Travel Budget for Darjiling Visit Darjiling on a Budget or Travel in Style

Darjiling, State of West Bengal, India
Asia / India /
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Darjiling is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Darjiling?

You should plan to spend around $44 (₨3,760) per day on your vacation in Darjiling. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $24 (₨2,021) on meals
  • $7.33 (₨626) on local transportation
  • $25 (₨2,177) on hotels

A one week trip to Darjiling for two people costs, on average, $617 (₨52,640). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $44
    ₨3,760
  • One Week Per person
    $308
    ₨26,320
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $617
    ₨52,640
  • One Month Per person
    $1,321
    ₨112,800
  • One Week For a couple
    $617
    ₨52,640
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,233
    ₨105,280
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,642
    ₨225,600
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Darjiling cost?

A one week trip to Darjiling usually costs around $308 (₨26,320) for one person and $617 (₨52,640) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Darjiling on average costs around $617 (₨52,640) for one person and $1,233 (₨105,280) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Darjiling will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Darjiling on average costs around $1,321 (₨112,800) for one person and $2,642 (₨225,600) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Darjiling expensive to visit?

Darjiling is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Although Darjiling can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $18 (₨1,574) per day, mid-range travelers spend $43 (₨3,760) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $95 (₨8,220) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Darjiling.

Within Asia, Darjiling is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Darjiling Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Darjiling?

The average Darjiling trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Darjiling travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Darjiling cost?

Darjiling on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$5
(₨442) 		$13
(₨1,088) 		$30
(₨2,579)
Local Transportation1 $3
(₨265) 		$7
(₨626) 		$15
(₨1,318)
Food2 $10
(₨860) 		$24
(₨2,021) 		$49
(₨4,215)
Entertainment1 $5
(₨407) 		$12
(₨1,007) 		$28
(₨2,414)
Alcohol2 $2-5
(₨154-461) 		$4-13
(₨367-1,100) 		$9-28
(₨799-2,397)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Darjiling. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $18 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Darjiling will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $43 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $95. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Calcutta Tour With Guide and Authentic Bengali lunch - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Darjiling

Prices for hotels in Darjiling vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $74, but during peak season, average prices climb to $138. With options ranging from $39 to $302, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Darjiling for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $25 (₨2,177). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $13 (₨1,088) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $13
    ₨1,088
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $25
    ₨2,177

Hotels in Darjiling

Looking for a hotel in Darjiling? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Darjiling

The average hotel room price in Darjiling based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $74 in the low season and $138 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Darjiling include:

  • Cedar Inn Darjeeling starting at $222
  • Villa Everest starting at $46
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Darjiling

If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Darjiling

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $7.33 (₨626) per person, per day, on local transportation in Darjiling. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Darjiling is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $7.33
    ₨626

The nearest airport is 96 kilometers from Darjeeling, located near the city of Siliguri and is called Bagdogra Airport. It is about 2.5 hours by road from Darjeeling, 2 hours by air from Delhi, and 50 minutes by air from Kolkata. Air India and Jet Airways both operate flights from Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata. Other airlines include Spice Jet, Indigo, and Go Air. From the airport to Darjeeling, the most popular modes of transport include taxi and shared jeep. A regular bus service from Silguri to Darjeeling also runs - however, the journey is much slower.

By train, the nearest station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. It connects the city to most other parts of the country including Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, and Kochi. From this station, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway completes the journey to Darjeeling.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra for $54 details
  • Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop for $72 details
  • Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer for $182 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Darjiling
How much does it cost to go to Darjiling? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Darjiling
The price of renting a car in Darjiling will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Darjiling

Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Darjiling can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Darjiling is $24 (₨2,021) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $24
    ₨2,021

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Darjiling is around $23 (₨2021) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $48. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Darjiling are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $2 to $7
  • Lunch: $3 to $9
  • Dinner: $7 to $16
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $3

The cooking of Darjeeling largely consists of North Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali influences. Some of the most popular local specialties include things like momos, thukpa, aloo dum, sael roti, naga platter, Nepali thali, tongba, and chang. Momos are steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, while thukpa is a hearty noodle soup also with vegetables or meat-both are common Tibetan dishes. Aloo dum is an Indian specialty made with fried potatoes in a gravy rich with spices, while sael roti is a kind of traditional Nepali homemade sweet rice donut. Naga platter and Nepali thali are both traditional meals made up of a selection of dishes, while tongba and chang are both local alcoholic beverages-tongba being a millet-based alcohol, and chang, a light Tibetan beer made of barley. Kunga's is often recommended for Tibetan food, especially the momos, and it is important to keep in mind that most restaurants will close fairly early in the evening with most of the town going to sleep by 9pm. Additionally, Darjeeling is famous around the world for its teas, which are very aromatic and have a delicate taste.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Darjiling

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Darjiling typically cost an average of $12 (₨1,007) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $12
    ₨1,007

Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the world's highest peaks, steals the show of Darjeeling's backdrop. Tiger Hill is a favorite location to view the mountain, especially at sunrise when the first rays of the sun touch the snow-capped peaks. For additional information on Kanchenjunga and the surrounding mountains, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Founded by the late Tenzing Norgay who conquered Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, it now has on display records of the major expeditions undertaken. Nearby is the Everest Museum which traces the history of different attempts on the world's highest peak. The institute also offers mountaineering courses for all levels. Sharing the premises with the institute is the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, featuring a habitat of animals found in the Himalayan region.

As far as cultural significance goes, the Japanese Peace Pagoda represents a place of unity for people of all races and religions to gather in search of world peace. It is one of 30 located around the globe. Other impressive sights include the Batasia Loop where the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (known as the "toy train") makes a loop, the Barbotey Rock Garden landscaped with flowers and waterfalls, the Mahakal Temple, and many other monasteries, temples, and cultural attractions.



In addition to visiting the sights within town, it is also common for visitors to gravitate towards the surrounding mountain landscape. Trekking and mountain biking are especially popular, often with Singalila National Park as the final destination. The park is located in the far northwest corner of West Bengal state with Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, visible for much of the trek to the north.

Visitors also enjoy taking scenic rides on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "toy train," which was built between 1879 and 1881 and is today known as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A nice way to explore destinations in Darjiling is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Tiger Hill Darjeeling Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience) for $24 details
  • Private Morning Excursion Tour To Tiger Hill (3 Points) With Pickup and Drop for $60 details
  • A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling for $208 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Darjiling

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.59 (₨733) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Darjiling per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.59
    ₨733
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Mar 10, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Darjiling

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of . To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Taking your time to travel can help you save, allowing you to relish the area's beauty while you unwind. Cramming too many activities into your day often leads to higher costs. By slowing down, you can typically enjoy your trip more while spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Darjiling. Organizing another form of transport, like a tour or private driver, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Darjiling doesn't really have a thriving hostel scene, so if you're counting on staying in a low-cost dorm, you may want to change your plans. Instead, check out budget hotels or apartment rentals.
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Traveling in Darjiling
Darjiling Darjeeling, India

What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.



Neighborhoods & Around

Darjeeling is a small town, making it very easy to navigate on foot. For longer journeys outside of the main area, taxis are available at stands near the entrance to the mall, Chowrasta. This place is pretty much the center of Darjeeling, surrounded by shops, eateries, and hotels. It is a great place to purchase local Darjeeling teas and other specialties, get caught up in the bustle, or sit back and people-watch while enjoying some tasty street food. Nearby towns worth visiting include Mirik, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Siliguri, and Gangtok.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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