How to Reach Shimla from New Delhi

Delhi to Shimla at a glance

Figures are indicative one-way estimates for planning and vary by season and operator. Confirm live fares before you book.

By train: New Delhi to Kalka, then the toy train

There is no direct train from New Delhi to Shimla. The rail journey comes in two legs. First, take a broad-gauge express from New Delhi railway station (NDLS) to Kalka, which takes roughly 4 to 4.5 hours. From Kalka you switch to the narrow-gauge Kalka to Shimla toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain line that climbs 96 km through over 100 tunnels and hundreds of small bridges in about 5 hours.

Popular services on the hill section include the Shivalik Deluxe Express, the Himalayan Queen and the Kalka Shimla Express, plus the small Rail Motor Car. Seats on the toy train sell out fast in the summer and festival season, so book both legs early on IRCTC. For a full breakdown of trains, classes, timings and toy-train booking windows, read our guide to Delhi to Shimla trains.

By bus: HRTC and private Volvo

Buses are the simplest and cheapest way to reach Shimla. Himachal Road Transport Corporation and private operators run frequent services from Delhi, most of them overnight. Board at ISBT Kashmere Gate; some private coaches also pick up at Majnu Ka Tilla. Options range from HRTC ordinary and semi-sleeper coaches (from about Rs 540) to Himsuta and private Volvo AC and sleeper buses (about Rs 650 to Rs 1,100). The ride covers roughly 356 km in 9 to 11 hours, so an overnight AC Volvo lets you leave at night and wake up near the hills.

By air: fly to Chandigarh, then road

Do not plan around a direct flight. There is no reliable scheduled service between Delhi and Shimla. Shimla's own Jubbarhatti airport, about 23 km from town, handles only occasional weather-dependent small-aircraft flights, so it is not a dependable option. The practical air route is to fly from New Delhi to Chandigarh (airport code IXC), a hop of about 45 minutes from around Rs 1,800, and then continue to Shimla by Volvo bus or taxi, roughly 115 km and 3 to 4 hours by road. Door to door this usually takes 5 to 6 hours, the quickest way up but also the most expensive.

By road and self-drive

If you prefer your own vehicle, leave Delhi on NH44 and drive through Panipat and Karnal to Chandigarh, then on through Kalka, Parwanoo and Solan up to Shimla, about 350 km in all. Allow 6 to 7 hours with a meal stop. The climb after Solan is steep and full of hairpin bends, so avoid driving it after dark if you are not used to hill roads. A private cab from Delhi or, more affordably, from Chandigarh airport suits families travelling with heavy luggage.

Which way should you choose?

For the lowest cost and least fuss, take an overnight Volvo bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate. For the most memorable trip, ride the express to Kalka and switch to the toy train for the final climb. If you are short on time, fly to Chandigarh and drive the last stretch. Families with luggage usually find a private cab from Chandigarh airport the easiest door-to-door choice.

Planning the whole trip?

Once you have picked your route, let us handle the rest. Browse our customisable Shimla tour packages that bundle transfers, hotels and sightseeing, or read the full Shimla travel guide for where to stay and what to see once you arrive.