Gangtok/Darjeeling - Kolkata

jimcana

What is the best way to go from Gantok or Darjeeling to Kolkata, both in term of price and time?
Many thanks for any tips
François

Caitriona

I have only ever gone one way from Darjeeling to Kolkata, the budget way! You can get a share jeep from Darjeeling to Siliguri (approx 90 rupees but you are stuffed in an overfull jeep!) and then the train from Siliguri to Kolkata ( from about 200 rupees up, not exactly sure how much i paid!) Hope that helps!

jimcana

Excellent, many thanks. Just a question, how long is the trip between Siliguri and Kolkota? Can this be down by night?

nayan

there are quite a few overnight trains in this route. the best of the lot is darjeeling mail.

vpsingh

Gangtok/Darjeeling - New Jalpaiguri
Take shared cab (if you are OK being stuffed with half a dozen extremely talkative Bengali and kids) or a state transport bus (if you are lenient with time and don't mind bumps every two meters on road). If you can spend, take private taxi (share it with few fellow like-minded passenegers).

NewJalpaiguri - Kolkata
Trains best bet, Saraighat Express fastest and Darjeeling mail most convenient times.

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jimcana

Many thanks for these very helpful replies! Two additional questions if I may.
Is it easy to book a train ticket on trhe departure day or should I do some advance bookings?
Is the cost of the trip by train much cheaper than a flight?
Many thanks
François

Britishraj

You should book Well In Advance. Yes the train fare is cheaper than an airfare. The train is an overnight journey and flying will take 40 minutes. You may also go on the overnight bus if you cant get a ticket for a train..but it's a rather uncomfortable journey.

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Mickey S

Most overnight trains between Darjeeling (New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri) and Kolkata are already waitlisted in most classes for the period 8-12 December. You'd better book very quickly if you want to travel at that time.

jimcana

Many thanks for this. Apologies for my ignorance, but how could I book such ticket? Which website should I use?

hanajo

You can check out the Indian Railways website
www.indianrail.gov.in and they have information about booking trains. Another great website for train travel in India is http://www.seat61.com/India.htm
The Darjeeling Mail is an overnight train and from memory it is about a 10 hour trip, taking into account there may be delays along the way!
Hope this helps,
Hanajo