If you’re trying to get from Siliguri to New Delhi by train, you’re not alone. This is one of the more essential overland routes in India, connecting the eastern edge of the country near the Himalayan foothills to the chaos and sprawl of the capital.
And yes, there are multiple trains, classes, scams, and stations to consider, but if you do it right, this is one of those iconic Indian journeys worth bragging about. Here’s how to do it, properly.
Where the hell is Siliguri
Siliguri is the commercial hub of North Bengal, wedged between Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and Bangladesh. It’s not pretty, it’s not spiritual, but it’s where everything connects. If you’re coming from Darjeeling, Sikkim or even Bhutan, you’ll probably pass through here.
The main station is New Jalpaiguri Junction [নতুন জলপাইগুড়ি], better known as NJP. That’s where all the long-distance trains leave from. There is a Siliguri Town station, but it’s irrelevant for anything serious.
FYI I made the real schoolboy error of staying at the worst hotel like EVER in Siliguri.
How far is it to Delhi
About 1400 kilometres. Depending on your train, you’re looking at anywhere between 20 to 32 hours on the tracks. This isn’t a hop, this is an endurance ride.
Booking your train ticket
This is India so you’ve got options, and you’ve got chaos. The main ways to book:
- IRCTC website or app – the official route. It works, sort of. You’ll need to create an account, and sometimes it won’t accept foreign cards. You’ll also be kicked off randomly. But it’s the only way to access all train classes.
- 12Go Asia – For pure ease we strongly suggest these guys and via this link. Reliable, cheap and no need to line up in India.
- At the station – There’s a foreign tourist quota counter at New Jalpaiguri. Go there early. Bring your passport. It’s usually a bit less hellish than other cities.
- Travel agents – Found all around Siliguri and especially Darjeeling. They’ll take a big cut and have seemingly not worked out the internet exists.
Trains from Siliguri to Delhi
Let’s get to the meat. You don’t have just one train. You’ve got at least a dozen that cover the route in different ways. Some of the more reliable ones:
- Mahananda Express – Train No. 15483. Leaves NJP at 07:35. Reaches Delhi around 13:15 the next day. A long journey, over 29 hours. It’s not glamorous but it’s reliable.
- Avadh Assam Express – Train No. 15909. Leaves NJP around 08:20. Takes even longer, about 32 hours. It passes through a ton of stations. Best avoided unless you’re desperate.
- Brahmaputra Mail – Train No. 15658. More premium. Departs at 13:20 and gets to Delhi the next evening. Around 27 hours. Often preferred for cleanliness and punctuality.
- North East Express – Train No. 12505. Leaves around 08:45. Much faster than the others. About 24 hours. Book early because it fills fast.
- DBRT Rajdhani Express – The best and fastest option, but only runs a few days per week. Rajdhani trains are premium. Meals included. Departs around 17:25 and reaches Delhi by the next afternoon. Less than 20 hours.
You can check all this on the IRCTC app or sites like Trainman or India Rail Info.
Which class should you take
- Sleeper Class [স্লিপার ক্লাস] – The real Indian experience. No AC, open windows, noisy, packed, filthy toilets. Still fun if you’ve got the stomach.
- 3AC [তিন শ্রেণী এসি] – Decent compromise. Air conditioning, bedding, less chaos. Shared compartments.
- 2AC [দুই শ্রেণী এসি] – Fewer people per bay, curtains for privacy. Costs more but worth it for long hauls.
- 1AC [এক শ্রেণী এসি] – Private cabins. Quiet. Feels like cheating. Limited availability, but well wort it if you want privacy.
Station facilities at New Jalpaiguri(NJP)
NJP is better than most stations in India. There are ATMs, waiting rooms, food stalls, pay toilets, and even a dormitory if you need to crash. The retiring rooms upstairs are basic but workable. It’s always crowded. Watch your bags.
There’s a prepaid taxi booth outside. Use it. Don’t go with random drivers unless you like being ripped off.
Food and drink on the train
This isn’t Europe. On most long-distance trains you’ll get pantry car service. Food is cheap and spicy, but hygiene is optional. Bring snacks. Bring bottled water. You can also get station vendors shouting “chai chai” and “biriyani biriyani” at every stop.
One kinda good Indian train food hack was the wonderful and cheap samosas at the stations.
Train scams to avoid
- Fake porters – They’ll grab your bag and then extort you at the carriage.
- Seat swapping – Someone will claim you’re in their seat. Check your reservation. Don’t move unless it’s legit.
- Fake ticket agents – Outside NJP you’ll meet “helpers.” They’re not helping.
- Cancelled train bluff – Someone says your train is cancelled and offers to book you on another. Check the boards.
- The Train Guards – Yep they tried to get a bribe out of me over nothing, so I have nothing. Alas does not always work out that way.
Arrival in New Delhi Station
New Delhi Railway Station [NDLS] is hell. You’ll arrive tired and probably late. Get off, keep your bag close, and avoid anyone offering help.
There’s a prepaid taxi booth near Platform 1. Use it to get to Paharganj or wherever you’re staying. If you’re heading to the Metro, follow the signs for Airport Express or Yellow Line.
Ignore anyone who says your hotel is closed, burnt down, moved, or is not just haunted. They are not.
Onward transport from Delhi
From New Delhi you can go literally anywhere. Trains fan out across the country, and the airport’s not far. Popular options:
- Metro – Efficient. The Airport Express is the fastest and least crowded.
- Uber/Ola – Cheap and cashless.
- Buses – Chaotic but sometimes handy for intercity travel.
- More trains – Book through IRCTC or head to the tourist counter at the station.
Alternative routes
You could break the journey if you want. Patna, Varanasi or Lucknow make good overnight stops. There are slower trains that connect through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, but they add days and pain.
Flying is also possible from Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri. But you’re here to take the train, right?
Final thoughts on the Siliguri to New Delhi train ride
This is a beast of a ride but it’s one of those real India experiences. You’ll see the flat plains of Bihar, the chaos of UP, and eventually roll into Delhi dirty, tired and victorious. You’ll hate it at times but probably talk about it for years.
Get your ticket, pick your train wisely, don’t get scammed, and lean into the madness. Siliguri to New Delhi by train is a trip worth doing, but only if you do it properly.
And yes it fits greatly into the pantheon of great journeys that includes the Trans-Siberian, Reunification Express and dare we even say Sri Lanka! And yes YPT will be doing more train tours.
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