Darjeeling Toy Train Tickets Online: Everything You Need to Know
Darjeeling toy train tickets online
Here’s your complete guide to booking Darjeeling Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) tickets online—and what to expect:
🚂 Routes & Ticket Types
- Darjeeling ↔ Ghum (“Joy Ride”) – round-trip (~14 km, ~2 hrs), stops at Batasia Loop and Ghum station with museum entry included.
- Diesel: ₹1,000 per person (First Class/Vistadome)
- Steam: ₹1,500–₹1,600 per person (First Class/Vistadome)
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP) ↔ Darjeeling – full day (~7–8 hrs).
- First Class: ₹1,300–₹1,420
- AC Chair Car: ₹1,500
- Other routes (e.g. Darjeeling–Kurseong): fares similar to Joy Ride.
🎟️ How to Book Tickets
A. Via IRCTC (Indian Railways)
- Visit IRCTC Next Generation eTicketing.
- For Darjeeling→Ghum joy ride: enter DJ to GHUM.
- For NJP→Darjeeling: use NJP as “From” and DJ as “To” (or vice versa)
- Choose train (steam/diesel), class (First/AC), and desired date.
- Pay via card, UPI, net banking. Download or print the e-ticket (PNR).
- Collect physical ticket at station before departure — counters open early.
B. Via Paytm
- Since November 2021, Paytm offers QR‑code ticketing for the Darjeeling–Ghum joy ride.
- In the Paytm app: search “DHR toy train”, pick date, route, class → confirm booking → show QR‑code at boarding
C. Offline Booking
- Available at Darjeeling, Ghum, NJP stations and IRCTC reservation counters. But with long queues and frequent sellouts—especially in peak season—you’re advised to book online
📅 Time Slots & Seasonality
- Darjeeling–Ghum joy rides run multiple times daily (morning, midday, afternoon); check exact times on IRCTC or DHR site.
- NJP–Darjeeling passenger services depart around 7–8 AM, taking 7–8 hours
- Peak season: October–December (clear skies, ~10+ rides/day).
- Low season: July–mid‑September (monsoons) and Jan–Feb, with fewer services
💡 Traveler Tips
- Book early—tickets often are full months in advance. IRCTC charts seat assignments ~4 hours before departure
- Steam vs. Diesel: steam offers nostalgic charm; diesel is reliable and cheaper.
- Vistadome coaches (on some NJP–Darjeeling and joy rides) feature panoramic windows, rotatable seats, charging ports, Wi‑Fi, and observation lounges
- Facilities:
- NJP–Darjeeling trains: toilets only at some coaches or station stops (Tindharia, Kurseong)
- No catering on board—carry water and snacks. Station stalls available at NJP, Tindharia, Kurseong, Darjeeling
- Luggage: space is limited—small bags only, and there may be no van .
- Route performance: NJP→Darjeeling takes longer than road due to zig-zags and loops—about 7–8 hours vs a 3-hour taxi.
✅ At-a-Glance Summary
| Route | Engine | Class | Fare (₹) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darj ↔ Ghum | Diesel | First/Vistadome | 1,000 | ~2 hrs |
| Steam | First/Vistadome | 1,500–1,600 | ||
| NJP ↔ Darj | – | First | 1,300–1,420 | ~7–8 hrs |
| – | AC Chair Car | 1,500 |
🔗 Booking Steps
- Decide your route and engine preference.
- Use IRCTC (recommended for all routes) or Paytm (works for Darj–Ghum joy ride only).
- Book at least weeks ahead during season. Look out for seat charting ~4 hrs pre-train.
- Collect or download the ticket—keep ID, arrive 30+ minutes early.
🌟 Final Thoughts
- Best experience: Steam engine + Vistadome coach + clear weather = iconic mountain ride.
- Budget pick: Diesel joy ride (Darj–Ghum) is short, sweet and scenic.
- Endurance route: NJP–Darjeeling is rewarding but long—optimize with water, snacks, and a comfy seat.
Here are the direct links and quick steps to book your Darjeeling Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) tickets online: –
🚃 1. IRCTC Next Generation e-Ticketing
The official booking portal for all Toy Train journeys — Joy Rides (Darjeeling–Ghum) and passenger services (NJP–Darjeeling).
- Visit the IRCTC Next Generation e-Ticketing System and: – https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
- For Joy Rides: enter From: DJ, To: DJRZ (round‑trip) r
- For NJP services: use NJP ↔ DJ
- Select your date, train (diesel/steam/vistadome), class, passenger details, and complete payment.
- You’ll receive an e-ticket (PNR), which you must either print or download and produce (along with ID) before boarding.
📱 2. Paytm App (QR‑Code Ticketing)
Paytm now supports convenient QR‑code based bookings for Darjeeling–Ghum Joy Rides:
- Open Paytm → go to Train Tickets → enter DJ to Ghum → choose date, train, class → complete booking.
- You’ll receive a digital ticket with a QR code—just show it at boarding
💡 3. Quick Tips
- Joy Ride seat reservation opens about 4 months in advance
- Booking fills up fast—do it early, especially for steam or vistadome seats.
- Print the IRCTC e-ticket or have the QR code ready on your phone.
- Carry a government ID to show at boarding.
📎 Summary Table
| Platform | Route Covered | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| IRCTC NG E-Ticketing | Joy Ride & NJP–Darjeeling | IRCTC website (Next-Gen e‑Ticketing) – https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search |
| Paytm | Joy Ride (Darjeeling–Ghum) | Book under “Train Tickets” on Paytm app |