Access Routes

Road Access

Shimla, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is accessible through various routes, each offering scenic vistas and unique experiences. Each access route to Shimla offers its own unique charm and allows travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes.

Here are the primary access routes to Shimla:

From Delhi

The most common route from Delhi to Shimla is via NH44 (previously NH1) through Ambala. From Ambala, travelers take NH22, also known as the Himalayan Expressway, which leads directly to Shimla. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, covering a distance of around 350 kilometers.

From Chandigarh

Another popular route is from Chandigarh via NH5. The distance from Chandigarh to Shimla is approximately 113 kilometers, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. The road offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik ranges and winding mountain roads.

From Manali

Travelers can also reach Shimla from Manali via NH3 and NH205. The distance between Manali and Shimla is around 250 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 7-8 hours. This route traverses through mountainous terrain and offers spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Rail Access

Kalka-Shimla Railway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka-Shimla Railway is one of the most scenic train routes in India. The narrow-gauge railway connects Kalka in Haryana to Shimla, covering a distance of approximately 96 kilometers. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, passing through 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and numerous picturesque stations along the way.

Train Booking, Tickets and Availablility

https://www.railyatri.in/kalka-to-shimla-trains

https://www.redbus.in/train-tickets/kalka-to-shimla-trains

https://www.confirmtkt.com/trains/shimla-to-kalka-train-tickets

Train Time Table

https://nr.indianrailways.gov.in/KSR/15.pdf

Air Access

Jubbarhatti Airport

Situated approximately 22 kilometers from Shimla, Jubbarhatti Airport is the nearest airport to the city. It operates limited flights primarily from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, travelers can hire taxis or use public transportation to reach Shimla. Alongside the airline, helicopter service is also provided by Pawan Hans.

From Delhi

https://www.google.com/travel/flights/flights-from-new-delhi-to-shimla.html

From Chandigarh

https://www.google.com/travel/flights/flights-from-chandigarh-to-shimla.html

Bus Access

State Transport

Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular bus services to Shimla from major cities and towns in Himachal Pradesh as well as neighboring states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. Deluxe, Volvo, and semi-sleeper buses are available, offering a comfortable journey to Shimla.