How to Reach Shimla – By Air, By Rail, By Road

There are many ways if you wish to know how to reach Shimla. The easiest and most recommended way is flying to the hill station, either by landing at the Shimla airstrip or Chandigarh airport (more on this in the following sections). However, if you are nervous about flying or are going to Shimla via another destination in Himachal Pradesh, then it is best to take a car or bus. For everyone else, there’s the train.

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India. There are many exciting things to do in Shimla, such as trekking, a walk through the pine forests, cycling, camping, paragliding, and much more. December to January can be the best time to visit Shimla, as you can witness the snowfall and view the snowclad Himalayan peaks. But first, you should know how to reach Shimla and plan your tour accordingly.   

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Shimla With Family

How to Reach Shimla by Air?

The nearest airport to Shimla is the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh. The airport is 120 km away from the hill station. It will take about 4 hours road journey to reach Shimla from Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you can take a bus or a hire a car.

Also Read: 5 Must Try Food Places in Shimla That Will Have You Salivating 

How to Reach Shimla by Train?

Shimla is connected to Kalka through the world-famous Kalka-Shimla Meter Gauge railway track. The scenic railway track, which covers a distance of 96 km from Kalka to Shimla in 6 hours, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for covering the steepest rise in altitude. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site. About 3-4 trains run daily from Kalka to Shimla and vice versa. So, you can take the Kalka Shatabdi from Delhi. It leaves at about 6 am thrice a week, and you can reach Kalka by noon. You also have the option of reaching Kalka from Chandigarh by train; it only takes about three hours.

The Kalka-Shimla route is the most recommended route to reach Shimla. Fondly known as the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, the heritage train passes through 20 beautiful railway stations. It traverses through 912 curves and 103 tunnels, providing a dramatic view of the surrounding hills and villages.

How to Reach Shimla by Road?

Shimla is well-connected with Chandigarh, Dehradun, and New Delhi through national highways like NH 1 and NH 22. People from these places routinely drive to Shimla in their personal vehicles for a quick weekend gateway. There are also many luxury bus services from Delhi to Shimla. Moreover, Himachal Road Transport Corporation operates numerous bus services between Shimla and its neighboring cities and towns.

Also Read: The best tips to get the most out of Shimla Tourism

Where to Stay In Shimla?

Club Mahindra Shimla Resort in Mashobra is one of the best resorts in Shimla for tourists who want a peaceful vacation. The resort is situated in the quaint town of Mashobra and is just 10.2 km away from Shimla. So, you can explore Shimla and its nearby places and return to this serene resort away from the typical hill station crowd in Shimla.

Places to Visit in Shimla

There are many places to visit in Shimla, depending on your interest. For instance, if you’re a religious person, you can visit numerous beautiful temples like the Sankat Mochan temple situated on the Shimla-Chandigarh highway, Kali Bari, Tara Devi temple, or the Jakhoo Temple located on the top of the Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in the city.

The Mall and the Ridge have many shops, restaurants, and clubs. It is the most happening tourist place in Shimla. Additionally, there are numerous locations in and around the city, ideal for nature lovers. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, ensure a visit to the Himalayan Nature Park, situated just outside the city.

Shimla is one of those hill stations easily accessible through road and railway routes. Therefore, you can easily plan an escape from your daily routine to have a tryst with the mountains.