Chandigarh to Shimla distance and travel time

The road from Chandigarh to Shimla gives you one of India's most beautiful drives as you wind through the Himalayan foothills. A good understanding of the route details will help you plan your mountain adventure better.

Total distance by road and average travel time

The distance from Chandigarh to Shimla by road is about 112-115 kilometers. This makes it perfect for a quick getaway. Most people complete this trip in 3-4 hours. Your actual time might vary based on traffic, weather, and how many stops you make.

The straight-line distance between these cities is just 56 kilometers. This explains why the road has so many curves as it climbs up into the mountains. You'll find excellent road conditions on this route. NH-5 is well-kept and lets you drive smoothly.

Your Chandigarh to Shimla trip gives you these route options:

1. NH-5 Route (Most Popular):
   • Distance: 112.3 kilometers
   • Travel Time: About 3-3.5 hours
   • Path: Chandigarh → Parwanoo → Dharampur → Solan → Kandaghat → Shimla
   • Features: Good highway maintenance with clear signs
2. Via SH16 Route:
   • Distance: 115 kilometers
   • Travel Time: About 4 hours
   • Path: Chandigarh — Siswan — Barotiwala — Kunihar — Shimla.

Some travelers take the SH16 route. It covers about 115 kilometers and takes around 4 hours. This option works well during peak tourist season as it's less crowded and offers good road conditions.

Best time to start your trip

The timing of your Chandigarh to Shimla by road trip can affect your experience by a lot. The route stays open all year, but each season has its charm:

• Summer (March to June): Clear roads and nice weather make this the peak season
• Monsoon (July to September): You'll see lush greenery but watch out for landslides and road closures
• Winter (October to February): Snow-capped views are stunning but roads can get icy

Start your trip early, around 7-8 AM. You'll avoid traffic jams, especially at the Parwanoo barrier which gets busy during peak hours. Early starts also give you enough daylight to enjoy the views and take breaks along the way.

Taxi from Chandigarh to Shimla: what to expect

A taxi from Chandigarh to Shimla works great if you're not used to mountain driving. One-way fares usually cost between ₹2,500 to ₹4,000. Prices change based on your choice of vehicle and service provider.

Hurry Up Cabs and similar services offer these Chandigarh to Shimla taxi options:

• Economy cars start at ₹1,300-1,400
• SUVs cost between ₹1,700-2,000
• Premium vehicles go up to ₹3,500, depending on the model

These services provide drivers who know mountain roads well, making your trip safer. Taxis take the same 3-4 hours as regular cars. Some services claim faster times of about 3 hours and 23 minutes in good conditions.

Book your cab ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays when traffic picks up. Drivers often know great spots to stop and hidden gems along the way. This adds more fun to your Chandigarh to Shimla by road sightseeing.

Your trip might take longer if you stop at attractions or hit traffic during tourist season. The views make it worth every minute as you climb from Chandigarh's plains to Shimla's cool mountain air.

Route 1: Chandigarh to Shimla via NH5

The NH5 highway provides the most direct and scenic path from the plains to the hills. This makes it perfect for your Chandigarh to Shimla by road adventure. The landscape changes from urban areas to majestic mountains as you traverse this picturesque route.

Route overview and road conditions

NH5 runs about 112-114 kilometers from Chandigarh to Shimla. Most people complete this trip in 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The best path goes through Chandigarh → Panchkula → Kalka → Parwanoo → Dharampur → Solan → Kandaghat → Shimla. The road conditions are excellent with proper signs that help first-time visitors find their way easily.

The Chandigarh-Shimla Expressway is getting better. New developments include 11 tunnels between Maliana in Shimla and Kothi village. These will reduce the distance by 19 km. Two tunnels, each 2.27 km long, will link Taradevi with Shogi, and Kandaghat with Solan.

You can book a taxi from Chandigarh to Shimla through services like Hurry Up Cabs. This lets you relax and enjoy the views while an experienced driver handles the mountain roads.

Key towns along the way: Panchkula, Solan, Kandaghat

NH5 passes through several charming hill towns. Each has its own unique appeal:

Panchkula: This planned city is your first stop after Chandigarh. It serves as a gateway to the hills and has several attractions worth visiting.

Solan: People know it as the "Mushroom City of India." It sits halfway on your Chandigarh to Shimla trip. The 19th-century Shoolini Mata Temple is the town's spiritual center, surrounded by deodar forests. Karol Tibba offers amazing photo spots with valley views.

Kandaghat: This small town just before Shimla shows off spectacular views of pine-covered hills. It's perfect for a quick break before the final leg to Shimla.

Popular stopovers: Morni Hills, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

These natural attractions deserve a quick visit during your Chandigarh to Shimla by road trip:

Morni Hills: You'll find it 42 kilometers from Chandigarh's center in Panchkula district. It offers great views of the Shivalik range. This Himalayan offshoot has two artificial lakes—Chota Taal and Bara Taal—with a hillock between them. You might spot langurs, wild boars, jackals, and birds like the Himalayan bulbul and red junglefowl.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary: This 2600-hectare nature preserve in the Shivalik Hills became protected in 1998. It has one of India's largest sambar deer populations. With Forest Department passes, you can see axis deer, blue bulls, Hanuman langurs, and birds like Asian koel, blue peafowl, and Indian paradise flycatcher.

Food stops: Giani da Dhaba, Hangout Kasauli

The best local food spots on this route include:

Giani Da Dhaba in Dharampur stands out as a food landmark on the Chandigarh Shimla route. Their Lemon Chicken tops the menu at this roadside eatery. Travelers love their aloo parathas and lassi for authentic North Indian taste.

Hangout Rooftop Bar, Kasauli combines music, food, and beautiful sunsets. A small detour to this rooftop restaurant rewards you with good food and pleasant music in an open space perfect for dinner.

Try Modern Dhaba in Dharampur for real Punjabi food, or visit Chachu da Dhaba in Barog for their famous Gurh Parathas.

Why NH5 is the most preferred route

NH5 remains the top choice for a Chandigarh to Shimla by road trip for good reasons:

The highway has great road conditions and plenty of stops for food and fuel. Pine forests, colonial buildings, and green valleys make the drive beautiful. You'll find many roadside spots perfect for photos and tea breaks.

If you're taking a Chandigarh to Shimla taxi, drivers know this route well. NH5's smooth driving experience and scenic beauty make it the clear winner for most Shimla-bound travelers.

Route 2: Chandigarh to Shimla via SH16

Travelers looking to avoid the busy NH5 can take the SH16 route through the Himalayan foothills. This lesser-known highway reveals stunning landscapes and hidden spots that most tourists miss during their Chandigarh to Shimla by road trip.

Route overview and road quality

SH16 covers 113-115 kilometers and takes about 4 hours to complete. The path goes through Chandigarh — Siswan — Barotiwala — Kunihar — Shimla. The road's condition matches up well with national highways, making it a great choice for your Chandigarh to Shimla trip.

This route cuts 40 kilometers off the NH5 path according to travelers. The travel time stays about the same due to narrow roads and curves. Taxi from Chandigarh to Shimla services like Hurry Up Cabs employ drivers who know these scenic routes well.

Traffic on SH16 runs lighter than NH5, particularly during tourist season. Monsoon season needs extra care as mild landslides and blockages can occur. Sharp turns and single-lane sections make this route best for skilled mountain drivers or professional taxi services.

Scenic detours: Kunihar, Barotiwala

SH16 leads you through charming towns that the main highway bypasses. Kunihar, nestled between Barotiwala and Shimla, shows off valley views. This hamlet's ancient temples and traditional buildings tell stories of the region's past.

Barotiwala stands out as an industrial hub amid natural surroundings, adding variety to your Chandigarh to Shimla by road sightseeing. Here, plains merge into foothills, creating an ever-changing landscape.

These detours on the distance from Chandigarh to Shimla by road add little extra time but enrich your trip with authentic local experiences away from crowds.

Attractions en route: Gurudwara Sheesh Mahal, Shimla Farm Camping

Gurudwara Sheesh Mahal Sahib in Paroul sits 20 kilometers from Chandigarh. This beautiful shrine's green surroundings create a peaceful stop. Visitors come for spiritual moments and enjoy the langar served all day.

Nature lovers can stay at Shimla Farm Camping, which welcomes guests 24/7. Your Chandigarh to Shimla by car trip could include a night under Himalayan stars at this campsite instead of regular hotels.

Food stops: Mitran da Dhaba, Coco Toucan

The SH16 route serves up great local food spots. Mitran da Dhaba on Siswanbadi Road makes authentic Punjabi dishes rich with ghee and butter. Regulars on the Chandigarh Shimla route praise their Kali Dal and Mango Lassi.

Sweet lovers should stop at Coco Toucan in Baith Saida. The owner bakes excellent cakes, pastries, cookies, and makes chocolates by hand. These treats give you energy for the final stretch to Shimla.

SH16 might see fewer travelers than NH5, but it gives adventurous souls authentic experiences, quiet roads, and views that make the Chandigarh to Shimla distance worth every mile.

Other ways to reach Shimla from Chandigarh

Driving remains the most popular way to reach Shimla from Chandigarh. Yet the region has other charming alternatives that can enhance your mountain experience.

By train: Kalka to Shimla toy train experience

The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1903, takes you on an enchanting ride through the Himalayan foothills. This narrow-gage railway creates lasting memories as it snakes through more than 100 tunnels and crosses over 800 bridges across 96 kilometers.

You'll need to reach Kalka first (about 30km from Chandigarh) by train or road. Regular trains connect Chandigarh to Kalka in about 45 minutes. You could also book a Chandigarh to Shimla taxi service like Hurry Up Cabs to get to Kalka station.

The toy train takes 5-6 hours and offers several service options:

• Rail Motor Car: Departs Kalka at 5:10 am, reaches Shimla by 9:50 am
• Shivalik Deluxe Express: Leaves at 5:20 am, arrives by 10 am
• Himalayan Queen: Departs at 12:10 pm, arrives at 5:30 pm

The right side of the train offers the best views on your journey from Kalka to Shimla. You'll see stunning vistas of green valleys, thick forests, and charming hillside villages.

By flight: Jubbarhatti Airport and its limitations

Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport lies about 20km from the city center. Unlike the road options on the Chandigarh Shimla route, air travel has many restrictions. The airport has one of India's smallest airstrips and doesn't operate throughout the year.

These limitations lead most travelers to fly through Chandigarh or Delhi airports instead. Landing at Chandigarh Airport means you'll need a taxi from Chandigarh to Shimla to complete your journey. The distance from Chandigarh to Shimla by road stays the same whatever your starting point in the city.

When to choose train or flight over road

The toy train works best when the journey itself matters as much as the destination. This UNESCO Heritage ride goes beyond mere transport - it's a nostalgic trip through history amid spectacular natural beauty. Summer months (March-June) showcase pleasant weather and lush greenery.

Time constraints might make flying your best option. One travel expert says, "If you're running out of time, it is better to board a flight from Delhi" to reach quickly.

Your Chandigarh to Shimla by car plans deserve a second look during monsoon season (July-September) due to possible landslides. Winter travelers often prefer the train to avoid icy roads while enjoying snow-covered landscapes.

Each mode of transport to your Chandigarh to Shimla trip has its perks. Roads give you freedom and plenty of sightseeing spots. Trains deliver a heritage experience, while flights save time for those on tight schedules.

Top places to visit in Shimla after arrival

Your Chandigarh to Shimla by road experience leads you to a wealth of attractions in this enchanting hill station. The scenic route you've traveled sets the perfect stage to discover these iconic destinations that make your mountain getaway memorable.

The Ridge and Mall Road

The Ridge stands as a massive open space in Shimla's heart and brings tourists together to enjoy panoramic mountain views. This pedestrian-friendly area stretches from Scandal Point to Christ Church and offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Mall Road connects to the Ridge and buzzes with shops selling woolen clothing and local handicrafts. Travelers who complete their Chandigarh to Shimla trip often book local taxis through services like Hurry Up Cabs to reach these central spots without the uphill walk.

Jakhu Temple and Christ Church

A colossal 108-feet-high Hanuman statue, built in 2010, stands at Jakhu Temple on Shimla's highest peak, 8,000 feet above sea level. This impressive statue stands taller than Rio's Christ the Redeemer at 98 feet. Local legends tell that Lord Hanuman rested here during his Sanjeevani herb quest. Visitors can reach the temple by foot, horse, taxi, or the Jakhu Ropeway that started operations in 2017.

The 166-year-old Christ Church anchors one end of The Ridge as North India's second oldest church. Its distinctive neo-Gothic architecture and yellow facade make it Shimla's iconic landmark. The church features five beautiful stained glass windows that represent Christian virtues, and Rudyard Kipling's father designed its chancel window.

Kufri and Mashobra for nature lovers

Kufri, located 16 km from Shimla, becomes a skiing paradise during December to February. Kufri Fun World attracts adventure seekers with zip-lining and go-karting activities. The Himalayan Nature Park showcases various wildlife species amid lush deodar and pine trees.

The serene hamlet of Mashobra lies 12 km from Shimla with ethereal natural beauty. Visitors can explore Craignano, an Italian villa surrounded by oak and pine trees. The Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary houses diverse fauna in its protected environment.

Chail for hiking and peace

The world's highest cricket ground at 2,444 meters above sea level sits in Chail, which served as the Maharaja of Patiala's summer capital. This unique ground emerged in 1893 from a leveled hilltop surrounded by dense forests. Most tourists on the Chandigarh Shimla route prefer taxi services to reach this tranquil retreat.

Kali Ka Tibba, a hilltop temple in Chail, rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Shivalik range and Choor Chandni peak. The 46-year-old Chail Wildlife Sanctuary spans 110 km and provides a home to leopards, black bears, and wild boars.

Where to stay and eat in Shimla

Your mountain adventure needs comfortable stays and authentic local food. Shimla has plenty of both when you arrive by taking the Chandigarh to Shimla by road route.

Recommended hotels: Radisson, Snow Valley, Oberoi Cecil

The Radisson Hotel Jass Shimla stands out as one of Shimla's best places to stay. This centrally located luxury hotel offers stunning valley views, retro-modern decor and multiple dining choices. Room rates start at ₹15,526 per night, making it a top 10 accommodation choice in Shimla.

The historic The Oberoi Cecil dates back to colonial times and remains a landmark destination. Guests can enjoy an indoor heated pool, spa treatments, and three restaurants. The hotel's British period charm and excellent service justify its rates starting from ₹18,479 per night. After your Chandigarh to Shimla trip, this luxury haven becomes your perfect retreat.

Budget travelers who complete the Chandigarh to Shimla distance by road will find great value at The Zion. The hotel provides panoramic views, tasty buffet options, and family-friendly features starting at ₹6,413 per night.

Local food to try: Himachali cuisine, cafes on Mall Road

Himachali Rasoi lets you taste authentic local culture beyond your Chandigarh Shimla route journey. This world's first authentic Himachali restaurant sits on Mall Road. Hereditary chefs prepare traditional dishes that are over 2,000 years old. Their Himachali Dham Thali comes packed with local specialties like Madra, Chana Dal, Khatta, and Meetha Bhaat. You'll also find sidu, the famous Himachali bun.

Mall Road's cafe scene has something for everyone. Wake and Bake Cafe serves breakfast, pizza, and Middle Eastern dishes. The balcony seats offer beautiful views. Coffee lovers should check out Cafe Simla Times where wood-fired pizzas come with a unique atmosphere featuring a graffiti-covered Ambassador car.

Taxi services in Shimla for local travel

Shimla taxi services make it easy to explore nearby attractions after your Chandigarh to Shimla by car journey. Many guests who use Hurry Up Cabs for their Chandigarh to Shimla taxi ride stick with local operators to see the sights.

Shimla adds to your beautiful Chandigarh journey with luxury stays, real Himachali food, and easy transportation that make your mountain getaway memorable.

Planning Your Perfect Chandigarh to Shimla Road Trip

The road from Chandigarh to Shimla ranks among India's most rewarding mountain drives. This 115-kilometer stretch takes about 3-4 hours to cover. Your actual travel time will vary based on your stops, traffic, and route choice.

NH5 remains the top pick for most travelers. It gives you great roads and amazing views. You might want to try other routes through Kasauli (135 km) or Chail (145 km) that offer different scenic spots. SH16 sees fewer travelers but rewards you with light traffic and hidden spots worth exploring.

Getting a taxi from Chandigarh to Shimla through Hurry Up Cabs will give you a worry-free trip, especially if you're new to mountain roads. Let professional drivers handle the winding paths while you enjoy the stunning Himalayan views. Taxi fares run between ₹2,500 to ₹4,000, depending on your car choice. This makes it a practical option for most travelers.

Weather can affect your trip by a lot. Plan to avoid the monsoon months (July-September) to stay clear of landslides and closed roads. Winter trips show off spectacular snow views, but you'll need extra prep for icy roads.

The toy train from Kalka to Shimla offers a heritage experience. It takes longer - about 5-6 hours. Flights are available but don't run often because of Jubbarhatti Airport's small airstrip.

Shimla greets you with many attractions. You'll find the busy Mall Road, historic Ridge, spiritual Jakhu Temple, and peaceful spots in Kufri, Mashobra, and Chail. Places to stay range from luxury spots like The Oberoi Cecil to budget-friendly options. Shimla's rich Himachali food goes well with all of these choices.

This road trip gives you more than just a way to get from point A to B. It's an unforgettable experience through changing landscapes, cultural spots, and natural beauty. Whatever route or transport you pick, the road to Shimla creates memories that stick with you long after you're back home.