Darjeeling Toy Train: Ultimate Guide to the Himalayan Joy Ride

Are you a fan of Harry Potter or do you remember the Hogwarts Express that Harry rode to Hogwarts? If you want to have an experience similar to that, you are in for a treat as one of the Indian trains looks exactly like that. This train is none other than the famous Darjeeling Toy train.

The Darjeeling toy train isn’t just another train. It is a historical legacy which represents the achievements of Indian engineering, creativity and attracts both the children and elderly alike. If you want to take a mountain trip on trains, this might be the best option for you.

What Is the Darjeeling Toy Train?

Darjeeling Toy Train or simply Toy train refers to the narrow gauge system with track width of 2ft or 610mm operating between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. This train track was built between 1879 to 1881 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This train takes passengers through a memorable ride connecting the plains of New Jalpaiguri with the hilly terrain of Darjeeling. The train route consists of several loops, zing-zags and curves which makes the ride exciting and a treat for our eyes.

History of Darjeeling Toy Train

The history of Darjeeling toy train is directly linked with the city’s most famous product: the Darjeeling Tea. British tea cultivators found a major drawback in the logistics of tea leaves and rice, where bullock carts were used to move products up and down the hill. The solution to this problem was building a tram way up the hill.

The construction work began with the establishment of Darjeeling Steam Tramway Co., which was later renamed to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Co.

Why the Narrow Gauge?

Usually train tracks are laid out on broad gauge or meter-gauge systems. However, this route was across the hill which would have been very costly if fresh path was carved out. Instead, the already existing  Hill Car Road was used. Since, the new train track could only take a certain portion of the existing road a narrow gauge, instead of the usual broad gauge, was used.

Even till now, a large part of this Darjeeling Toy train passes close to the roadways with glimpses of traffic and people passing by. Out of the total length of 87.48 kilometres, 64 kilometres of track is laid out on the same road bench as that of the National Highway.

Which Darjeeling Toy Train Route to Choose?

Darjeeling Toy train offers different train routes and rides for different passengers. Choosing which ride to choose depends on the time the traveller has and whether they like the vintage feel of steam engines or the fast diesel ones.

• New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling Toy Train

Passengers who want to have the full experience of the Toy train should choose the New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling toy train. This journey is about 88 kilometres long and takes 7-8 hours for completion. This train journey will take you from the plains of New Jalpaiguri and slowly ascend towards the mountainous city of Darjeeling.

Here are some of the trains you can choose for New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling:

• Darjeeling Joy Ride: The tourist choice

Tourists who do not want the full stretch of the journey and just want to experience the joy of a few hours can take the Darjeeling Joy Ride. These train journeys are 14kilometres long and usually take an hour each way. The train stops at Batasia Loop and Ghoom Railway Station.

• Darjeeling to Kurseong

Darjeeling to Kurseong is a perfect journey for those rising in the mid-hill region or those who want something longer than Joy Rides without committing to the full NJP-Dehradun route.

• Siliguri to Rongtong Joy Ride

Econ lovers and safari enthusiasts can make the most of the Darjeeling toy train by taking the Siliguri to Rongtong train route. These safari rides will take us through the Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary.

Steam Engine vs Diesel Engine Toy Train

As you might have seen in the table above, this train route also operates a number of steam trains as well as diesel trains. Steam trains are best for those who want to have a piece of history along with their ride while Diesel engines are better for those who prefer practicality and comfort.

The Experience of Travelling on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Travelling on the Darjeeling Himalayan  Railway seems more like a dream and less like a real train ride. The train takes you through winding hill slopes which have also attracted several Bollywood movies. From “Mere Sapno ki Raani Kab Aayegi tu” of Aradhana(1969), “Kasto Mazza” of Parineeta (2005) and iconic entry of Shah Rukh Khan in Main Hoon Na (2004), Darjeeling Toy Train has been a constant theme.

Do not miss these hotspot on your train ride:

• Tea Gardens, Colonial architecture and Pine forests
• Batasia Loop, an iconic loop across the route providing a unique view of the valley from the hills. This 360 degree turn also provides a gorgeous view of the Kanchenjunga mountains system.
• Do not miss Ghum Station, the highest railway station of India

A unique experience of the Darjeeling Toy train also comes from the fact that it is largely located alongside the National Highways. This adds another layer and fun to the ride.

Best Time to Ride the Darjeeling Toy Train

If you want to ride the Darjeeling Toy train, these are the best months to enjoy it:

• Spring (March to June): This is the best time to explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Spring time offers the Darjeeling tea plantation and orchids to bloom making the perfect time for photography. Even the weather feels comfortable and enjoyable.

• Autumn (October to December): This is another time to give the toy train a try. During these months the monsoon mists disappear offering a clear view of the Kanchenjunga. Passengers can also enjoy the Ghoom festival during this period. 

If you want to check if seats are available on these trains, you can do so by using RailMitra train seat availability service.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Recent Developments

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has made great strides in the previous year (2025-2026). In the previous financial year it generated a revenue of 24.6 Crores, up from 21.2 Crore revenue generated in the previous financial year. Passenger footfall also increases from 1.74 lakhs to 2.08 lakhs.

Darjeeling Himalaya Railway is committed to providing the optimum customer experience. It is planned to elevate the train ride as an all season experience instead of just a season ride alternative.

Some Tips for First Time Passengers

Here are some of the tips for the passengers that can make their journeys even more memorable and happening:

• Try to book your tickets in advance and don’t wait for the last moment. These trains are popular and often booked early. Use RailMitra’s PNR Status service to track your booking status in real time.
• Check the detailed train schedule before booking the tickets.
• Choose the window seats if possible.
• If you can afford it, always go for the Steam engine trains. They are just too epic to miss.
• Carry sweaters and warm clothes with you, even in summers’
• Keep your DSLRs or Phone Cameras ready as the landscape can change quickly.

Conclusion

Trains and mountains have a mysterious relationship that attracts lakhs of tourists every year. There is something about travelling in trains, glimpsing outside the windows as the train rustles through the hilly terrains and lofty mountain peaks.

If you love journeys for their experience, rather than the speed, Darjeeling Toy trains deserve to be in your bucket list. I mean, it is not everyday that you get to enjoy our own desi Hogwarts Express.