Chandigarh to Shimla by Road: Taxi, Bus or Toy Train?

Most trips to Shimla start in Chandigarh. It has the nearest big airport and railway station, and from there Shimla is about 115 km up into the hills. The road is good, but it is a mountain road, so plan for 3.5 to 4 hours and a little more on weekends or in bad weather.

There are three ways to make the journey. This guide explains each one so you can pick what suits your group.

The three options at a glance

By taxi

A taxi is the simplest option. The driver picks you up from Chandigarh airport, the railway station or your hotel and drops you at your hotel in Shimla. You can stop for tea, food or photos whenever you want, and your luggage stays with you the whole way.

It suits families with children or elders, groups with a lot of luggage, and anyone landing on a late flight. Ask for a driver who knows hill roads, since the last stretch after Solan has many bends.

We run this route every day. See our taxi service in Shimla for the cars we use and how to get a fare.

By bus

Buses to Shimla leave from the Chandigarh bus stand through the day, from ordinary state buses to more comfortable Volvo coaches. The bus is the cheapest way up and works well if you travel light.

Keep two things in mind. The bus takes longer than a car because of its halts, and the Shimla bus stand is some distance from most hotels, so you will still need a local cab at the other end.

By toy train

The Kalka to Shimla railway is a narrow-gauge line that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. The train climbs slowly through more than a hundred tunnels and over hundreds of small bridges, with pine forest and valley views most of the way.

It is the slowest option and the most memorable one. The train starts from Kalka, about 30 km from Chandigarh, so you first need to reach Kalka by road or by a connecting train. Seats sell out in holiday season, so book early.

A popular plan is to go up one way by toy train and come back by taxi. You get the experience without spending two full days travelling.

Where to stop on the road

• Parwanoo: the first hill town after the plains, known for its cable car across the valley.
• Dharampur: the usual food halt, with several well-known dhabas.
• Solan: roughly the halfway point and a good place for a longer break.
• Kandaghat: the turn-off if you plan to visit Chail.
• Shoghi: a quiet stop just before Shimla, good for a last cup of tea.

Tips for the journey

• Start early. Morning traffic is lighter and you reach Shimla with daylight to spare.
• Expect delays on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, when the road is busiest.
• If anyone in your group gets motion sickness, keep them in the front seat and carry medicine. The bends begin after Parwanoo.
• In winter, snow near Shimla can slow or close the road for a few hours. Keep some buffer time if you have a flight to catch.
• Mall Road and the Ridge in Shimla are closed to vehicles. Your cab will drop you at the nearest point, so pack luggage you can carry for a short walk if your hotel is in that area.

Which one should you pick?

• Taxi if you are a family, have elders or children with you, or want to reach your hotel door without changing vehicles.
• Bus if you are travelling alone or on a tight budget and do not mind a longer day.
• Toy train if the journey matters as much as the destination and you have time to spare.

If you would like us to arrange the pickup, send your date, time and number of passengers on WhatsApp and we will share the fare. You can also look at our Shimla trips if you want the hotel and sightseeing planned as well.