Most people take the train to New Jalpaiguri, but driving lets your crew stop at the towns in between and take the hill climb at your own pace. Split the drive into two days and it becomes part of the trip rather than a chore.
Kolkata → Krishnanagar → Berhampore → Farakka → Malda → Raiganj → Dalkhola → Kishanganj → Siliguri → Kurseong → Darjeeling. The plains section runs almost entirely on NH12. From Siliguri, take Rohini Road to Kurseong for the fastest climb, or the old Hill Cart Road alongside the toy train tracks for the scenic version.
Expect around ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 one-way for a hatchback or sedan, based on roughly 14 km/l over 620 km of highway and hill roads. Fill up in Siliguri before the climb.
NH12 has been widened along most of its length, but some sections still have ongoing work and slow town traffic, especially around Berhampore and Malda. The Farakka Barrage crossing can see delays. The hill roads from Siliguri are narrow and busy with shared jeeps, and landslides are common from June to September, so check road status in the monsoon.
Malda is the natural halfway overnight, with plenty of mid-range hotels close to the highway. In Darjeeling, stays near the Mall Road and Chowrasta keep you walking distance from everything. Tea estate bungalows around Kurseong are a great splurge night if your crew wants a slower pace. Book early for October to November and the April to May peak.
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