By Air
Shimla's own Jubbarhatti airport (SLV, 22 km) has limited small-aircraft flights from Delhi. Chandigarh (110 km, ~3.5 h) is the practical full-service airport with pan-India connections.
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NorthYatra
Organising Happy Traveling
Shimla is the most accessible of the big Himalayan hill stations — an easy drive up from Chandigarh, with the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla toy train turning the journey itself into the attraction.
Shimla's own Jubbarhatti airport (SLV, 22 km) has limited small-aircraft flights from Delhi. Chandigarh (110 km, ~3.5 h) is the practical full-service airport with pan-India connections.
Ride broad-gauge to Kalka (from Delhi ~4 h via Shatabdi/Vande Bharat) and switch to the Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge toy train — 96 km, 102 tunnels and 5 unforgettable hours through pine forest. Book the glass-roofed Him Darshan or first-class coaches early.
Delhi–Shimla is ~350 km (7–8 h) on NH44/NH5 via Ambala, Zirakpur and Solan on a largely four-laned highway. Chandigarh–Shimla is 110 km (3–3.5 h). Frequent HRTC and private Volvos serve both routes; our cabs pick up from Chandigarh airport in season.
The Mall, Ridge and Jakhu temple are pedestrian (or use the Jakhu ropeway); day cabs run to Kufri (16 km), Fagu, Naldehra and Chail. Note: the Mall is vehicle-free — hotels arrange porters from the lift/Cart Road.
| From | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 350 km via NH5 | 7–8 h drive / 4 h rail to Kalka + toy train |
| Chandigarh | 110 km via Solan | 3–3.5 h |
| Kalka | 96 km narrow-gauge toy train | ~5 h |
| Manali | 250 km via Mandi | 7 h |
Through IRCTC like any train — search Kalka (KLK) to Shimla (SML). The Him Darshan Express with glass-roof coaches and the Shivalik Deluxe are the premium picks; morning departures have the best views.
Chandigarh (IXC), 110 km away with full connectivity, is the sensible choice. Shimla's Jubbarhatti strip hosts only limited small-plane flights that are weather-prone.
Yes — it is the classic Delhi weekend hill escape. Leave Friday evening or take the early Shatabdi to Kalka; two nights covers the Mall, Jakhu, Kufri and a lazy Ridge sunset comfortably.
