Planning a getaway from Chandigarh to Shimla? Here’s your ultimate guide to the Chandigarh to Shimla Bus & Train Trip, all under ₹2000! Shimla, often hailed as the “queen of the hills,” stands as one of India’s most beloved hill stations, adorned with stunning Hindu temples nestled amidst thick forests and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Among the must-visit temples in Shimla are the Jakhu Temple, Tara Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple, each offering a glimpse into the spiritual essence of the region. Additionally, remnants of the British era adorn Shimla’s landscape, with magnificent neo-Gothic buildings like the Institute of Advanced Studies, the iconic Christ Church, Bantony Castle, and Gorton Castle, showcasing the town’s rich architectural heritage.
As the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla boasts excellent connectivity with major cities across the country. Whether you prefer traveling by air, train, cab, or bike, reaching Shimla is convenient and hassle-free. The journey from Chandigarh to Shimla unfolds along a picturesque route, offering scenic vistas that are truly a feast for the eyes.
Shimla holds a special place in history as the erstwhile summer capital of British India, offering respite from the scorching temperatures of the plains. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to this enchanting town, where history, natural beauty, and adventure await at every turn.
Shimla Bus
Picture Credits: – Jolly Yadav
As I discussed the best and the cheapest way to reach Shimla from Chandigarh is by bus. This trip is very convenient because it takes almost four hours to reach your destination. And this way is budget-friendly too. This route takes you from Chandigarh to Kalka To Solan to Shoghi to Tara Devi and then to Shimla. This journey is relatively comfortable with scenic views.
Chandigarh to Shimla bus fare
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- Chandigarh ISBT Sector 43 to Shimla HRTC bus fare starting from INR250/-
- Chandigarh to Shimla Haryana Roadways bus fare Starts from INR 240/-
Chandigarh to Shimla bus fares vary between Rs 300 to RS 1500 depending on the bus type like AC Seater, Non-AC Seater, AC, and Non-AC that runs from Chandigarh to Shimla
ISBT 43 Chandigarh to Shimla Bus Timings
The first daily service from Chandigarh to Shimla is scheduled at 02.29 am and the last one at 08.00 pm. Some of the top Bus operators running buses from Chandigarh to Shimla are HRTC, PRTC, City Land Travels, Laxmi holidays, Royal Holidays Volvo and, many more.
ISBT 43 Chandigarh to Shimla bus timings HRTC
Here are the timings of HRTC buses running from Chandigarh to Shimla that, you can book online by using the HRTC E-Ticket Portal, First bus leaves around 7:50 Am, and the last bus leaves around 8:00 Pm. Although you don’t have to worry about timings, As Shimla is the Capital city of Himachal Pradesh, So you get direct buses coming from Delhi & Dehardun to Shimla
| Bus Name | Timings | Approx. Fare |
|
HRTC ORDINARY
|
07:50 AM | Rs 250/- |
|
HRTC ORDINARY
|
2:00 PM | Rs 250/- |
|
HRTC ORDINARY
|
08:00 PM | Rs 250/- |
ISBT 43 Chandigarh to Shimla bus timings Haryana Roadways
Haryana Roadways do offer their bus service from Chandigarh to Shimla, first bus leaves at around 4:00 am with a starting fare of INR240/-
As I already mentioned that Shimla is the capital of Himachal, So you don’t have to worry much about buses you get some long rote buses toShimlato from Chandigarh
| Bus Name | Timings | Approx. Fare |
|
Haryana Roadways
|
05:30 AM | Rs 240/- |
|
Haryana Roadways
|
7:00 AM | Rs 240/- |
|
Haryana Roadways
|
00:00 M | Rs 240/- |
Note: Do Confirm bus timings from CHD SECTOR 43 BUS Enquiry Helpline 019722704014
ISBT 43 Chandigarh to Shimla CTU Bus Timings
You can take a CTU bus from Chandigarh to Kalka, From Kalka, you can enjoy a wonderful Toy Train Journey Towards Shimla
Here are the timings for Chandigarh to Kalka bus,
| Bus Name | Timings | Approx. Fare |
|
CTU Bus
|
12:45 PM | Rs 70/- |
|
CTU Bus
|
1:45 PM | Rs 70/- |
|
CTU Bus
|
16:10 PM | Rs 70/- |
Chandigarh to Shimla via Kalka by train
There is no direct train from Chandigarh to Shimla so you have to take the train from Chandigarh to Kalka and then Kalka to Chandigarh. The very notorious toy train is running on the route between Kalka to Shimla.
Available Train options, Do Checkout, Delhi to Shimla Toy Train Journey Details
Chandigarh to Kalka Train
| HWH DLI KLK MAIL (12311). | This train leaves the station of Chandigarh at 03.55 and arrives at Kalka at 04.35. The duration of the journey is about 40 minutes. This service available seven days of the week. Fare is Chair car -Rs 45, Sleeper -Rs 140, 3 Tier AC – Rs 495, 2 Tier AC -Rs 700, and 1Tier AC- Rs 1165. |
| BARMER KLK EXP (1488). | This train departs from Chandigarh at 05.80 and arrives at Kalka at 05.80. Duration is about 37 minutes run 7days of week. Fare is Sleeper – RS 140 and, 3 Tier AC- RS 495. |
| HIMALAYAN QUEEN (14095). | The train departs from Chandigarh at 10.31 and reaches Kalka at 11.10. Duration is 39 minutes for all seven days of the week. Fare is Chair Car- Rs 45 and, AC Chair Car -Rs 260. |
Kalka to Shimla Train
| KALKA SHIMLA QUEEN EXPRESS (5245). | This train departures from Kalka at 06.20 am Kalka and arrives in Shimla at 11.35 am. The duration of this journey is around 5 hours and 15 minutes. There are ten intermediate stations. It runs daily from Kalka to Shimla. |
| SHIVALIK DIX EXPRESS (52451). | The train departs from Kalka station at 05.45 am and arrives at Shimla at 10.35 am. Duration is around 4hours and 50 minutes. There is only one intermediate station. This service available seven days of the week. |
| Himalayan Queen (52455). | This train starts at 12.10 pm from Kalka railway station and arrives in Shimla at 05.30 pm. There are 9 intermediate stations in between. It also runs on a daily basis. |
There is also an online booking portal for toy train bookings from there you can book in one month’s advance. Therefore, remember to book your tickets in advance. Shimla sees a massive number of tourists and the reservation to the toy train may be unavailable.
Attractions in Shimla for Sightseeing
The Summer Hill Shimla
The Summer Hill, which is only 5 km from the famous Ridge that offers a spectacular view of the green valley. This is a famous place among the tourists who want to start their day watching a panoramic view.
This hill is one of the seven hills which makes up Shimla. Summer Hill is also having a railway station which is included in the route of toy train from Kalka to Shimla
The Mall Road Shimla
Want to visit the busiest street of Shimla then The Mall is the perfect place for you located in the heart of the city. This stretch is a tiny world in itself as it offers a range of shopping options shoes, clothing, furniture to eateries, food stalls cafes banks, and also some antique shops, etc. The beauty of the Mall Road can be enjoyed by groups of friends, honeymooners, and families.
The Ridge of Shimla
The Ridge is the epicenter of all tourist activities in Shimla. It is the place from where you connect all the places like The Mall Road, The Scandal Point, and The Lakkar Bazar. The highly significant Summer Festival is held every year at the Mall Road in the month of April or May.
Jakhu Temple Shimla
Jakhu temple is an ancient temple is soaked in legends and mythology. Located at the highest point in Shimla, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Follow the 2.5 km footpath to reach up there at the summit of the peak.
There is a big statue of Hanuman on the premises of the temple. It is the tallest in the world. There are also large monkey populations around this area to keep you company.
Do, Check-out Jakhu Shimla Ropeway Ride details!
Christ Church Shimla
Christ Church is one of the popular attractions among tourists. This monument is perfect for those who want to get a taste of Christianity. Located amidst the majestic location of the town.
Viceregal Lodge Shimla
Viceregal Lodge was once the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy who governed India from 1888 to 1946. The Muck- Tudor state mansion, encased by impeccably maintained gardens, is a haven for history and architecture lovers.
It has been transformed into an advanced university complex named as Institute of Advanced Studies. Vice Regal Lodge offers spectacular views if the surrounding landscapes. It is situated at Observatory Hill, the second-highest point in Shimla, after the first being Jakhu Hill. This mansion is also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas.
Mashobra Shimla
Unwind at Mashobra, this place is 10 km away from the city of
Shimla. Moshobra is about a 40minutes drive away to the northeast of Shimla. Get here by catching a bus or taking a taxi. You can spend quality time in peace here with your family and friends.
Kali Bari Temple Shimla
Kali Bari is a famous tourist place it is situated at a distance which is hardly a 15minutes walk away from The Ridge Shimla. Built in the year 1845, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is also known as Shyamala, from the Goddess Shyamala Shimla gets its name. This temple opens from 7 in the morning to 6 in the evening on all days of the week.
Kufri To Shimla Bus
Kufri is one of the most visited places in Shimla. It is a famous winter sports place in Shimla having the oldest ski slopes in Himachal Pradesh. If you are visiting Shimla in winters, Kufri must be on your list for its mind-blowing skiing experience. You can indulge in fun activities like trekking, and tobogganing.
Do Check out Shimla to Kufri Compete trip Itinerary!
Best time to visit Shimla
Between March to June are the best time to visit Shimla, when the weather remains pleasant and the temperatures averages between 15 degrees C to 30 degrees C.
The best time to experience snowfall in “the queen of hills’’ is in the winter months of November to February. This is the ideal time to enjoy snow activities like skiing etc. At this time of the year, mountains are covered with snow and the view is breath-taking. Shimla is a famous hill station and tourism thrives in Shimla all over the year and in all seasons except the monsoon which starts in July and lasts till September.
Which place is better Shimla or Manali?
Shimla is the capital of the state so Shimla is more crowded as compared to Manali throughout the year, whereas Manali is mostly populated in tourist seasons. In Shimla, there are several government offices, colleges, hotels than in Manali. But the picturesque views in Manali are more beautiful than in Shimla. So Manali is a more beautiful place than in Shimla.
How far is Shimla from Chandigarh?
Shimla is located at a distance of 118 km from Chandigarh by road. The road trip can be easily covered in three and a half hours to four hours. The cheapest way to reach Shimla from Chandigarh is by bus.
Shimla is 56 km away from Chandigarh by air.
Happy Journey!