Himachal Pradesh is one of the most visited tourist destinations in North India. Due to its pleasant and calming weather, it draws tourists annually. This state is connected with major cities and towns of the rest of the country by all modes of transport. It has airports, railway stations, and interstate bus stands where you can arrive.
Detailed information about how to reach Himachal Pradesh is mentioned below, which allows you to plan your Himachal trip hassle-free. Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by Punjab, Jammu, and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, owing to which it has excellent connectivity from the rest of the country.
For a hassle-free experience, book your Himachal tour packages with Indian Holiday. We cater to your traveling preferences, ensuring smooth transport to and from Himachal and convenient travel within the state. Whether you prefer flights, trains, or road trips, our comprehensive tour packages include all necessary arrangements for a seamless journey.
How to Reach Himachal Pradesh by Air
The answers to the questions about how to reach Himachal Pradesh by flight are Jubbarhatti Airport in Kullu, Bhuntar Airport in Shimla, and Gaggal Airport in Kangra. Flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh connect these airports. Taxis and cabs provide easy connectivity from these airports to within the state. This is the fastest way to reach tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. However, flights getting canceled are higher than in any other state due to harsh weather conditions.
Airport | Nearest Hill Station | Travel Time |
Gaggal Airport |
Dalhousie (105 km) |
3 hours 15 minutes |
Gaggal Airport |
Dharamshala (14 km) |
28 minutes |
Gaggal Airport |
Palampur (38 km) |
1 hour 10 minutes |
Jubbarhatti Airport |
Shimla (21 km) |
45 minutes |
Jubbarhatti Airport |
Narkanda (82 km) |
2 hours 25 minutes |
Bhuntar Airport |
Manali (51 km) |
1 hour 30 minutes |
Bhuntar Airport |
Kullu (10 km) |
20 minutes |
Bhuntar Airport |
Spiti Valley (231 km) |
6 hours 40 minutes) |
Pathankot Airport |
Dalhousie (91 km) |
2 hours 50 minutes |
Pathankot Airport |
Dharamshala (90 km) |
2 hours 20 minutes |
Pathankot Airport |
Palampur (117 km) |
3 hours 10 minutes |
How to Reach Himachal Pradesh By Road
This is the cheapest and most convenient way to reach Himachal Pradesh. Regular buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh, Panipat, Jammu, Amritsar, and other towns to the hill stations.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation (HPTDC), Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), Haryana Roadways (HR), and J & K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) are the major bus service providers to Himachal. The roads are tough and reliable, and the bus services are affordable. Tourists can also travel in their car or hire a taxi. National and state highways connect the state.
Cities | Distance | Travel Time |
Delhi to Shimla |
349 km |
8 hours |
Delhi to Dharamshala |
471 km |
9 hours 30 minutes |
Delhi to Dalhousie |
566 km |
11 hours 20 minutes |
Delhi to Chamba |
582 km |
11 hours 50 minutes |
Delhi to Manali |
537 km |
12 hours 40 minutes |
Chandigarh to Shimla |
115 km |
3 hours 40 minutes |
Chandigarh to Manali |
291 km |
8 hours 30 minutes |
Pathankot to Dharamshala |
85 km |
2 hours 15 minutes |
Pathankot to Dalhousie |
86 km |
2 hours 45 minutes |
Amritsar to Mcleodganj |
206 km |
4 hours 30 minutes |
Amritsar to Chamba |
219 km |
5 hours 20 minutes |
Amritsar to Manikaran Sahib |
395 km |
10 hours 10 minutes |
Ambala to Kasauli |
83 km |
2 hours 20 minutes |
Ambala to Kangra |
255 km |
5 hours 15 minutes |
How to Reach Himachal Pradesh By Train
Being a mountainous area surrounded by lofty hills, no major railway tracks exist within the state. The best option for tourists opting for railway travel to Himachal is the Kalka Railway Station, located approximately 90 kilometers away from Shimla. From here, you can travel by road or ride the famous toy train (A UNESCO World Heritage) into the picturesque hilly regions of this fantastic destination.
Another narrow-gauge railway station in Himachal Pradesh is in Jogindernagar, which Pathankot connects to. Tourists can hop on the toy trains and explore the enchanting beauty of the hilly area. Several railway stations are located in the vicinity of the major towns of Himachal and serve as the primary railheads for them.
Railway Station | Nearest Hill Station with Distance | Travel Time |
Pathankot Railway Station |
Dalhousie (87 km) |
2 hours 50 minutes |
Pathankot Railway Station |
Dharamshala (86 km) |
2 hours 20 minutes |
Pathankot Railway Station |
Palampur (113 km) |
3 hours 10 minutes |
Chandigarh Railway Station |
Shimla (112 km) |
3 hours 30 minutes |
Chandigarh Railway Station |
Manali (296 km) |
8 hours 50 minutes |
Kalka Railway Station |
Shimla (86 km) |
3 hours 15 minutes |
Joginder Nagar Railway Station |
Manali (144 km) |
4 hours 40 minutes |
Joginder Nagar Railway Station |
Mandi (54 km) |
1 hour 45 minutes |
How to Get Around in Himachal Pradesh
There are numerous bus stands in the state from where one can board a government or private bus to travel to the cities, towns, and villages of Himachal Pradesh. The central bus stands in Himachal Pradesh are Chamba, Dharamshala, Manali, Kullu, Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Palampur, Mandi, Shimla, Rampur Bushahr, Reckong Peo, and Kaza.
Tourists can hop on buses and travel to the remotest corners of the state, including Kinnaur Valley, Tirthan Valley, Lahaul Valley, and Spiti Valley. This is a cost-effective way to get around in Himachal Pradesh. Also, travelers can board a shared jeep, which is easily available everywhere. The facility for hiring a private taxi and renting a bike is also available in the state’s major tourist cities, including Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Palampur, and Kaza.
Why Choose Himachal Tour Packages from Indian Holiday
If you are looking for Himachal tour packages to enjoy a vacation with a smooth travel experience, Indian Holiday is the ideal choice for you. We have an impressive range of customizable Himachal tour packages, including meals, swift transfers, sightseeing, and stays. On top of that, we cover everything to give you the best travel experience, and you can also include the way to reach as per your desire.