Chandigarh to Shimla

Traversing the 114 kilometres via bus takes about 5 hours (including the stoppages). With multiple buses running on this route, there are various options ranging from AC Seaters to Non AC Seaters. The top operator on the Chandigarh to Shimla bus route is HRTC.

Available Bus Options

1. HRTC (Ordinary)

Timing: Departure- 08:00 PM
Arrival- 12:30 AM
Duration: 4:30 hours
Fare: INR 201

2. Boom Shankar Tour And Travels (A/C Seater)

Departure- 07:45 PM
Arrival- 11:30 PM
Duration: 3:45 hours
Fare: Check With Operator

3. RSRTC (Volvo)

Timing: Departure- 05:00 AM
Arrival- 08:30 AM
Duration: 27:30 hours
Fare: Check with Operator

With a driving distance of about 114 kilometres, commuting via road is one of the fastest and most convenient options for a tourist. On an average, traversing through the winding roads on the foothills of the Himalayas takes about 4 hours via NH5.

Numerous taxi service providers are seen operating on the route, their fares subject to change depending upon the choice of vehicle and the number of passengers, in addition to booking via popular online portals like Ola and Uber (outstation rides).

The Routes That Can Be Taken

Route 1: Via NH5

115 kilometres which are traversed in approximately 4 hours.
From Chandigarh to Kalka to Solan to Shoghi to Tara Devi and to Shimla. 

Route 2: Via NH205

145 kilometres which are traversed in approximately 5 hours.

Road Conditions

Since route 1 and route 2 are national highways, the journey is relatively comfortable with easy-going traffic and scenic views that break the monotony of the road.

The trains that operate between Kalka and Shimla may be another option to commute, taking into consideration that time is not a constraint during your travels. Bookings of the same can be made via the online portal provided by IRCTC.

Available Train Options - Chandigarh to Kalka

1. HWH DLI KLK MAIL (12311)

Departure At - 03:55
Arrival At - 04:35
Duration - 00:40
Running Days - Daily

Fare - 

Chair Car - INR 45
Sleeper - INR 140
3 Tier AC - INR 495
2 Tier AC - INR 700
1 Tier AC - INR 1165

2. BARMER KLK EXP (14888)

Departure At - 05:18
Arrival At - 05:55
Duration - 37 minutes
Running Days - Daily

Fare - 

Sleeper - INR 140
3 Tier AC - INR 495

3. HIMALYAN QUEEN (14095)

Departure At - 10:31
Arrival At - 11:10
Duration - 39 minutes
Running Days - Daily

Fare - 

Chair Car - INR 45
AC Chair Car - INR 260

Available Train Options - Kalka to Shimla

1. KALKA SHIMLA QUEEN EXPRESS (52453)

Departure: 06:20 AM (Kalka)
Arrival: 11:35 PM (Shimla)
Duration: 5 hours 15 minutes
Number Of Intermediate Stations: 10
Running Days: Daily

2. SHIVALIK DIX EXPRESS (52451)

Departure: 05:45 AM (Kalka)
Arrival: 10:35 PM (Shimla)
Duration: 4 hours 50 minutes
Number Of Intermediate Stations: 1
Running Days : Daily

3. Himalayan Queen (52455)

Departure: 12:10 PM (Kalka)
Arrival: 05:30 PM (Shimla)
Duration: 5 hours 20 minutes
Number Of Intermediate Stations: 9
Running Days: Daily

Tips

Keep in mind that the online booking portal for the toy train reservations opens only one month in advance, unlike other trains which begin two months in advance. Therefore be sure to book your tickets well in advance; Shimla sees a massive influx of tourists and the reservations to the toy train may be unavailable.