Ambala Shimla national highway

The Ambala Shimla Khab National Highway ( Number 22)

National Highway 22 links Ambala in Haryana with Shipkila and Khab, near the Indo China international border, in Himachal Pradesh. This 459 kilometers long road spans across the states of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and touches some major district headquarters, towns and cities on its way. National Highway 22 originates from The Delhi Amritsar National Highway at Ambala and also meets National Highway 21 near Chandigarh. Kalka, Pinjore and Dera Bassi are the major settlements that lie along the highway in Punjab and Haryana stretches. About 2 km beyond Kalka, the highway enters Himachal Pradesh. Parwanoo is the first settlement one would come across in Himachal Pradesh. National Highway 22 then zig-zags its way north-east, past Solan, Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur, Kalpa and Puh, before ending at Shipkila, near the international border. The highway is 398 km-long in Himachal Pradesh.

Delhi to Shimla driving instructions

While travelling from Delhi to Shimla you will pass through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra & then Ambala on national highway number 1. From Ambala the highway will branch out. One goes to Amritsar and the other one towards Chandigarh. You need to take the Chandigarh one that is better. After about 45 kms you will reach Panchkula. From Panchkula proceed on to Kalka. The hill terrain of around 90 kms starts from Kalka. Overall Shimla from Delhi is around 360 kms and takes about 7-8 hours by car.

Distances from Shimla

Distances from Shimla

Shimla District lies between the longitude 77º-0″ and 78º-19″ east and latitude 30º-45″ and 31º-44″ north. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, Sirmaur, district in the west. The elevation of the district ranges from 300 to 6000 meters. It was formerly the summer capital during the British Rule. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are  Jakhu(8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill ( 7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft), and Summer Hill (6900 ft).

The city is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers. Though it seems small, the hills and undulating terrain surrounding it give it the look of a majestic hill station.

Distances from Shimla

Location

Distance Kms

Journey Time

Kalka

80

03:00 Hours

Chandigarh

119

04:00 Hours

Ambala

166

05:00 Hours

Delhi

370

09:00 Hours

Dharamshala via Mandi

270

09:00 Hours

Dharamshala via Hamirpur

235

07:00 Hours

Dalhousie

345

11:00 Hours

Chamba

401

12:00 Hours

Kullu

235

07:00 Hours

Manali

280

08:30 Hours

Kasuali

 075

02:30 Hours

Road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh

The geography of Himachal presents considerable challenge to the development of transport infrastructure. Nevertheless, the state has made significant progress in road connectivity in the last few decades. Himachal at present has the highest road density among all the hill states of India. Although Himachal also has three airports and two narrow gauge rail tracks, roads remain the main mode of transport in Himachal.

In addition to the National Highways, the state also has a large mesh of highways and village roads, natural beauty. Most tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala etc. are well connected by roads. Some of the roads in Himachal are seasonal and get closed during winters and monsoons due to heavy snowfall, landslides and washouts.

The Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh has the highest road density in India.

The government-owned Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs a network of buses across the state and Himachal Pradesh being a major tourist destination, there is no dearth of private buses and taxis.

Location of Shimla

Shimla location

Shimla also called queen of the hills and capital city of Himachal Pradesh,  lies in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. The latitude and longitude of Shimla is 31.61°N and 77.10°E respectively. The average altitude of Shimla is 2397.59 meters (7866.10 ft) above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven hills. The highest point in Shimla is the Jakhoo hill at 2454 meters (8051 ft) which also has the famous Jakhoo temple. The closest river is the Sutlej about 21 km from Shimla at Tattapani.

Shimla being a famous tourist spot as well as the capital of Himachal Pradesh is well connected by road, rail and air. The heritage narrow gauge toy train has also found its place in the list of UNESCO heritage sites. The travel to Shimla by rail and road is itself a distinct experience as the tracks pass through lovely mountains and valleys and the view changes at every turn.

Shimla by road

Shimla lies on Ambala Khab National highway number 22. Khab is near China border so this road is also called Hindustan Tibet Road. The hill stretch starts from Kalka onward. Shimla is 90 kilometers from Kalka, 117 kilometers from Chandigarh, 162 kilometers from Ambala and 370 kilometers from New Delhi. Travel time by car from Kalka is 2.5 hours, Chandigarh 3 hours, Ambala 4 hours and New Delhi 8 hours. The road from Chandigarh to Shimla is well maintained and there are a number of eating joints along the highway where you can find veg non veg both. With the commissioning of a new 10 kilometers long Pinjore Parwanoo four laned Bye-pass the highway is now rid of traffic jams  on the narrow stretch between Pinjore Kalka and Parwanoo.

Delhi to Shimla Volvo Buses

Shimla By train

Kalka is the nearest broad gauge rail head from Shimla and is well connected by major cities in India including Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai. The Kalka to Shimla section is connected by the UNESCO heritage 90 kilometers long narrow gauge railway track. The ravel time between Kalka and Shimla by train is 5.5 hours. The Himalayan Queen, Railcar and the Shivalik Deluxe are the major toy trains. They are connected with the Howrah Kalka Mail and  Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen trains from Delhi.

Kalka Shimla toy train | Kalka Shimla train time table

Shimla by Air

The nearest airport from Shimla is the Jubbarhattii Airport. It is situated at a distance of 28 km from Shimla. Indian Airlines, Jagson and Deccan airlines operate limited regular flights for Shimla from Chandigarh, Delhi, Dharamsala and Kullu. The services are unreliable and remain suspended for months due to commercial non viability and exit of service providers.

The distance from Shimla airport to the Mall Road (city center)  can be covered in about one hour by taxis which are easily available. As the airstrip is small only small planes can land at this airport

The preferred airport is Chandigarh (120 Kms from Shimla). Chandigarh has better air connectivity with other Indian cities than the Shimla airport. Indian Airlines, Kingfisher, Deccan, Go air, Jet airways operate multiple daily regular flights.

Delhi to Shimla

Delhi to Shimla by road | car | Volvo buses

Delhi to Shimla Distance

Delhi to Shimla distance by road is 360 kilometers and travel time by road is 7 to 10 hours. Delhi Chandigarh Shimla road map in graphical presentation for easy understanding

Delhi Chandigarh road map

Chandigarh Shimla Road map

Delhi to Shimla by Road

While travelling from Delhi to Shimla you will pass through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra & then Ambala on national highway number 1. From Ambala the highway will branch out. One goes to Amritsar and the other one towards Chandigarh. You need to take the Chandigarh one. After about 45 kms you will reach Panchkula. From Panchkula proceed on to Kalka. The hill terrain of around 90 kms starts from Kalka. Overall Shimla from Delhi is around 360 kms and takes about 7-8 hours by car.

Delhi to Shimla by car

The national highway connection Shimla with Chandigarh is an excellent road including the hill stretch with many food joints along the highway (7 hours from Delhi, 3 hours from Chandigarh). Journey from Chandigarh to Shimla by car is cozy drive as the national highway is well maintained as compared to other hill roads so you can plan your trip easily.

The road to Shimla is a foodie’s delight. Don’t miss the food at Giani Ka Dhaba at Dharampur ( 50 Kms from Chandigarh), between Kalka and Shimla. Dharampur along the highway now has nearly 36 well-established dhabas, restaurants and fast food joints.

If you want to go to Kasauli then take a left just after Dharampur. For Chail, go till Kandaghat, and take a right. For Shoghi, go straight till Shoghi. For Shimla, simply keep going.

There is never a boring moment on this road. The eating joints lined up on both sides of the road and the cool breeze from the hills make for a heady combination.

Parking issues in Shimla

Shimla is congested town and one can face parking problem if coming by own vehicle. Main parking places in Shimla are near Lift, N ear. Hotel Holiday Home, Main Bus Stand, Railway Station Godown, High Court Parking. MC Parking largest in Shimla town situated just 100 meters away from lift has capacity for about 400 vehicles at a time.

Delhi Shimla Taxi service

One way pick up and drop taxi services are available between Delhi and Shimla. All kind of vehicles are available all 24 hours a day. Find more details on taxi fare and types of vehicles available at this link: Delhi Shimla taxi service

Delhi to Shimla Bus Services, Volvo, Deluxe and Semi Deluxe

There is 24 hours bus service from Chandigarh (travel time 4 hours) and Delhi ( travel time 9 hours) and buses depart at short intervals of time. Both ordinary and luxury buses are available. Some transport agencies are running deluxe VOLVO coaches also. Check with the concerned authorities for the timings and bookings. Buses are frequently available from Chandigarh to Shimla at a gap of half an hour.

New Delhi to Shimla Volvo buses by HRTC and HPTDC

Himachal Roadways, HRTC and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation ( HPTDC) is operating VOLVO Air Conditioned Volvo Buses ( 2X2 ) to and from Delhi to Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala. Theses buses are equipped with latest and comfortable facilities to the passengers. These buses reach Chandigarh after fours hours of departing from Shimla and five hours from departing from Delhi.

HRTC Advance reservation counters in Delhi

ISBT Kashmiri Gate

Advance Reservation Counter No. 40 & 8, 1st Floor, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi-110 001

Timings 7:00AM to 9:00PM, Telephone Number:  91-11-23868694, 91-11-23863473

HRTC Traffic Manager: 099687-74008

HRTC Counter at Himachal Bhavan

H.R.T.C. Advance Reservation Counter, Himachal Bhawan Camps,  Mandi House, New Delhi, 110001

Timings: 2.00 PM to 8:00 PM, Contact Number:  092124-02085

Online booking of HRTC buses can be done at this link: https://hrtc.gov.in/hrtctickets/

Bus time table Delhi Chandigarh and Chandigarh Shimla HRTC bus services

S.No Source Destination Bus Type Departure Arrival Fare
1 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 06:45 16:30 980/-
2 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 08:00 17:30 980/-
3 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 09:25 19:00 980/-
4 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 11:55 22:30 980/-
5 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 21:02 07:15 980/-
6 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 21:36 07:00 980/-
7 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 22:00 08:00 980/-
8 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 22:30 08:30 980/-
9 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 23:00 08:00 980/-
10 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2 AC 19:24 6:29 730/-
11 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2 AC 20:24 07:15 730/-
12 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2  Non AC 08:05 19:00 620/-
13 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2  Non AC 21:00 08:15 620/-
14 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 22:30 08:45 450/-
15 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 08:50 18:50 450/
16 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 11:00 22:00 450/
17 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 12:30 22:15 450/
18 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 15:30 01:30 450/
19 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 16:50 01:30 450/
20 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 17:59 04:15 450/
21 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 18:31 05:30 450/
22 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 19:30 05:30 450/
23 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 20:10 06:15 450/
24 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 20:30 06:30 450/
25 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 21:25 07:40 450/
26 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 21:58 07:45 450/
27 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 23:40 09:30 450/

HPTDC  Delhi Shimla Volvo bus timings fare and contact numbers

For information, queries and reservation of HPTDC buses, please contact at following reservation telephone numbers:  Dharamsala: 01892-224212; Manali: 01902-252116 ; New Delhi: 011-23717473, 011-23325320; Shimla: 0177-2800073, 0177-2652561

Online booking of HPTDC ( Himachal Tourism) buses can be done at this link: https://www.hptdc.nic.in/bus.htm

S. No Source Destination Bus type Departure Bus Fare
1 Himachal Bhavan Delhi Shimla Volvo 8:30 PM 880

Delhi Shimla Road Route

Delhi Shimla Road Route

Delhi Shimla Road route is the route connecting various cities across the northern states and Union territory of India i.e. Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. Diversification of culture and tradition is clearly seen during travelling. Swaying fields of sugarcane, paddy and wheat are often visible on both sides of road. Number of dhabas and restaurants are easily available on the roadside for satisfaction of passengers’ appetite.  Petrol pumps operating 24×7 are at various points in between the route, if you are travelling by your own vehicle.

Himachal Road transportation corporation (HRTC)  bus network from Delhi to Shimla can be availed and it can be ordinary or luxury bus service. Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation HPTDC also runs Volvo, deluxe/semi deluxe buses on Delhi Shimla route.. You can also hire taxi for your convenience. You can reach Shimla from Delhi by means of trains also. The train route has a break at Kalka, as from here narrow gauge toy train is available up to Shimla.

Delhi Shimla route is around 360 km. The journey will take 10 hours to reach Shimla by bus and about 8 hours minimum while going through own vehicle or taxi/cab. Main stoppage from Delhi to Chandigarh are Sonepat, Panipat and Pipli, many passengers takes food over here, Further moving ahead is Ambala, a big city of Haryana and meeting point of Punjab, Haryana and U.P. Now in just an hour you get into the city beautiful, Chandigarh. This city has its own charms and beauty. Now get ready for uphill travel.  Whole journey is adventurous, as in five hours you finished the plane track till Chandigarh-Kalka and now you start climbing the hills of Himalayas with endless mountains and splendid beauty. On the way you can enjoy the nature beauty.

Kalka to shimla is just around three hours journey. Parwanoo is next place near to Kalka. After travelling for around 6 hours from Delhi you can now have refreshments at some of the popular dhabas and restaurants on this national highway. After about 45 minutes you will reach Dharampur, moving more around 40-45 minutes you reach the Barog hills, a place to look around the mountains and enjoys the nature. Moving down the hill, Solan is the next destination a largely populated, yet beautiful city of Himachal Pradesh. Now crossing the Kandaghat (next to Solan), Shimla is just around 40 minutes ahead. Within 20 minutes you reach the Shoghi, suburb of Shimla, if you want to have some snacks or fast food, this place will rejuvenate you for the rest of the track. Now Shimla is about 13 km away, so just get your face towards the window of the vehicle to look around the glory of queen of hills, Shimla.