Shimla to Chandigarh

To get from Shimla, a beautiful hill station in North India, to Chandigarh, one can either take a bus, a private taxi or take a toy train to Kalka followed by a train to Chandigarh.

What is the distance between Shimla and Chandigarh?

Depending on the route one takes, the distance between Shimla and Chandigarh is between 106 kilometres and 115 kilometres. The distance by rail is 122 kilometres.

What is the fastest way to get from Shimla to Chandigarh?

By road, the fastest time one can get from Shimla to Chandigarh is in four hours. Meanwhile, the train journey from Shimla to Kalka takes from five to six hours while the journey from Kalka to Chandigarh takes from one to two hours. Thus taking a bus or a taxi is the fastest option.

How much does travel between Shimla and Chandigarh cost?

A train ticket from Shimla to Kalka costs between INR 45-800 while from Kalka to Chandigarh a train ticket costs between INR 100-1200. A bus costs between INR 175-600. A private taxi can cost between INR 1800-4000 depending on the car model one chooses.

How to get from Shimla to Chandigarh by bus

By bus, your choice is limited to the single company which offers bus transportation along this route. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates buses from Shimla to Chandigarh, which depart from the Shimla ISBT stop and arrive at the Chandigarh bus stop, which is in the outskirts of the city. There are ten different departure times through the day.

How long does it take to get from Shimla to Chandigarh by bus?

The bus journey takes from three hours to five hours; early morning buses are faster than the afternoon and night buses.

How expensive is bus travel between Shimla and Chandigarh?

Tickets will cost between INR 175-600, probably slightly more for AC buses.

While there are both air-conditioned and non-air conditioned options, it’s best to take an air-conditioned bus for a comfortable journey.

Bus travel tips for Shimla-Chandigarh route

There are no toilets on board, but there will be two to three en route stops for travellers to use restrooms at restaurants. Note that these restrooms are used by hundreds of travellers a day, so carry along sanitiser, soap and other toiletries.

How to get from Shimla to Chandigarh by train

While there is no direct rail link between Shimla and Chandigarh, it is still possible to travel this route by train. The train journey takes longer than a bus journey and calls for travellers to change trains at Kalka. From Shimla to Kala, travellers take a toy train along a UNESCO World Heritage train track. It’s an extremely beautiful journey.

Are there many train departures from Shimla?

There are several toy train departures from the Shimla Train Station through the day. Take an early morning or afternoon train to enjoy the view en route. Similarity, there are several train trips per day which go from Kalka to Chandigarh.

What are the best trains to take?

Popular trains include the Himalayan Queen and the Kalka Express; one can check the train schedule online.

How long does it take from Shimla to Chandigarh by train?

From Shimla to Kalka, the journey duration takes from five to six hours while from Kalka to Chandigarh it takes one to two hours. In total, the journey will take seven to eight hours.

What is the price of train tickets for Shimla-Chandigarh journey?

Train tickets in the toy trains from Shimla to Kalka cost between INR 60-600 while tickets in air-conditioned compartments from Kalka to Chandigarh cost between INR 250-600.

Shimla-Chandigarh train travel tips

Traveller should book tickets at least two weeks in advance.

On the toy train to Kalka, there are no toilets on board, but the train will stop in the middle of the journey at a station with washroom facilities. The train to Chandigarh has restroom facilities and snacks are available for purchase at stations.

How to get from Shimla to Chandigarh by private taxi

Taking a taxi from Shimla to Chandigarh is another option for travellers. To hire a car will cost between INR 1800-4000. It is especially convenient if you do not plan to stay in Chandigarh and want to fly out immediately.