Trains to Shimla — From Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai

Shimla doesn't have a mainline railway station — the town sits at 2,200 meters in the Himalayas and is accessible only by the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway (a UNESCO Heritage line). So getting to Shimla by train is a two-part journey: mainline train to Kalka, then toy train (or road) to Shimla.

The Two-Step Journey

Step 1: Reach Kalka

From	Train	Number	Duration	Arrives Kalka
Delhi	Kalka Shatabdi	12011/12	~4h	~11:30 AM
Delhi	Himalayan Queen	14095/96	~5h	~11:00 AM
Chandigarh	Local trains	Various	~40 min	Various
Mumbai	Mumbai-Kalka via Delhi	Multiple	~20h+	Via change

The Kalka Shatabdi from New Delhi is timed to connect with the afternoon toy train to Shimla. This is the classic approach used by generations of travelers.

Step 2: Kalka to Shimla

Train	Number	Duration	Fare
Shivalik Deluxe	52451	~5h	₹500–₹800
Himalayan Queen	52455	~5.5h	₹300–₹500
Rail Motor Car	74691	~5h	₹200–₹400
Regular service	52453	~5.5h	₹30–₹300

See our detailed Kalka-Shimla toy train guide for the full experience.

Recommended Itineraries

Option A — Day Journey (most popular):

• 6:45 AM: Shatabdi from New Delhi
• 11:30 AM: Arrive Kalka
• 12:10 PM: Board Himalayan Queen
• 5:35 PM: Arrive Shimla

Option B — Early Start:

• Take the 5:30 AM Shivalik Deluxe from Kalka (arrive Kalka previous night or stay overnight)
• 10:20 AM: Arrive Shimla

Option C — Skip the Toy Train (faster):

• Train to Chandigarh (3-4 hours from Delhi)
• Bus/taxi Chandigarh to Shimla (4-5 hours, ₹300-1,000)

Option C is faster but you miss the heritage railway experience. I recommend doing the toy train at least once in your life.

From Mumbai

No direct train to Kalka from Mumbai. Options:

1. Train to Delhi (16-17 hours) → Delhi to Kalka → toy train to Shimla


2. Fly to Chandigarh (2.5 hours) → bus/taxi to Shimla (4 hours)


3. Fly to Delhi → Shatabdi to Kalka → toy train

For Mumbai travelers, flying to Chandigarh is the fastest approach.

Shimla Essentials

• Mall Road: The main promenade. Cars banned. Walking, shopping, eating.
• The Ridge: Open space with mountain views. Christ Church (second oldest in North India) is here.
• Jakhu Temple: Hilltop Hanuman temple with panoramic views. 2 km uphill walk.
• Viceregal Lodge: The former summer residence of the British Viceroy. Now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Beautiful architecture and gardens.

Best Season

March-June: Peak tourist season. Perfect weather (15-25°C). Book trains and hotels well in advance. July-September: Monsoon. Rain, landslides, toy train disruptions. Not ideal. October-November: Post-monsoon clarity. Great views, manageable crowds. December-February: Possible snowfall. The toy train in snow is magical. Cold (0-10°C).

Book at indianrail.app — toy train tickets sell fast.