Delhi to Shimla

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, sits at over 2,200 metres in the Himalayan foothills, and getting there is as much a part of the experience as arriving. You can go by an overnight train followed by one of the world's great narrow-gauge railways, by direct bus, or by road — each very different in character, and worth choosing deliberately rather than defaulting to the fastest.

The classic way: train to Kalka, then the toy train

The most celebrated route is also the slowest: an overnight or day train from Delhi to Kalka, the railhead at the base of the hills, followed by the Kalka–Shimla Railway — a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge line that climbs roughly 96 km through more than 100 tunnels and 800-plus bridges to reach Shimla.

From Delhi, several trains run to Kalka, including overnight services that let you sleep through the plains and wake up ready for the mountain climb; the journey takes roughly 4–5 hours depending on the train. The toy train itself then takes around 5–6 hours to complete the climb to Shimla, trundling through pine forests and switchback curves at a walking-adjacent pace — this is a journey to be savoured, not endured. A faster railcar option, the Shivalik Deluxe Express, covers the same climb in a more comfortable, quicker service with large windows, though it still takes several hours given the terrain.

Book both legs through IRCTC well ahead, particularly the toy train, which has limited seats and is genuinely popular with both tourists and rail enthusiasts. For background on how Indian Railways' booking system and classes work, see our guide to India by train. If you are combining this trip with the rest of northern India, our guides to Delhi to Jaipur and Delhi to Agra cover the other classic legs out of the capital.

The direct way: bus from Delhi

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and various private operators run direct coaches from Delhi to Shimla, including overnight sleeper and semi-sleeper Volvo buses. Journey time is typically 8–10 hours, climbing through Chandigarh and then a long, winding hill road for the final stretch. An overnight bus gets you to Shimla in the early morning with no train changes and no need to plan around the toy train's limited schedule — a genuinely practical option if your priority is simply arriving, not the journey itself.

Buses depart from various points in Delhi, including Kashmere Gate ISBT; private operators often have their own pickup points, including some in South Delhi. Fares for a semi-sleeper or Volvo AC coach are modest and considerably cheaper than a flexible train-plus-toy-train combination.

Driving: the hill road via Chandigarh

By car, the distance from Delhi to Shimla is around 340–360 km, and the drive takes roughly 8–9 hours including the final climb, which slows considerably once you leave the plains near Chandigarh. The route runs along NH44 to Chandigarh and then a winding mountain road (NH5) for the last leg — scenic but genuinely twisting, with hairpin bends for the final couple of hours. Self-driving is possible but tiring; many visitors hire a car with driver for the day, which also allows a stop in Chandigarh, a well-planned city worth an hour or two, or in Kasauli, a smaller hill station en route.

Parking in Shimla's compact hill-town centre is limited, and much of the Mall Road area is pedestrian-only, so factor in a short walk or local taxi for the final approach regardless of how you arrive.

Flying: nearest airport is not that near

Shimla has a small airport (Jubbarhatti) with limited flight connections, mostly seasonal and weather-dependent given the terrain — it is not a reliable option to plan a trip around. Most air travellers instead fly to Chandigarh, which has good connections from Delhi and a short flight time, and then continue to Shimla by road (around 3–4 hours) or by a shorter stretch of the toy train from Kalka. For most visitors, this combination does not save meaningful time over the direct bus once transfers are counted, so it is mainly worth considering if you are already routing through Chandigarh for other reasons.

If you are travelling to India from abroad, check current entry requirements well ahead of your trip — see our overview of India's e-visa and the wider South Asia entry requirements guide.

Which should you choose?

If the journey itself matters to you — and for Shimla, many travellers feel it should — the train to Kalka plus the toy train is the classic and most rewarding choice, best done with a relaxed schedule and advance bookings for both legs. If you simply want to get there with minimum fuss, the overnight bus is efficient and comfortable enough, arriving fresh in the morning. Driving suits those who want to stop along the way or continue elsewhere in Himachal Pradesh afterwards. Flying via Chandigarh rarely beats the bus once the connections are added up.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Kalka–Shimla toy train take?

Around 5–6 hours to cover roughly 96 km, climbing through more than 100 tunnels. It is slow by design — a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway meant to be enjoyed rather than rushed.

Is there a direct train from Delhi to Shimla?

Not on the broad-gauge network. You take a train from Delhi to Kalka (about 4–5 hours), then transfer to the narrow-gauge toy train or the faster Shivalik Deluxe Express for the climb to Shimla.

How long is the bus from Delhi to Shimla?

Direct coaches, including overnight sleeper services, typically take 8–10 hours, arriving in Shimla the following morning if you take a night departure.

Should I book the toy train in advance?

Yes. Seats are limited and the toy train is popular with both tourists and rail enthusiasts, so book through IRCTC as early as your travel dates allow, especially in peak season and around Indian public holidays.