# Chandigarh to Shimla distance by Road: Discovering Nature’s Magic - Link: https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-to-shimla-road-trip/ - Published: 2023-02-23T10:59:13+05:30 - Author: Rahul Goyal **Quick answer:** Chandigarh to Shimla is about 116 km and takes roughly **3–3.5 hours** by road via Kalka and Solan (NH-5). You can drive, take a taxi, or board an **HRTC/Volvo bus from ISBT Sector 43**; the scenic **Kalka–Shimla toy train** is a popular alternative. Best time to visit: March–June and September–November ( December–January for snow). Shimla, the nation’s erstwhile summer capital, stands as a captivating hill station enveloped in history, natural splendor, and rich culture. It beckons travelers with its array of attractions, from grand palaces and lush gardens to intriguing museums. If the idea of a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla has crossed your mind, you’re in for an exhilarating adventure. Let’s dive into the joys of road trips, the journey duration, and the paths you can embark on. ### ⚡ Quick Facts at a Glance * **Distance:** ~116 km by road * **Drive time:** about 3 hours * **Route:** Chandigarh → Solan → Shimla (NH-5) * **How to reach:** car, bus, taxi (or Kalka–Shimla toy train) * **Best time:** Mar–Jun & Dec (snow) ✍️ _By [Rahul Goyal](https://chdlife.com/author/rahul/) · Chandigarh Life_ Traveling the Chandigarh to Shimla distance is an enthralling experience that unveils the spellbinding beauty of nature. Spanning about 116 kilometres, this route can typically be covered in about 3 hours. This journey is adorned with breathtaking views of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and quaint villages, offering a picturesque escape from the city’s hustle. The ideal time for this road trip is the summer season, when the climate is agreeable and nature’s magnificence is in full bloom. Your adventure kicks off in Chandigarh, a city celebrated for its contemporary design, dynamic culture, and scenic gardens. As you venture out of Chandigarh, the Himalayan foothills greet you, guiding you on an upward serenade through the mountains. A highlight of this road trip is the majestic Pinjore Gardens. Covering 100 acres, these gardens boast sprawling lawns, elegant fountains, and stunning sculptures, offering a serene retreat. Built in the 17th century by Fidai Khan, a foster brother of Emperor Aurangzeb, Pinjore Gardens make an easy and pleasant stop. In this guide, we’ve encapsulated the essence of the Chandigarh to Shimla distance, ensuring your journey is as delightful as the destination itself. ## Reasons to Take a Road Trip from Chandigarh to Shimla A road trip from [Chandigarh](https://chdlife.com/) to Shimla via NH-5 takes you through Panchkula, Kalka, Parwanoo, and Solan — each with its own charm, from Parwanoo’s ropeway to Solan’s brewery heritage. The journey is full of breathtaking Himalayan views and winding mountain roads, with plenty of stops for shopping, nature walks, and photography along the way. The entire trip takes around 3.5 to 4 hours and will leave you with memorable memories. ## Quick Facts about the Journey The road distance between Chandigarh and Shimla is about 116 km via NH-5, taking around 3-4 hours by car or bus. The route passes through quaint villages, panoramic mountain views, waterfalls, and charming hillside hotels along the way. Once in Shimla, Kali Bari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is a short walk from The Mall. Himachal Tourism dates it to 1845; Wikipedia says 1823. GoIbibo is a convenient way to book a Chandigarh to Shimla bus ticket from Chandigarh. The bus service offered by GoIbibo offers comfortable rides at affordable prices. ## Route, Distance and Time from Chandigarh to Shimla The road distance from Chandigarh to Shimla via NH-5 is about 116 km, taking around** 3.5 to 4 hours** by car or bus in normal traffic. This is the fastest and most popular route, passing through Panchkula, Kalka, Parwanoo, Solan, and Kandaghat before climbing into Shimla — with scenic views of the Shivalik hills along the way. Buses (including HRTC and private Volvo/AC services) run frequently from ISBT Sector 43, Chandigarh, covering the same route in a similar timeframe. Whether you travel by car, taxi, or bus, this NH-5 route via Kalka and Solan is the one nearly everyone takes — there isn’t a meaningfully shorter or faster alternative. ## Explore Shimla Like a Local ![Explore Shimla Like a Local](https://chdlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Explore- Shimla-Like-a-Local.webp "Chandigarh to Shimla distance by Road: Discovering Nature's Magic 1") If you’re looking to explore Shimla like a local, there are a number of things you can do to immerse yourself in the experience. The hill town is known for its views of snow-capped peaks and its lush greenery. With pleasant weather throughout the year, it’s a popular weekend getaway for people from across the country. As a result, there are plenty of attractions and activities to choose from. One of the most popular sights in Shimla is the Mall Road. This walking street is lined with shops and eateries and offers stunning views of Shimla’s hilly surroundings. Another must-visit spot is Jakhoo Temple. This Hanuman temple sits on Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point, at about 2,445 metres; you can walk up from The Ridge or take the ropeway. For something more cultural, walk along The Ridge, with Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre and the Town Hall. Another activity you can try in Shimla is trekking. Get your heart pumping by hiking through scenic locales such as Kufri and Chhish village areas. This will provide you with an opportunity to appreciate nature at its fullest. Finally, if you’re looking to shop till you drop, take note of the festivals held in Shimla every year. These events offer great bargains on fashion and other items popular among tourists. ## Popular Attractions in Shimla for Sightseeing Shimla is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The city has many attractions to draw people from across the globe. Some of the prominent places to visit in Shimla are Mall Road and The Ridge, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as cultural activities. Christ Church, a peaceful place to seek solace, is an architectural marvel. Another must-visit landmark is the Viceregal Lodge, a building designed in the style of English Renaissance period. The temple of Kalibari is dedicated to Goddess Kali, also known as Shyamala. Himalayan Nature Park at Kufri is home to more than 180 species of birds and animals, and Kufri is known for skiing in winter. The city has numerous attractions for everyone and with so many things to see and do, Shimla is one place not to be missed by tourists. ## Hotels and Resorts – Accommodation in Shimla ![Hotels and Resorts](https://chdlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hotels-and- Resorts.webp "Chandigarh to Shimla distance by Road: Discovering Nature's Magic 2") If you’re planning a road trip to Shimla from Chandigarh, then you can choose from a wide range of options. You can book hotels and resorts online, or choose from the list of budget hotels and lodges for your stay in Shimla. Apart from these, you can also opt for private accommodation. These offer a comfortable stay at affordable prices, with the added advantage of personal care. Most private accommodation offers meals as per the itinerary; some even provide breakfast and dinner. They also offer pick-up and drop services from the airport or railway station, enabling you to easily explore the city on a tour bus. Besides all this, experienced drivers will accompany you during your tour, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. ## Nearby Road Trips From Shimla – Shimla is a major tourist destination in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The city is popular for its colonial architecture. The city offers varied landscapes, scenic greenery and wide views of the hills. – Shimla is located within a driving distance of Chandigarh. Buses cover the roughly 116 km from Chandigarh to Shimla. The road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla offers hill views and lush greenery. It takes approximately 3 hours to cover the distance between Chandigarh and Shimla. Travellers should plan their road trips to Shimla keeping in mind the winding routes and breathtaking vistas. ## FAQ’s ### What are some of the best attractions to visit while on a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla? Some of the best attractions to visit while on a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla would be the Himalayan Queen train ride from Kalka to Shimla. The Kalka–Shimla line is part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India, and the ride passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in India. Taking the colonial hangover of Shimla by visiting the British-era buildings in the city will give you a unique perspective of how things used to be in this former British territory.Lastly, if you’re looking for an activity that’ll really put your Adrenaline junkie hat on, then consider skiing at Kufri in winter, or a walk around the Himalayan Nature Park there. ### What are some of the best places to stay while on a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla? Some good places to stay while on a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla are as follows: 1. Avis India: Book a premium car rental from this company to take you around Shimla and experience the city in its full glory. You’ll be able to explore all its interesting places and attractions, without having to worry about cost.2. Gurudwara Sheesh Mahal Sahib, Paroul: This Gurudwara is situated just 20km from Chandigarh and is a great place to spend a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a great location if you’re looking for a memorable religious experience.3. Shimla Farm Camping: This is one of the most unique and exclusive experiences that you can have when travelling to Shimla. It’s open 24 hours and offers visitors an opportunity to stay in tents or cabins situated in lush green surroundings. You’ll get to savour delicious Indian meals cooked onsite, as well as enjoy nature’s beauty at its best!4. Gorton Castle is not a hotel. This 1901–04 building houses Accountant General offices, so you can only admire it from outside. ### What are some of the best things to eat while on a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla? When on a road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla, try some of the following to satisfy your cravings: 1. Sample some of the best Punjabi dishes at Mitran da Dhaba on the highway.2. Try the naan chole and variety of chats at Raja Dhaba in Chandigarh.3. Indulge in delicious cakes, pastries, cookies and chocolates at Coco Toucan in Baith Saida.4. Enjoy a hearty meal, great desserts and a beautiful atmosphere at the Essence Restaurant on the National Highway.5. Have a quick breakfast at Boston Bites in Patiala and don’t forget to try their mouth-watering pizzas. ## More Travel Routes from Chandigarh * [Chandigarh to Amritsar](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-to-amritsar/) * [Chandigarh to Ayodhya by Bus](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-to-ayodhya-bus-service/) * [Chandigarh to Dharamshala](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-to-dharamshala/) * [Chandigarh to Kasauli](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-to-kasauli/) * [Chandigarh to Manali](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-to-manali/) * [Delhi to Chandigarh Road Trip](https://chdlife.com/delhi-to-chandigarh/) * [Chandigarh to Rishikesh](https://chdlife.com/road-trip-from-chandigarh-to-rishikesh/) ## Explore More in Transport * [Chandigarh International Airport Set for Major Boost with Four New International Routes](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-international-airport-set-for-major-boost-with-four-new-international-routes/) * [Chandigarh Airport Closure](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-airport-closure/) * [Chandigarh HOHO Bus: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Guide](https://chdlife.com/chandigarh-bus-hop-on-hop-off/) * [Best Hotels Near Chandigarh Railway Station: Local Stay Guide](https://chdlife.com/hotels-near-chandigarh-railway-station/) Travelling onward by bus? Most inter-state services leave from [**ISBT Sector 43**](https://chdlife.com/sector-43-bus-stand-in-chandigarh/), Chandigarh’s main inter-state bus terminal. ## Chandigarh to Shimla by Bus: Fare & Timings **HRTC and private Volvo buses run from ISBT Sector 43, Chandigarh to Shimla** ( about 116 km, 3–4 hours) via Kalka and Solan. Ordinary, AC and Volvo services run through the day, including early-morning departures. Fares depend on the bus type—** check current timings and fares on HRTC or RedBus**, and book ahead in summer and on weekends. For a slower, scenic ride, the UNESCO-listed **Kalka–Shimla toy train** is a memorable option.