Chandigarh to Shimla Distance: Complete Travel Guide

Quick Answer

Chandigarh to Shimla: 115 km | ~2.5 hours by road

By Car / Taxi115 km | 2.5-3 hours | Fare approx Rs 1,200-1,800
By HRTC BusRs 130-180 (ordinary) / Rs 250 (Volvo) | 3-4 hours
Kalka-Shimla TrainRs 22-290 | 5.5 hours (UNESCO heritage toy train)
Best RouteNH5: Chandigarh – Kalka – Solan – Kandaghat – Shimla

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Shimla is a dream destination for cool mountain air, scenic landscapes, and colonial charm. Planning a weekend escape or an extended retreat – the trip to Shimla from Chandigarh is nothing but magical.

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Thinking about the distance, travel time, routes, and best time to visit? This blog is your playbook for a seamless and unforgettable journey. So, make a cup of tea and learn everything about Chandigarh to Shimla travel. 

Discover our detailed guide designed specifically for you on the Chandigarh to Shimla distance and essential travel tips. We, at Kufri Heritage Resort, are dedicated to making your Himalayan escape a memorable event. 


Whether you are mapping your Shimla to Chandigarh distance, planning must-see stops or comparing the scenic Chandigarh to Shimla train, you will find all the necessary insights for a smooth journey here. Allow us to guide you and help you enjoy every mile of your adventure.

Also, Visit – 5 Star Resort in Kufri Shimla

Quick Reference: Chandigarh to Shimla

By Road117 km  |  3.5 to 4 hours  |  NH5 via Solan
By Toy TrainChandigarh to Kalka (45 km) then Kalka-Shimla Heritage Rail (5-6 hrs)
By Volvo BusHRTC / Private  |  4 to 5 hours  |  INR 250-450
TollApprox INR 150-200 for a private car
Best TimeOctober to June (avoid July-August monsoon for road trips)
Kufri from ShimlaJust 13 km more  |  30-40 minutes  |  Worth the extra drive

Chandigarh to Shimla Distance and Travel Time

Shimla is calling, and you are just a few hours away! Find out the exact distance and travel time from Chandigarh. 

Mode of TransportDistanceTravel Time
By Road107 km3 hours 23 minutes
By Flight56 km2 hours 40 minutes
By Train112 km6 hours 50 minutes

Located approximately 115 kilometres away from Chandigarh, travellers can easily drive down to Shimla. It is built along National Highway 5 and offers a smooth, comfortable drive through hills and valleys. 

From Chandigarh to Shimla, it usually takes three to four hours, depending on the weather and traffic conditions. The route is prominent for its wide, well-kept mountain roads and open views, making every mile worthwhile. 

Routes from Chandigarh to Shimla

Driving to Shimla from Chandigarh? A perfect blend of hills and roads – let us explore the routes from Chandigarh to Shimla that will leave you in awe. 

The most common and widely used route, NH5 is a well-built highway that connects Shimla from Chandigarh. Packed with Instagram-worthy hills, towns, and villages, the 115 km journey is both visually appealing and relaxing. It is ideal for people looking for an alluring experience. 

If you are looking for an offbeat road trip, Chandigarh to Shimla has multiple routes for majestic journeys. The road via Kasauli delivers a peaceful experience through stunning hills and calm surroundings. Plus, the route crosses Solan, offering a taste of Himachal’s small towns and diverse landscapes. 

Note: This route mat take a little more time, but these less-travelled corners are worth the delay. 

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Travel Options from Chandigarh to Shimla

The charm of Shimla awaits! With so many travel options from Chandigarh, there is no reason to delay your trip any longer! Let’s take a look.  

Chandigarh to Shimla Time By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)

Do you enjoy driving on hills with scenic beauty? Well, then, it’s a sign to take your car out or book a taxi for a mesmerising road trip to Shimla from Chandigarh. Covering 115 kilometres from Chandigarh to Shimla distance by road, it takes approximately 4 hours. 

Chandigarh to Shimla Time By Train

For travellers who demand a relaxed experience, hopping on a train is a great choice. The picturesque Kalka-Shimla railway has made the journey smoother, taking only 6 hours. Enjoy the heritage route while embracing the beauty of mountains, villages, and towns. 

Chandigarh to Shimla Time by Bus

If you are seeking a budget-friendly and convenient option for travelling, the Himachal Pradesh government runs multiple buses on the Chandigarh – Shimla route. It takes approximately 5 hours, and you can choose from a variety of timings for a hassle-free journey. 

Chandigarh to Shimla Time by AIR

There are no direct commercial flights from Chandigarh to Shimla, but Shimla Airport (Jubberhatti) is accessible via small aircraft. The flight duration is approximately 20-30 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel between the two cities. Airlines like Alliance Air occasionally operate flights on this route. However, flights are subject to weather conditions due to Shimla’s hilly terrain. Alternatively, travelers often opt for road or rail transport, as the distance is only 110 km, taking around 3-4 hours by car.

Top Attractions on the Chandigarh to Shimla Route

The road from Chandigarh to Shimla is much more than a means of travel. It is an immersive experience packed with the following scenic and cultural hotspots.

Kufri Heritage Resort & Spa, Kufri Shimla

A highlight of Chandigarh Shimla road – Timber Trail is a must-visit for its spectacular cable car ride. Surrounded by hills and valleys, this aerial journey to the hilltop promises a memorable day. 

Kufri Heritage Resort & Spa, Kufri Shimla

Also known as the Mushroom City of India, Solan is situated in the Shivalik range. This city features a calm atmosphere, vintage temples, gorgeous landscapes, and local breweries for a peaceful staycation. 

Kufri Heritage Resort & Spa, Kufri Shimla

Planning a quiet retreat for a day before reaching Shimla? Barog is a small village known for its scenic beauty and the historic Barog Railway Station. Do take a leisure stroll on the railway tracks while travelling from Chandigarh to Shimla by car for fresh mountain air. 

Kufri Heritage Resort & Spa, Kufri Shimla

Located on the Chandigarh to Shimla route, Dharampur is an excellent place for a pitstop. The lush pine forests and cool climate make it a perfect stopover for a hot bowl of Maggi or a cup of tea. 

Best Time to Travel

Shimla, the queen of hills, is waiting for you! Check out when is the best time to make your visit.

Perfect escape from the scorching heat, Shimla has temperatures between 15°C to 30°C. Lush greenery, clear skies, and vibrant festivals – it is an ideal time for sightseeing, nature walks, and outdoor activities. 

While many people think monsoon on hills is challenging, but it comes with vibrant landscapes and a magical atmosphere. This time is best for people who are fond of a peaceful, relaxed vibe. 

Love snowfall? Visit Shimla in winter. During this time, the city is wrapped in a blanket of snow, perfect for cosy vacations and ice sports. Though Shimla becomes a winter wonderland, be prepared to enjoy the extreme cold in January and February. 

Road Conditions and Driving Tips

There’s no road trip quite interesting like the one from Chandigarh to Shimla. Here are a few tips to hit the road safely: 

  • As you climb the hills, the roads will become narrow and sharp turns will appear from nowhere. Therefore, keep the speed in control and have a good grip on the wheel. 
  • Mountains have fluctuating weather conditions; one minute, it is sunny and another minute, it is cloudy. Check the weather forecast and always carry warm clothes. 
  • The distance between Chandigarh to Shimla is over crowded during weekends or holidays. Plan to leave in the morning or late afternoon to avoid traffic jams while enjoying stunning views. 
  • Honeymoon Package in Kufri 2026 – Romantic resort stay for couples with special arrangements.
  • Team Outing Near Shimla – Corporate group packages and activities near Kufri.

Where to Stay in Shimla?

Shimla offers a plethora of accommodation options to suit different travellers. For a blend of elegance and modern luxury, Kufri Heritage Resort, located just a 25-minute drive from the city, is an excellent choice. Perched amidst the snow-capped peaks of Himachal Pradesh, this resort boasts panoramic mountain views, a fine dining restaurant, a well-equipped gym, and a rejuvenating spa. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Kufri Heritage Resort provides a serene retreat with top-notch amenities. 

Experience Comfort and Luxury in the Hills 

Kufri Heritage Resort is a perfect retreat placed just a couple of kilometres away from Shimla Town. Set amidst grand mountainous views and pine tree forests, our resort offers luxury alongside genuine Himachali hospitality. It does not matter if you are using a Chandigarh to Shimla taxi, or checking the distance between Chandigarh to Shimla, or even inquiring about the Chandigarh to Shimla time by bus. 

Once you reach Kufri, you can relax in our spacious rooms, enjoy the delicious cuisine, and let the peaceful ambience and fresh mountain air of Kufri rejuvenate your spirit. 

Book Your Stay and Connect With Us 

So, are you all set to plan your stay at Kufri? Visit our website to explore special offers, exclusive packages and detailed travel guides. If you are having aspirations to cover the Chandigarh to Shimla distance by road, be prepared to enjoy a scenic journey of 107-115 km. It will roughly take 3-4 hours to complete the journey. 

The Chandigarh airport to Shimla distance is also convenient if you are planning to travel by air. Having ideas to cover the distance via a road trip? Learn everything you need to know about Chandigarh to Shimla by road, and let Kufri Heritage Resort be the starting point of your Shimla trip. 

Safe Travels!!

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Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh distance

Chandigarh is where most trips into Himachal Pradesh really begin. Parwanoo, the first Himachal town, sits just past Kalka, and the hill climb starts from there.

Destination in HimachalRoad distance from ChandigarhGood to know
ShimlaAbout 115 km3 to 4 hours on NH-5 through Kalka, Solan and Kandaghat
KufriAbout 128 km13 km beyond Shimla, the closest snow to Chandigarh in winter
ManaliAbout 270 to 310 kmA long mountain day through Mandi and Kullu

Heading up for a weekend? See Shimla to Kufri for the last 13 km.

Chandigarh to Shimla by train: the Kalka toy train route

There is no railway station on the Shimla hill itself. Trains stop at Kalka at the foot of the hills, and the Kalka to Shimla toy train climbs from there. The Kalka to Shimla ride takes 5 to 6 hours, is a UNESCO World Heritage line and winds through hill tunnels and small bridges, and the journey itself is a highlight. Chandigarh to Kalka is a short drive of about 45 minutes, so many travellers ride a car or taxi one way and let the train be the return experience.

Book the Kalka to Shimla leg on IRCTC directly, because seats in the rail cars are limited by the car count of the little train, and summer and snow-season dates sell first. Timetables change, so check IRCTC for the current departure before you travel. Full route guide: Shimla toy train.

  1. Chandigarh to Kalka: taxi or local trains, about 45 minutes by road.
  2. Kalka to Shimla: the toy train, 5 to 6 hours through Kandaghat and Solan, with the tunnels, bridges and hill views that make the line famous.
  3. Shimla to Kufri: 13 km by taxi, 30 to 45 minutes. Route: Shimla to Kufri.

Planning the whole drive by road instead? The main Chandigarh to Shimla section above has the road timings.

Chandigarh se Shimla ki doori kitni hai?

Chandigarh se Shimla ki doori road se lagbhag 115 km hai. Safar Chandigarh se Kalka, Solan aur Kandaghat ke raaste Shimla tak jata hai. Pahadi hissa Kalka ke baad shuru hota hai, isliye traffic, mausam aur weekend rush ke hisaab se travel time badal sakta hai.

Chandigarh se Shimla jaane ka seedha route

Sabse aam road route Chandigarh - Kalka - Solan - Kandaghat - Shimla hai. Agar aap apni trip Kufri tak badhana chahte hain, to Shimla se Kufri 13 km aur hai. Us last stretch ke liye hamari Shimla se Kufri distance guide dekhein.

Train se jaana ho to

Shimla ke liye rail journey Kalka se shuru hoti hai. Chandigarh se Kalka tak pahunchne ke baad Kalka-Shimla toy train li ja sakti hai. Yeh line lagbhag 5 se 6 ghante leti hai aur UNESCO World Heritage route hai. Current departure aur seat availability ke liye IRCTC par timetable check karein. Is journey ki planning ke liye Shimla toy train guide bhi dekhein.

Short answer

Chandigarh se Shimla: lagbhag 115 km by road. Shimla se Kufri: 13 km aur. Aap day trip, weekend stay ya snow-season plan bana rahe hain, route ke liye mausam aur traffic check karke niklein.

Shimla to Chandigarh distance

Shimla to Chandigarh is about 115 km by road and normally takes 3 to 4 hours. The downhill route follows NH-5 through Kandaghat, Solan and Kalka. Traffic, rain and weekend departures can extend the journey, so use the road time as a planning window rather than a fixed arrival promise.

Planning to add Kufri before heading down? Kufri is 13 km from Shimla. See the Shimla to Kufri travel guide for the short mountain stretch, or use the Shimla toy train guide if you are planning the rail leg via Kalka.

FAQs

1. How do I go from Chandigarh to Shimla?

To cover the Shimla to Chandigarh distance, you can opt for a road trip, bus, or train, according to your convenience. 

2. How much is the taxi fare from Chandigarh to Shimla?

The taxi fare from Chandigarh to Shimla lies between ₹2,800 and ₹3,500, depending on the car model. 

3. How far is Shimla from Chandigarh by car?

The Chandigarh to Shimla distance by road is approximately 115 kilometres. 

4. What is the distance between Chandigarh and Shimla by road? 

The distance between Chandigarh and Shimla by road is 110 km. The Chandigarh to Shimla route typically follows NH5 and takes 3-4 hours by taxi. 

5. How long does it take to travel from Chandigarh to Shimla by taxi? 

It usually takes 3 to 4 hours to cover the Chandigarh to Shimla distance by cab. 

6. Is there a train service from Chandigarh to Shimla? 

Yes, the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train helps cover the Chandigarh to Shimla distance by train. 

7. What is the distance from Chandigarh airport to Shimla? 

The distance from the Chandigarh airport to Shimla is roughly 120 km. 

8. Are there bus services available from Chandigarh to Shimla? 

Yes, the government and private buses operate, allowing you to cover the Chandigarh to Shimla distance by bus.

Also Read

Planning a Stay in Kufri?

Kufri Heritage Resort and Spa | 5-Star Luxury Resort | 13 km from Shimla | Rooms from Rs 6,999/night

Call: +91-7876587002 WhatsApp Us

Continue to Kufri: 13 km Past Shimla

Kufri sits 13 km beyond Shimla on the same highway. Most Chandigarh travellers extend their trip here for snow activities, Himalayan wildlife, and 5-star mountain stays at a fraction of Shimla prices.

Kufri Heritage Resort and Spa from Rs 4,000/night | Call: +91 98160 23372 | Shimla-Kufri Package

Route planner

Distance, travel time and the honest route notes: any start point to Shimla or Kufri

Road distance 
Drive time 

Road figures as quoted on this guide. Seasonal snowfall can slow the hill climbs, so keep the night buffer in the hills, not on the old highway.

Driving up?

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