How to Reach Shimla from Delhi: Toy Train, Bus & Car
Train, toy train, bus, car and flight options from Delhi to Shimla, with time and cost.
How to reach Shimla from Delhi
Shimla is close to Delhi compared to other hill stations. You can leave Delhi in the morning and be on Mall Road by evening. There are three main ways to reach Shimla from Delhi: by road, by train with the toy train, or by flight to Chandigarh.
Volvo bus or car. Simple, cheap and the most common way.
See the road route → ~10 hrsTrain to Kalka + toy trainSlow but very scenic. The toy train is a trip in itself.
See the train plan → ~5 hrsFlight to Chandigarh + taxiFastest when you count the full trip. Costs more.
See flight details →Delhi to Shimla by train and toy train
Big trains from Delhi go only up to Kalka, at the foot of the hills. From Kalka, a small toy train climbs to Shimla on a narrow track. Here is a simple one-day plan that many travellers use.
Take the Kalka Shatabdi. It is fast and gives you breakfast on board.
Walk to the toy train platform at the same station. No taxi needed.
The Himalayan Queen leaves Kalka and slowly climbs through the hills.
Shimla station is close to the main town. Take a taxi or walk to your hotel.
Train times can change. Check the latest timing on IRCTC before you book.
The road from Delhi to Shimla
The first 250 km to Chandigarh are flat highway. After Parwanoo, the road climbs fast. In about 100 km you go up more than 2,000 metres.
🚌 By Volvo bus
HRTC and private Volvo buses leave Delhi from ISBT Kashmere Gate many times a day. Night buses reach Shimla early in the morning. A Volvo seat costs about ₹1,000–1,500. Book on the HRTC website or a bus app.
🚗 By car or cab
Leave Delhi by 6 am to beat the traffic. Stop for breakfast at the Murthal dhabas. Expect slow traffic near Zirakpur and Solan on weekends. A one-way cab from Delhi costs about ₹6,000–8,000.
Flying from Delhi to Shimla
Shimla has a small airport at Jubbarhatti, about 22 km from town. But flights from Delhi are very few, and fog or rain often cancels them. So we suggest you do not plan your trip around this airport.
The better choice is to fly from Delhi to Chandigarh. The flight takes about one hour, and there are many flights every day. From Chandigarh airport, a taxi to Shimla takes 3 to 4 hours and costs about ₹3,000–4,000.
Which way is right for you?
Family with kids or elders
Private cabYou can stop when you want, and there is no luggage trouble at stations.
Couple on a holiday
Shatabdi + toy trainThe toy train ride through tunnels and pine forest makes the trip special.
Low budget or students
Night Volvo busThe fare is low and you save a hotel night by sleeping on the bus.
Short on time
Flight to Chandigarh + taxiYou can be in Shimla in about 5 hours from your Delhi home.
Delhi to Shimla travel cost
| Way | Time | Rough cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary bus | 9–10 hours | About ₹500–700 per seat |
| Volvo bus | 8–9 hours | About ₹1,000–1,500 per seat |
| Shatabdi + toy train | About 10 hours | About ₹1,200–2,000 per person |
| Private cab (sedan) | 7–9 hours | About ₹6,000–8,000 per car |
| Flight + taxi | About 5 hours | About ₹3,500–8,000 flight + ₹3,000–4,000 taxi |
Prices are rough and change with season, weekends and how early you book.
Reaching your hotel in Shimla
Most buses stop at the main bus stand at Tutikandi. It is a few km from Mall Road. Taxis wait outside.
Cars cannot go on Mall Road and the Ridge. If your hotel is there, you will walk the last part or use the lift from Cart Road.
From late December to February, snow can close roads to Kufri and Narkanda for a day or two. Keep your plans a little loose.
Going on to Manali after Shimla? Read how to reach Manali from Delhi. Plan your stay with our guides on the best time to visit Shimla and the best places to visit in Shimla.
Delhi to Shimla: your questions answered
What is the best way to reach Shimla from Delhi?
By road it takes 7 to 9 hours, by Volvo bus or car. If you want a fun trip, take the morning Shatabdi train to Kalka and then the toy train to Shimla. You reach Shimla by evening.
How far is Shimla from Delhi?
Shimla is about 350 km from Delhi by road. By car it takes around 7 to 9 hours, with a breakfast or lunch stop.
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Shimla?
No. Big trains from Delhi go only up to Kalka. From Kalka, the small toy train goes up the hill to Shimla in about 5 to 6 hours.
Which is the nearest airport to Shimla?
Shimla has a small airport at Jubbarhatti, but flights are very few and often cancelled. Chandigarh airport is the better choice. It has many flights and Shimla is about 3 to 4 hours away by taxi.
Where does the Delhi to Shimla bus stop?
Most buses stop at the main Shimla bus stand at Tutikandi. From there, take a taxi to your hotel. Cars cannot go on Mall Road, so you may walk the last part.
Want a cab from Delhi to Shimla?
We can send a private cab from Delhi, Chandigarh or Kalka station and book your hotel in Shimla. One planner helps you for the whole trip.