Chandigarh to Kufri: Distance, Route, Travel Time and Tips (2026)

Chandigarh is the gateway city for most visitors travelling to Kufri from North India. At 113 km by road, Kufri is one of the most accessible Himalayan hill destinations from Chandigarh - closer than Shimla by 13 km, and significantly easier to reach than Manali or Dharamsala. The drive takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours via the well-maintained Kalka-Shimla highway.

Best Route from Chandigarh to Kufri

Recommended route: Chandigarh - Kalka (NH-7, 35 km) - Dharampur - Solan - Shimla - Kufri (NH-5, 78 km from Kalka)

This is the standard and most reliable route for the Chandigarh to Kufri drive. The Chandigarh to Kalka section is a flat, fast expressway. The Kalka to Shimla section via NH-5 is a mountain highway - well-maintained but with continuous curves as it climbs from 365 metres at Kalka to 2,200 metres at Shimla. Kufri is a further 13 km beyond Shimla on the same highway direction toward Narkanda.

Total distance: 113 km
Drive time: 3.5 hours (light traffic, morning departure) to 4.5 hours (afternoon traffic, winter road conditions)

Chandigarh to Kufri: Step-by-Step Drive Guide

Chandigarh to Kalka (35 km | 40-50 minutes): Leave Chandigarh on the NH-7 toward Panchkula and then toward Kalka. The road is 4-lane dual carriageway through flat terrain. No toll on this section. Fill fuel at Chandigarh or Panchkula before the mountain section begins at Kalka.

Kalka to Shimla via Dharampur and Solan (90 km | 2.5-3 hours): After Kalka, turn onto NH-5 heading toward Shimla. The road begins climbing immediately. Solan (1,468 metres) is a useful lunch stop approximately halfway. After Solan, the highway continues climbing through Kandaghat and Shoghi. The Shimla bypass takes you directly onto the Shimla-Narkanda road avoiding Shimla city centre.

Shimla Bypass to Kufri (13 km | 25-30 minutes): From the Shimla bypass junction, follow signs toward Narkanda on the Hindustan-Tibet Highway. Kufri is 13 km from this junction. The road is well-signed. Kufri main point (horse riding area and Fun World) is on the left as you enter the Kufri zone.

Alternative Routes from Chandigarh to Kufri

Via Pinjore and Parwanoo (slightly shorter but more congested): This route via Pinjore joins the same NH-5 at a point between Kalka and Solan. Can save 5-10 minutes in good traffic but the Pinjore-Parwanoo section has more truck traffic and is often congested on weekends.

Via Chail (longer but scenic): Chandigarh - Kalka - Kandaghat - Chail - Kufri via the old Maharaja's road through Chail Palace. Distance approximately 130 km with 4.5-5 hours drive. Not recommended as a first visit route but excellent as a scenic loop return journey.

Chandigarh to Kufri by Bus

There is no direct bus from Chandigarh to Kufri. The HRTC (Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation) operates frequent direct buses from Chandigarh ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) to Shimla New Bus Stand. Journey time is 3-3.5 hours. From Shimla New Bus Stand, take a local shared cab or private cab to Kufri (13 km, Rs 400-600, 25-30 minutes).

Chandigarh ISBT to Shimla bus: First departure approximately 6 am, last around 8 pm. Frequency: roughly every 30-45 minutes during peak hours. Book online at hrtchp.com or arrive 30 minutes early at ISBT for walk-up tickets.

Chandigarh to Kufri by Train

The Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge toy train is one of the most scenic rail journeys in India and a UNESCO World Heritage route. From Chandigarh, take a fast train or bus to Kalka (45 minutes by train), then board the Kalka-Shimla toy train (5-6 hours to Shimla). From Shimla station, take a local cab to Kufri (13 km, Rs 400-600).

Key trains Chandigarh to Kalka: Himalayan Queen, Shivalik Express. The toy train from Kalka to Shimla has 4-5 departures daily including the Shivalik Deluxe Express (2.5 hours). Book both legs on IRCTC well in advance for weekend travel.

What to Know Before You Drive from Chandigarh to Kufri

Best departure time: Leave Chandigarh by 7-8 am to arrive at Kufri by late morning. Weekend afternoons see heavy traffic on the Chandigarh-Kalka section.

Fuel up at Chandigarh: Fill the tank in Chandigarh or Panchkula. Fuel stations on the mountain section are present but fewer. Do not rely on finding one at a specific time.

Winter road conditions: In January and February, the Shimla to Kufri section can have snow or ice on the road after overnight snowfall. Check HP Traffic Police updates before departing Chandigarh in winter. Carry chains or hire a local driver familiar with the route.

Parking at Kufri: Kufri has limited parking near the main activity zone. Arrive before 10 am on peak days (December-February weekends) to get a space near the Fun World and horse riding area.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chandigarh to Kufri

Q: How far is Kufri from Chandigarh?
Kufri is 113 km from Chandigarh by road via the NH-5 Kalka-Shimla highway. The drive takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Q: Is there a direct bus from Chandigarh to Kufri?
No direct bus. Take HRTC bus from Chandigarh ISBT to Shimla (3-3.5 hours), then a local shared or private cab from Shimla to Kufri (13 km, 25-30 minutes).

Q: What is the best time to drive from Chandigarh to Kufri?
Morning departures (7-8 am) are best. You avoid Chandigarh morning traffic, reach Kalka before the highway gets busy, and arrive at Kufri by late morning with a full day of activities ahead.

Q: Can I take the toy train from Chandigarh to Kufri?
You can take the Kalka-Shimla toy train from Kalka (45 min from Chandigarh) to Shimla, then a cab to Kufri. Total time is 7-8 hours. It is slow but offers an unforgettable scenic mountain rail experience.

Q: Does Kufri Heritage Resort arrange pickup from Chandigarh?
Contact Kufri Heritage Resort and Spa directly to enquire about transfer arrangements. Many mountain resorts can arrange cab pickups from Chandigarh or Chandigarh Airport on request, particularly for multi-night stays.