Mountain town in Himachal Pradesh, India
Getting around Shimla
How to get around Shimla
The center is on foot, with a lift linking Mall Road to the lower bus stand. Taxis cover the rest; the Kalka–Shimla toy train is the scenic way up.
Ways to get around Shimla
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Kalka–Shimla toy train | From about 30 INR in second class; reserved seats cost more | UNESCO line, about 5–6 h; book on IRCTC |
| HRTC buses | About 10–40 INR local; 400–1,000 INR to Delhi or Chandigarh | Frequent state buses from the ISBT |
| Taxi | About 200–450 INR for short trips | Union fixed rates; ask for the rate card |
| Mall Road lift | About 20 INR | Saves a steep climb between the Cart Road and the Mall |
Taxis in Shimla
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No reliable ride apps. Use the fixed-rate taxi stands or ask your hotel to call a driver; prepaid is safest at the bus stand.
Arriving in Shimla
Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) (SLV)
Few flights, often cancelled in bad weather; taxi to town about 800–1,200 INR, 30 min.
Chandigarh International (IXC)
Taxi to Shimla about 3,500–4,500 INR, 3.5–4 h; or bus from Chandigarh ISBT-43 for under 500 INR.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rarely rented; steep, crowded roads. Taxis are the practical choice.
- Driving: on the left. IDP plus home licence required; scooters are rented in Goa and the Himalaya; most visitors hire a car with driver.
- Onward travel in India: Trains link most cities: book up to 60 days ahead on IRCTC or use the foreign tourist quota at big stations. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper buses fill gaps.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Shimla?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No reliable ride apps. Use the fixed-rate taxi stands or ask your hotel to call a driver; prepaid is safest at the bus stand.
What's the best way to get around Shimla?
The center is on foot, with a lift linking Mall Road to the lower bus stand. Taxis cover the rest; the Kalka–Shimla toy train is the scenic way up.
How do I get from the airport to Shimla?
Few flights, often cancelled in bad weather; taxi to town about 800–1,200 INR, 30 min.
Is Shimla walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Shimla
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.