How to Reach Shimla: A Complete Travel Guide
Shimla is a beautiful hill town that attracts many visitors. As the capital of Himachal Pradesh, it offers stunning landscapes, colonial architecture, and a refreshing climate. However, getting to this serene destination can seem tricky with all the travel options available. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time adventurer, understanding how to reach Shimla is key to making the most of your trip. From scenic train rides to winding road routes, each mode of transport has unique advantages that can enhance your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore various travel methods, tips, and tricks to help you easily make your way to this enchanting place. So pack your bags and let’s dive into the best ways to get to Shimla!
Book here Shimla Tour Packages.
Modes of transportation to reach Shimla
1. By Flight
One of the smallest airports at any hill station is the Shimla Airport, sometimes called Jubbarhatti Airport. It is situated around 25 km from the main city. It’s probably one of the smaller airstrips, and the plane ride is a little rough upon landing. But since this airport isn’t open all year round, it’s best to use Chandigarh or Delhi as your connecting airports.
When traveling by air to Chandigarh, most people choose to reserve taxis for the three to four-hour ride to Shimla. Regular buses are also available. Reaching Shimla from the airport in Delhi takes about 7 to 8 hours.
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport (IXC) – 60 kms from Shimla
2. By Road
As a popular tourist destination, Shimla is accessible by bus from Delhi, Jaipur, Punjab, Haryana, and some regions of Uttar Pradesh. Taxis are widely available from Chandigarh, Delhi, and other nearby locations to Shimla. Additionally, Shimla has excellent HRTC bus connections from practically anywhere in Himachal Pradesh.
3. By Train
The Kalka Railway Station, located about 90 kilometers from Shimla, is the closest wide gauge railway station. The train ride from Kalka to this location takes about 5–6 hours, but the breathtaking scenery and many tunnels make up for the longer travel time.
There are roughly three or four trains to Shimla from Kalka each day. Another option is to travel by rail car, which is unique in India.
Shimla and Chandigarh Railway Station are about 113 kilometers apart. There are several local buses and taxis that connect Shimla to both of these railway stations. Though Shimla has its own railway station, it is solely served by narrow gauge trains that originate in Kalka.
Local transport in Shimla
Within Shimla, local bus service is easily accessible from 7 AM to 9 PM. Mostly, buses travel along the Ring Road. There is a dedicated bus for ladies alone. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh Tourism operates dedicated buses for local sightseeing that travel just to the sites of interest.
Private cabs are reasonably priced and widely accessible. The cost of local sightseeing varies from 800 to 1500 INR per day. In Himachal Pradesh, auto rickshaws are not particularly common.
There are no cars allowed in areas like Mall, Ridge, and Kali Bari, therefore getting there requires walking. However, you can take advantage of the lift service provided by HP Tourism, which connects the Mall, the highest point in Shimla, to Cart Road, the lowest point.
Conclusion
Shimla, the picturesque hill station, is accessible by multiple modes of transportation. You can reach Shimla by road, with a scenic drive from major cities like Delhi or Chandigarh. Alternatively, the Kalka-Shimla railway line offers a charming train journey through the hills. For those preferring air travel, the nearest airport is in Chandigarh, followed by a road trip to Shimla. These varied options make reaching Shimla convenient for travellers with different preferences.
You can also check our Shimla Tour Packages.
People also ask about How to reach Shimla
1. What is the best way to reach Shimla?
The best way to reach Shimla is by road or by train. One can also take a flight to the nearest airport and continue the journey by road or train.
2. How far is Shimla from Delhi?
The distance between Delhi and Shimla is approximately 342 km by road.
3. Is there a direct train from Delhi to Shimla?
No, there is no direct train from Delhi to Shimla. One can take a train to Kalka and a toy train from Kalka to Shimla.
4. What is the toy train in Shimla?
The toy train in Shimla is a narrow-gauge railway between Kalka and Shimla. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction.
5. How long does it take to travel from Kalka to Shimla by toy train?
It takes around 5-6 hours to travel from Kalka to Shimla by toy train. The train covers a distance of approximately 96 km and passes through 20 stations on the way.
