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A 24-Hour Rail-and-Bus Journey to Darjeeling

This source documents a 24-hour journey to Darjeeling, not a sightseeing stay, so the plan covers only the travel day and the arrival. Allow plenty of time at stations, check your train’s final chart, and keep the Silig…

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First Time Taking A Night Train In India (I Was Surprised) Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This source documents a 24-hour journey to Darjeeling, not a sightseeing stay, so the plan covers only the travel day and the arrival. Allow plenty of time at stations, check your train’s final chart, and keep the Siliguri bus option in mind if the Darjeeling train is waitlisted. For the overnight train, the creator found 2 AC comfortable; bedding was initially missing, so be prepared for that possibility. Pack warm layers: the journey and Darjeeling were described as chilly. No specific accommodation or Darjeeling attractions were named.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Day 1 — Guwahati to Darjeeling via New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri

This is a long transit day, with an overnight train, a connection at New Jalpaiguri, and a bus onward from Siliguri. The creator’s train was waitlisted, so confirm your onward ticket and keep time for the bus-ticket counter. The cost range below covers the mentioned lounge, food, and bus expenses only; the train fare was not stated.

  1. Guwahati Railway StationGuwahati Railway Station, Guwahati, India

    Arrive early and confirm your platform and carriage before boarding the Avadh Assam Express toward New Jalpaiguri. The station has food stalls; the creator bought a veg roll, tea, and a samosa, and advised allowing plenty of time to navigate Indian rail travel.

  2. Guwahati Railway StationGuwahati Railway Station, Guwahati, India

    For a several-hour wait, the station lounge offered air conditioning, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The creator paid 90 rupees for four hours and noted that the lounge was open around the clock.

  3. New Jalpaiguri JunctionNew Jalpaiguri Junction railway station, Siliguri, India

    The creator’s overnight train was the Avadh Assam Express in 2 AC. Bedding was delayed, so check that your linen is available; the upper berth had a curtain and reading light. The train arrived early at New Jalpaiguri, but the onward Darjeeling train remained waitlisted.

  4. Tenzing Norgay Bus TerminusTenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, Siliguri, India

    If your Darjeeling train is unavailable, go to the bus-ticket counter rather than assuming you can buy aboard. The creator paid 105 rupees for a government bus ticket, was assigned a seat, and noted a 6:40 departure. A chai at the stand cost 10 rupees. A ride-hailing app was used to reach the bus stand from New Jalpaiguri; the creator found it more convenient than negotiating a quoted fare.

  5. Darjeeling Himalayan RailwayDarjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

    The bus journey climbs from Siliguri to Darjeeling, with views becoming more promising higher in the hills. Expect a long seated ride and busy hill roads; bring warm clothing, as Darjeeling was described as chilly on arrival. No specific hotel or sightseeing stop was identified, so this marks the documented arrival rather than an invented attraction.