Quick answer: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), the UNESCO World Heritage “toy train”, runs on a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge track. Tickets for regular trains and the Darjeeling–Ghum steam joy ride are booked through IRCTC or the railway counters at Darjeeling, NJP and Siliguri.
Important: the fare and timetable tables further down this page were published from the schedule dated 1 June 2019. Railway fares and timings are revised from time to time, so please confirm the current price and timing on the official IRCTC website or at the station counter before you travel.
Last reviewed: 31 October 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Search Darjeeling editorial team.
Darjeeling toy train in 2026: current fares, new services and the Ghum Winter Festival
Updated 13 November 2026. Railway fares are revised often and several of the figures below were reported by news outlets rather than printed on an official fare list, so always confirm the final amount on the IRCTC payment page or at the station counter before you travel.
Joy ride (Darjeeling–Ghum–Darjeeling) fares reported in 2026
- Diesel joy ride: about ₹800 per person (first class), as reported in mid-2026.
- Steam joy ride: about ₹1,310 per person, reported in June 2026. Older guides quote ₹1,000 and ₹1,500, which are out of date.
- The ticket includes entry to the DHR Museum at Ghum, and the train stops at Batasia Loop on the way. Children under five generally travel without a ticket.
New festive services since 1 October 2026
For the Durga Puja season the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway added six special joy ride services. Four diesel-hauled single trips run between Darjeeling and Ghum at a proposed fare of ₹800 per trip, leaving Darjeeling at 9:20 am and 11:25 am and leaving Ghum at 10:25 am and 12:30 pm. Two round trips run between Kurseong and Mahanadi: the steam-hauled Red Panda at about ₹1,530 and the diesel Mukta Dhara at about ₹1,030. Timings and fares for special services can change, so check before you plan around them.
Ghum Winter Festival 2026: 28 November to 6 December
The railway will hold a nine-day Ghum Winter Festival across the North Bengal hills, marking 27 years since the DHR joined the UNESCO World Heritage List. It opens with a cultural performance at Ghum station, includes a student robotics workshop at Sukna from 30 November to 2 December, and a student AI-innovation activity on a moving heritage train between Kurseong and Darjeeling on 3 December. No ticketing details had been published at the time of writing. If you are visiting in early December, book your joy ride seats early.
Charter and special journeys
Besides the regular joy ride, the DHR launched three themed charter journeys in February 2026, including moonlit and jungle-themed trips. Full-train and coach charters, including the Siliguri–Rangtong jungle safari, are arranged directly with the railway and are priced per booking, not per seat, so ask the DHR office for a current quote.
Recognition
In September 2026 the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list, which is one reason seats are selling out earlier than before in the peak months.
How to book
- Search the joy ride on IRCTC using the Darjeeling station code and the return code for the Darjeeling–Ghum round trip, or book at the Darjeeling station counter.
- Bookings generally open up to 120 days ahead. Steam rides sell out first.
- Carry a valid photo ID. Concessions and railway passes are not valid on DHR trains.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Darjeeling toy train joy ride in 2026? Around ₹800 for the diesel train and around ₹1,310 for the steam train for the Darjeeling–Ghum round trip, according to mid-2026 reports. Confirm on IRCTC.
How long does the joy ride take? About two hours, including the stop at Batasia Loop and time at the Ghum museum.
Is the toy train worth it? Yes for first-time visitors, especially on the steam service. It is short and touristy, but it is the most direct way to experience the UNESCO railway.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Check the 10-day Darjeeling weather forecast before booking, because rain and fog affect services.
- See our Darjeeling toy train timings and booking guide for the full schedule.
- Getting around town: Darjeeling taxi fare chart and how to travel from Kolkata to Darjeeling.
- What to do after the ride: top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling, Mall Road (Chowrasta), Glenary’s and top tea gardens.
- Where to stay: our free homestay listing and 25 offbeat places near Darjeeling.
Find sNJP/Siliguri to Darjeeling toy train ticket price. Plan your Darjeeling toy train journey with updated fare details. Book now!
- Toy train Darjeeling booking
- NJP to Darjeeling toy train ticket price
- Toy train ticket price from Siliguri to Darjeeling
- Toy train Darjeeling timing
- Darjeeling toy train route and fare
- NJP to Darjeeling toy train time and fare
- Darjeeling to ghum toy train
- Siliguri to Darjeeling toy train booking
| क्र.सं. SL.No. | गाड़ी सं. TRAIN NO. | श्रेणी CLASS | भाड़ा FARE |
| 1. | 52594 स्टीम जॉय राइड / STEAM JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 2. | 52591 डीजल जॉय राइड/ DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1500.00 |
| 3. | 52596 स्टीम जॉय राइड / STEAM JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 4. | 52597 डीजल जॉय राइड / DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1500.00 |
| 5. | 52598 स्टीम जॉय राइड / STEAM JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 6. | 52544 स्टीम जॉय राइड / STEAM JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1500.00 |
| 7. | 52590 डीजल जॉय राइड / DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 8. | 1 02547 डीजल जॉय राइड/ DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1500.00 |
सीजन स्पेशल जॉय राइड दार्जिलिंग-घुम-दार्जिलिंग / SEASON SPECIAL JOY RIDE DARJEELING GHUM DARJEELING
| क्र.सं. SL.No. | गाड़ी सं. TRAIN NO. | श्रेणी CLASS | भाड़ा FARE |
| 1. | 02547 डीजल जॉय राइड / DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 2. | 02548 डीजल जॉय राइड/ DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 3. | 02549 डीजल जॉय राइड / DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
| 3. | 02550 डीजल जॉय राइड / DIESEL JOY RIDE | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.1000.00 |
कार्सियांग – दार्जिलिंग यात्री गाड़ी / KURSEONG – DARJEELING PASSENGER TRAIN
| क्र.सं. SL.No. | गाड़ी सं. TRAIN NO. 02541 (UP) / 02540 (DN) | श्रेणी CLASS | भाड़ा FARE |
| 1. | कार्सियांग – दार्जिलिंग / दार्जिलिंग – कार्सियांग KURSEONG – DARJEELING / DARJEELING- KURSEONG | प्रथम FIRST | Rs.750.00 |
NOTE: CONCESSIONS AND RAILWAY PASSES ARE NOT VALID IN DHR TRAINS
Various type of Charter Train and Coaches are available for Booking. For Details Contact Station Manager
Please visit official website of Darjeelit Himalayan Railway (Toy Train):Darjeeling Himalayan Railway official website for further details
- About Darjeeling Toy Train
- Booking Prices
- Old Images of Toy Train
- Video of toy train
- ARCHIVED 2019 RATES AND TIME SCHEDULES (kept for reference only; see the 2026 section above for current information)
IF YOU ARE CONFUSED REGARDING PLACES TO VISIT THAN READ THIS POST
There are many beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling , often visitors could not make it but here are lists of places to visit in Darjeeling that once can visit within a day trip. The places that are just near by Darjeeling town.INTERESTED IN HILLS … THIS IS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU
Are you looking to explore Darjeeling , Kalimpong , Kurseong , Mirik Siliguri then please visit the links provided below :
- Darjeeling Express Indian Restaurant in London
- Top10 Places to Visit in Sikkim During October
- Top 25 offbeat places near Darjeeling
- Top Tea Gardens of Darjeeling
- Nom Nom Bakery and Cafe Darjeeling
- Santook Kalimpong – The Bali of the North Bengal
- Top 25 Captivating Places to Visit in Siliguri
- Top 10 Must Visit Places Kurseong
- The Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Kalimpong
Other travel related articles for Darjeeling Kurseong , Kalimpong a, Mirik , Siliguri Etc
Other travel related article please visit -our Travel Guide Section bu following the link
How to Book Tickets for Toy Train
Fare Chart for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
| STATION | FIRST CLASS | SECOND CLASS | ||
| ADULT | CHILD | ADULT | CHILD | |
| DARJEELING | 145.00 | 100.00 | 30.00 | 25.00 |
| SONADA | 145.00 | 100.00 | 30.00 | 25.00 |
| TUNG | 175.00 | 115.00 | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| KURSEONG | 180.00 | 115.00 | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| MAHANADI | 210.00 | 130.00 | 60.00 | 40.00 |
| GAYABARI | 215.00 | 135.00 | 75.00 | 45.00 |
| TINDHARIA | 230.00 | 140.00 | 75.00 | 45.00 |
| RONGTONG | 260.00 | 160.00 | 90.00 | 55.00 |
| SUKNA | 260.00 | 160.00 | 90.00 | 55.00 |
| SILIGURI JN | 295.00 | 175.00 | 105.00 | 60.00 |
| SILIGURI TOWN | 340.00 | 195.00 | 120.00 | 70.00 |
| NEW JALPAIGURI | 340.00 | 195.00 | 120.00 | 70.00 |
FARE OF JOY RIDE : DARJEELING -GHOOM DARJEELING ROUND TRIP SPECIAL
| TRAIN NO. | CLASS | FARE | ARRIVAL | DEPARTURE |
| 52546 DIESEL JOY RIDE | FIRST | 630.00 | 08:50 | 09:20 |
| 52548 STEAM JOY RIDE | FIRST | 1100.00 | 11:30 | 12:00 |
| 52574 DIESEL JOY RIDE | FIRST | 630.00 | 11:50 | 12:20 |
| 52549 STEAM JOY RIDE | FIRST | 1100.00 | 14:10 | 14:40 |
| 52575 DIESEL JOY RIDE | FIRST | 630.00 | 14:20 | 14:50 |
| 52547 STEAM JOY RIDE | FIRST | 1100.00 | 16:55 | 17:25 |
FARE RED PANDA : DARJEELING TO KURSEONG TO DARJEELING STEAM SPECIAL
| TRAIN NO | CLASS | FARE | FROM | TO |
| 52570 DN RED PANDA (TUE,THU,SAT) | FIRST | 890.00 | DARJEELING | KURSEONG |
| 52571 UP RED PANDA (TUE,THU,SUN) | FIRST | 890.00 | KURSEONG | DARJEELING |
FARE OF HIMALAYAN WHEELS : MAHANADI – KURSEING ROUND TRIP SPECIAL
| TRAIN NO | DEPARTURE | ARRIVAL | FARE | CLASS |
| 72 HIMALAYAN ON WHEEL (SAT) | 14:00 | 16:20 | 605:00 | FIRST |
| 73 HIMALAYAN ON WHEEL (SUN) | 10:15 | 12:35 | 605:00 | FIRST |
FARE OF JUNGLE SAFARI : SILIGURI -RONGTONG ROUND TRIP STEAM SPECIAL
| TRAIN NO | DEPARTURE | ARRIVAL | CLASS | FARE |
| 52559 JUNGLE SAFARI | 10:30 | 13:35 | FIRST | 605:00 |
UPDATED ON : 15/08/2018
This video was taken in the year 2017 in the month of October Festive Season
 |
RECENT IMAGE OF GHOOM RAILWAY STATION |
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| TOP VIEW OF GHOOM RAILWAY STATION TAKEN FROM RAILWAY MUSEUM |
 |
OLD IMAGE OF DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY |
 |
HIMALAYAN RAILWAY (TOY TRAIN ) OLD IMAGES FROM THE MUSEUM |
UPDATED
UPDATE : 06-01-2019Due to tourists seasons and off seasons the DHR timings and rates changes as per requirement . The rates and schedules has been revised as mentioned below with effect from 1st July 2019:
DHR / TOY TRAIN RATE CHART AND TIME SCHEDULES / TIMINGS – I
 |
| REVISED RATE DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY 2019 |
DHR / TOY TRAIN RATE CHART AND TIME SCHEDULES / TIMINGS – II
 |
| REVISED FARE DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY/TOY TRAIN 2019 |
OR
EXPLORE HOMESTAYS OF DARJEELING
More guides: Places to visit in Darjeeling
From the hills, for the hills
Sandeep Khati
Editor, SearchDarjeeling · Founder, India Job Alerts
Sandeep grew up in the Darjeeling hills and writes about the places, people, festivals and everyday news of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Kurseong and Sikkim. Every story is checked with local sources and official notices before it goes live. Looking for verified government jobs in West Bengal, Sikkim and across India? He also runs India Job Alerts.
How to book the Darjeeling toy train
- Online: search for the DHR train or the Darjeeling joy ride on the official IRCTC website or app.
- Offline: reserve at the railway booking counters at Darjeeling station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri Junction.
- Peak season: joy ride seats fill up fast in October–November and April–May, so book early.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Darjeeling toy train a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was inscribed by UNESCO in 1999.
What is the joy ride?
It is a short steam-hauled round trip from Darjeeling that passes the Batasia Loop and the Ghum station, popular with first-time visitors.
How far is Darjeeling from NJP and Siliguri?
About 88 km from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and about 77 km from Siliguri.
Is the full NJP to Darjeeling journey fast?
No. It is a slow, scenic ride that takes many hours. If you are short on time, a shared jeep or taxi is quicker; you can still do the joy ride in Darjeeling.
Where can I check official information?
Use the official IRCTC website and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway information at the station.
