How to Reach Shimla: By Car, By Air, By Train

Shimla Tour

 

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram looking at pictures of misty mountains, pine forests, or those iconic green rooftops with red chimneys, you’ve probably paused at a picture of Shimla. Because Shimla isn’t just a hill station. It’s a mood. It’s nostalgia, it’s romance, it’s a bowl of hot Maggi with a view.

But before you can post that iconic picture with “Feeling on top of the world” in your caption, let’s talk about how to get there.

This Shimla Travel Guide isn’t just about directions. It’s about the journey. The chai breaks. The playlists. The hills you’ll watch rise. The conversations that start with “Shimla chalein?” and end with “Yahin ruk jaate hain.”

Road-trip-to-Shimla

The Classic Choice: By Road

Let’s begin with the most cinematic way to travel — by car. If you’re the type who enjoys control over pit stops, photo ops, and ‘chai-pakora breaks’, the Delhi to Shimla road route is a solid 10/10. The shimla tour will begin the moment you start your playlist and hit NH44.

Route:

Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Kalka → Solan → Shimla
Total Distance: Approx. 350–370 km
Time: Around 8 to 9 hours (depending on traffic, weather, and food stops)

What to Expect:

  • The roads are smooth till Kalka

  • Post-Kalka, the uphill climb begins with winding roads and mountain views

  • Drive carefully after Solan, especially during monsoons or winter snow

Road Trip Tips:

  • Leave early to avoid city traffic

  • Make a food stop at ‘Amrik Sukhdev’ in Murthal for buttery parathas

  • Keep motion sickness meds if you’re prone to twisting mountain roads

  • Fuel up fully before the climb, as fuel stations are limited in the hills

  • Download offline maps; the mobile network can be patchy after Kalka

A road trip will be perfect if you’re planning to explore not just Shimla but nearby gems like Shimla Mashobra, Naldehra, or Kufri. And speaking of Mashobra…

Facade Day

A Stay You’ll Remember: Udman Grand Mashobra

Once you’ve reached Shimla, you’ll probably want something peaceful, something panoramic. That’s where Udman Grand Mashobra enters like a calm breeze.

Located just 15–20 minutes from Shimla’s main town, this 4-star property by Udman Hotels is tucked into a pine-covered hillside, overlooking mountain valleys and meadows. Trust us, the moment you sip chai from your balcony here, you’ll know why Mashobra is considered the quieter, classier cousin of Shimla.

Why choose this property?

  • Rooms with large windows and panoramic views

  • An in-house restaurant serving everything from butter chicken to noodles

  • Close to nature parks like Carignano and Naldehra Golf Course

  • Perfect for couples, families, or even solo travellers on a reflective trip

  • Quiet, elegant, and just the right distance away from the crowds

So if you’re thinking about combining luxury with nature, the Udman Grand Mashobra experience is a must-add to your Shimla travel guide.

train-trip-to-Shimla-Udman-Hotels

The Scenic Dream: By Train

Now, if you’re the kind who prefers sipping tea while watching mountains roll by slowly, take the Kalka–Shimla toy train. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-do at least once.

Route:

Take a regular train from Delhi to Kalka (around 4.5–5.5 hours). From Kalka, board the Kalka–Shimla toy train.
Toy Train Time: Around 5–6 hours
Distance: 96 km
Stops: Over 100 tunnels and 800 bridges

Why is this journey worth it:

  • The train literally chugs through clouds

  • Every tunnel exit feels like stepping into a new painting

  • You’ll pass sleepy stations, pine forests, apple orchards, and wooden bridges

Trains to Book:

  • Shivalik Deluxe Express (more comfortable)

  • Himalayan Queen (slower but charming)

Book your train early, especially during best time to visit Shimla, which is March to June and October to December.

A little pro tip: Sit on the right side (heading uphill) for the best valley views.

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The Quick Fix: By Air

Pressed for time or travelling with elderly family? Shimla does have an airport, but let’s be honest — it’s not the most reliable. Flights to Jubbarhatti (Shimla’s airport) are limited and often depend on weather.

Details:

  • Shimla Airport is about 22 km from the city

  • Closest major airport: Chandigarh Airport (113 km from Shimla)

  • You can fly to Chandigarh and take a cab or bus to Shimla

Flying into Chandigarh and taking a road trip from there gives you the best of both — convenience and scenery.

Delhi-Transport-Services

So What’s the Best Way?

That depends on who you’re travelling with and what you want from the trip.

Choose Car Travel if:

  • You enjoy control, music, and unplanned stops

  • You want to explore nearby areas like Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra

  • You're planning a longer shimla tour with friends or family

Choose Train Travel if:

  • You want the most scenic route

  • You have the time to travel slowly and enjoy every frame

  • You’re up for a little adventure

Choose Flight + Road if:

  • You’re short on time

  • You’re travelling with older parents or young kids

  • You don’t want to handle mountain driving

While You’re in Shimla...

No Shimla Travel Guide is complete without what to do once you’re there.

  • Walk The Ridge and shop at Lakkar Bazaar

  • Take a horse ride in Kufri

  • Visit Jakhoo Temple (the highest point in Shimla)

  • Have hot chocolate at Wake & Bake Café

  • Visit the Viceregal Lodge for British-era architecture

  • Watch the sunset from Scandal Point

  • And if you're staying at udman grand mashobra, don’t miss an early morning walk down the forest road. You’ll hear birds, breathe pine, and find your calm.
     

Best Time to Visit Shimla

The best time to visit Shimla depends on the experience you want.

  • March to June: Summer bliss, apple blossoms, pleasant days

  • October to December: Autumn chill, perfect for photography

  • December to February: Snowfall, dreams, and cozy nights
     

Final Thoughts

Whether you ride, fly, or chug your way up, Shimla has a way of slowing you down. It doesn’t matter how fast you get there. What matters is that you look out the window and think, “Bas yahi chahiye tha.”

And when you find yourself sipping tea on a balcony at Udman Grand Mashobra, watching clouds roll into the valley below, you’ll realise that the journey was only part of the story.

So pack your bag. Charge your camera. And decide your route. Because Shimla, with its old-school charm and fresh mountain air, is always a good idea

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