How to Reach Shimla

Shimla is well-connected to major Indian cities, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. You can easily reach Shimla by various modes of travel, including air, rail, and road. However, picking the most convenient option depends on your preferences and the distance you must cover.

Shimla has its airport, and flight is the fastest and most convenient option for long distances. Those from the nearest north towns usually prefer train and scenic road trips to Shimla. But in the end, it is your choice to choose the answer of how to reach Shimla. You can also contact Indian Holiday to get to Shimla, whether you can go there by air, rail, or road. To learn more about the best way to reach this town, check out the details below.

Let’s look at the best way to travel to Shimla by train, flight, and road.

Shimla By Air

Jubbarhatti Airport, also known as Shimla Airport, is the closest airport to Shimla. It receives daily flights from Delhi and Kullu and is 23 km from the city. However, Shimla Airport has one of the smallest airstrips and limited flights. Thus, it is recommended to choose Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla flights. If you wish to fly from any other part of the country or abroad, you must change flights to Delhi. If you are coming from Chandigarh, you can take cabs to Shimla, which will take 3 to 4 hours to reach. Regular buses are available too. From Delhi, a road trip will take you around 8 hours.

Shimla By Train

The best way to travel to Shimla is by train. Trains run on the track connecting Shimla to Kalka. This 96 km long railway track offers a magical train ride through 102 tunnels, 87 bridges, sharp curves, gradients, and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Engineers and construction workers took great risks to construct this track, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It takes around 5 hours to reach Kalka to Shimla by train. You can reach Kalka from all major cities of India. Trains start plying from 4 am onwards from Kalka station and offer chair car seating. Breakfast is provided by some trains, though it is advisable to order your breakfast when you buy your ticket. You can purchase tickets by booking online. Some trains are Shivalik Deluxe Express, Shivalik Express (also called the toy train), Rail Motor, Himalayan Queen, and Holiday Trains. Holiday trains run only during tourist seasons.

Shimla By Road

These are some popular routes to reach Shimla by road. These undulating mountain roads to Shimla also provide an enchanting experience like the train journey. Shimla, “the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is well connected by road with neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Punjab.

• The national capital of Delhi is 370 km away
• The city nearest to Shimla is Kalka (80 km away)
• Chandigarh connects to Shimla through the NH-22 (119 km away)

Several state and privately run buses can be boarded from bus stations in the various cities and towns around Shimla. They charge according to the distance and comfort offered. The most comfortable buses are Volvos. They are air-conditioned and provide television screens for entertainment. You can also select lower-priced deluxe buses, other air-conditioned buses, JNNURM buses, and ordinary buses.

Getting Around in Shimla

Shimla is swarmed with tourists throughout the year, and thanks to Shimla’s local transportation, tourists can explore all the major attractions in the city. Buses, cabs, taxis, car rentals, and more are available in Shimla to cover shorter and longer distances. You can choose the mode of transport as per your itinerary or places you want to visit in and around Shimla. Special buses are also run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation and only cover tourist attractions.

Here are the different ways to move around in Shimla –

Local Buses in Shimla

The most convenient way to travel to Shimla is by bus. Whether you want to explore the tourist attractions or plan an excursion from Shimla to Kufri, buses are the best ways to travel in Shimla. You can get both state-run and private buses in the city.

Taxis in Shimla

Taxis are available from different parts of Shimla. However, areas like The Ridge and Mall Road do not allow private vehicles.

Car Rentals in Shimla

Another famous way to get around Shimla is by availing yourself of rental services. Both self-driven and chauffeur-driven options are available. If you are a motorbike enthusiast, you can hire a bike to explore Shimla.

Shimla on Foot

The best way to explore the city is on foot. Many tourist places are within walking distance of each other. There are also trekking routes around Shimla, such as Tara Devi, The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Hill, and more.