Getting there
How to reach Shimla
Shimla is about 115 km from Chandigarh, roughly three to four hours by road on NH5. The nearest major airport is Chandigarh; Shimla’s own airport at Jubbarhatti has limited service. The Kalka–Shimla toy train takes about five hours and is done for the ride rather than for speed.
- From Chandigarh
- About 115 km, 3 to 4 hours
- From Delhi
- About 350 km, 8 to 9 hours
- Nearest airport
- Chandigarh
- Railhead
- Kalka, then toy train or road
By road
The Chandigarh–Shimla highway is four-laned for much of its length and is the route almost every tour uses. From Delhi it is a long single day; most itineraries either fly to Chandigarh or take an overnight train to Kalka and drive up in the morning.
The toy train
Narrow gauge from Kalka, about five hours, UNESCO listed, more than a hundred tunnels. It is slower than the road and seats sell out well ahead in season. Treat it as an experience to build a morning around, not as transport.
Questions people ask
What is the nearest airport to Shimla?
Chandigarh, about 115 km away, is the practical one. Shimla’s Jubbarhatti airport is closer but has very limited scheduled service, so itineraries do not rely on it.
How long is the toy train from Kalka to Shimla?
About five hours, against two and a half to three by road. Book ahead — it fills up in season.
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Tours that go there
Every one of these is run by our own team, with the drivers and the permits arranged.
Read next
- Shimla travel guideShimla sits at about 2,200 metres in Himachal Pradesh and works as a year-round hill station, with snow between late December and February. Two to three days covers the Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Kufri and Jakhoo temple. Most itineraries pair it with Manali rather than visiting alone.
- Best time to visit ShimlaMarch to June is Shimla’s main season, with pleasant days and full access to Kufri and Naldehra. January and February are the snow months. July to mid-September is monsoon and the least reliable window. October and November are clear, cold and quiet.
- How to reach ManaliManali is about 250 km from Chandigarh, eight to nine hours by road, and roughly 50 km from Bhuntar airport at Kullu. Most travellers arrive on an overnight coach from Delhi or Chandigarh, or fly to Bhuntar and drive the last ninety minutes.
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