaching altitudes of up to 2,200 meters, gives travelers an intimate look at the Himalayan environment and the culturally rich hill towns en route to Darjeeling.

Opening and closing time of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Monday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuesday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Thursday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Friday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Saturday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sunday	Closed

Opening hours can change for special events or maintenance. Check with the local tourism office or the official website before you go.

Entry ticket price for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Adult	1300 for the steam locomotive rides, 800 for the diesel engine rides
Child	Children under 5 ride free, age 5-12 may have reduced fares.

Prices are subject to change; please check before visiting.

Tips when you are visiting Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

✓ Booking Advance
Book tickets in advance to ensure a seat as it's a popular attraction
✓ Morning Rides
Opt for morning rides to enjoy the clear sky and better views
✓ Warm Clothing
Carry warm clothing as it can get chilly, especially in winter
✓ Battery Charged
Have your camera battery fully charged for the picturesque journey

Top 5 Reviews on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Curious729919
5.0
Wrote on 30 Dec 2023
Darjeeling, Toy Train - An experience not to be missed!
If you are visiting Darjeeling, then do not miss to book your tickets on IRCTC from Darjeeling to Darjeeling! This is close to a 1.5 hour travel with close to 2 stops (20 mins each approx). The train travels through the streets of Darjeeling and it's a must try experience! The ticket costs INR 1000 each approx.
Charles_and_Susan
4.0
Wrote on 20 Dec 2023
Smoky ride though the crowded streets on a train!
It's larger than what I'd call a "toy" train although not full size. As you ride up into Darjeeling you can see the tracks criss-crossing the road, cutting across the hairpin bends and in places support on pillars outside the road itself. It's quite an engineering masterpiece getting the track up the hill. The tourist train tends to be steam driven but you'll see other trains pulled by diesel engines too. It's not an amazing ride but it's a bit of nostalgia.
Dreamer09111245385
1.0
Wrote on 14 Dec 2023
Worst toy train experience from Ghoom to Darjeeling
Worst experience ever !! Not recommended Booked to board the toy train from Ghum station for a distance of 45min, but it was delayed by 9 hours. We have to board the train @3pm and it arrived at 09:30pm. It was also acceptable if the station master has allowed to board another toy train of same destination; station master denied that as well. People are not helpful but are very soft and sweet voice tone.
Kayem59
2.0
Wrote on 18 Nov 2023
Waste of time & money
Complete waste of time. You pay a fortune to travel across the town and back! Having visited Batasia Loop the day before, I couldn't find one spot along the entire route, worth photographing. Other than the novelty value of having travelled in a steam engine drawn narrow gauge train, I found nothing to write about....
Navigator31260311027
3.0
Wrote on 6 Oct 2023
Toy train ride, Darjeeling.
Enroute were amazing views, especially of valleys. The road and rail tracks run together and criss cross several times. Lot of construction done by the rail side is not pleasant to eyes. Wonder how such thing was permitted by concerned authorities.

Other Places to Visit in Darjeeling

View all places to visit in Darjeeling

View Point/Nature Attraction

Tiger Hill

4.0(1,824 reviews)

Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

4.0(2,063 reviews)

Tourist attraction, Architectural Landmark

Batasia Loop

Peace Pagoda

Darjeeling Ropeway

Education and Training Institute/Museum

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

4.5(1,342 reviews)

Garden/Park

Darjeeling Rock Garden

Buddhist Monastery

Ghoom Monastery

4.0(476 reviews)

Tea Garden

Happy Valley Tea Estate

4.0(478 reviews)

Religious site/Nature viewpoint

Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

4.5(82 reviews)

National Park

Singalila National Park

Religious Site

Japanese Temple

National Park

Neora Valley National Park

4.5(41 reviews)

Village/Ecotourism

Tinchuley Village

Other places to Visit in West Bengal

View all places to visit in West Bengal

Kolkata

Siliguri

Kalimpong

Kurseong

Mirik

Digha

Cultural, Educational

Shantiniketan

National Park and Tiger Reserve

Sundarbans

Murshidabad

Bankura

Bishnupur

Cooch Behar

Jalpaiguri

Other Suggested Reads for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

About Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Opening and closing time of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Monday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuesday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Thursday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Friday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Saturday	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sunday	Closed

Opening hours can change for special events or maintenance. Check with the local tourism office or the official website before you go.

Entry ticket price for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Adult	1300 for the steam locomotive rides, 800 for the diesel engine rides
Child	Children under 5 ride free, age 5-12 may have reduced fares.

Prices are subject to change; please check before visiting.

Tips when you are visiting Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

✓ Booking Advance
Book tickets in advance to ensure a seat as it's a popular attraction
✓ Morning Rides
Opt for morning rides to enjoy the clear sky and better views
✓ Warm Clothing
Carry warm clothing as it can get chilly, especially in winter
✓ Battery Charged
Have your camera battery fully charged for the picturesque journey

Top 5 Reviews on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Curious729919
5.0
Wrote on 30 Dec 2023
Darjeeling, Toy Train - An experience not to be missed!
If you are visiting Darjeeling, then do not miss to book your tickets on IRCTC from Darjeeling to Darjeeling! This is close to a 1.5 hour travel with close to 2 stops (20 mins each approx). The train travels through the streets of Darjeeling and it's a must try experience! The ticket costs INR 1000 each approx.
Charles_and_Susan
4.0
Wrote on 20 Dec 2023
Smoky ride though the crowded streets on a train!
It's larger than what I'd call a "toy" train although not full size. As you ride up into Darjeeling you can see the tracks criss-crossing the road, cutting across the hairpin bends and in places support on pillars outside the road itself. It's quite an engineering masterpiece getting the track up the hill. The tourist train tends to be steam driven but you'll see other trains pulled by diesel engines too. It's not an amazing ride but it's a bit of nostalgia.
Dreamer09111245385
1.0
Wrote on 14 Dec 2023
Worst toy train experience from Ghoom to Darjeeling
Worst experience ever !! Not recommended Booked to board the toy train from Ghum station for a distance of 45min, but it was delayed by 9 hours. We have to board the train @3pm and it arrived at 09:30pm. It was also acceptable if the station master has allowed to board another toy train of same destination; station master denied that as well. People are not helpful but are very soft and sweet voice tone.
Kayem59
2.0
Wrote on 18 Nov 2023
Waste of time & money
Complete waste of time. You pay a fortune to travel across the town and back! Having visited Batasia Loop the day before, I couldn't find one spot along the entire route, worth photographing. Other than the novelty value of having travelled in a steam engine drawn narrow gauge train, I found nothing to write about....
Navigator31260311027
3.0
Wrote on 6 Oct 2023
Toy train ride, Darjeeling.
Enroute were amazing views, especially of valleys. The road and rail tracks run together and criss cross several times. Lot of construction done by the rail side is not pleasant to eyes. Wonder how such thing was permitted by concerned authorities.