How To Go From Mumbai To Shimla: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Shimla is one of the popular travel destinations to run away from the hustle-bustle of the city life. Mumbai, by contrast, is a lively cosmopolitan city with a very high-paced living style.

How To Go From Mumbai To Shimla: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Shimla is one of the popular travel destinations to run away from the hustle-bustle of the city life. Mumbai, by contrast, is a lively cosmopolitan city with a very high-paced living style. There are various ways to travel from Mumbai to Shimla. By air, train or road, with this full guide to travelling to Canada, you’ll be able to plan your journey with confidence.

How Far is Mumbai From Shimla?

Shimla is about 1,750 km from Mumbai. Depending on the route you pick, the total travel time and experience may vary. As there are no direct connectivity through flights or trains from Mumbai to Shimla, you will have to make use of connecting options to reach this beautiful hill station.

Most Effective way to Reach Shimla from Mumbai

Three main means to travel from Mumbai to Shimla:

By Air

By Train

By Road

Each transport mode comes with pros and cons, and the ideal option depends on your choice, budget, and time to travel.

By Air: The Quickest Option to Travel from Mumbai to Shimla

Step 1: Take a flight to Chandigarh or Delhi from Mumbai

Shimla has a very small airport and does not have frequent flights, so it is better that you travel by air till Chandigarh or Delhi.

  • Mumbai to Chandigarh

  • Direct flights available

  • Takes about 2 to 2.5 hours

  • Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, GoAir, Vistara

  • Mumbai to Delhi

  • Multiple direct flights daily

  • Takes about 2 hours

Which airlines fly: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, GoAir, SpiceJet

Step 2: Chandigarh/Delhi to Shimla

Option 1: From Chandigarh or Delhi Entering either Chandigarh or Delhi, you have following options to reach Shimla:

By Flight: There are some Chandigarh to Shimla flights, but they are few. It lasts approximately 45 minutes.

By Taxi/Bus: Shimla is about 3 to 4 hour drive from Chandigarh.

By Train: The nearest railhead is Kalka which is well-connected to Delhi and local cities.

Suggested Path: Mumbai → Chandigarh (Air) → Shimla (Cab/Bus)

Pros of Air Travel:

  • Fastest mode of transport

  • Comfortable and convenient

  • Suitable for short trips

Cons of Air Travel:

  • Not for everyone (expensive versus other options)

  • Limited flights to Shimla

By Train: A trip by train is a scenic and affordable way to get here.

For instance, If you like train travelling, The option available is travelling from Mumbai to Shimla by train.

Step 1 : Mumbai to Kalka via Delhi/Chandigarh

There is no direct train to Shimla from Mumbai, but you can take the train to Delhi or Chandigarh.

Mumbai to Delhi Trains:

  • Rajdhani Express (16 hours)

  • Garib Rath Express (17 hours)

  • Paschim Express (20 hours)

Mumbai to Chandigarh Trains:

  • Swaraj Express (22 hours)

  • Paschim Express (24 hours)

Step 2: Delhi/Chandigarh to Kalka

  • Take the Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Kalka (5 hours)

  • Locally, train or taxi (1 hour) from Chandigarh to Kalka

  • Toy Train Travel from Kalka to Shimla (Step 3)

It is a UNESCO world heritage site and the Kalka Shimla Toy Train. It takes 5–6 hours and goes through 102 tunnels, hills, and valleys and green palaces.

Popular Toy Trains:

  • Shivalik Deluxe Express (5.5 hrs)

  • Himalayan Queen (6 hours)

  • Rail Motor Car (4.5 hours)

  • Suggested Route: Mumbai → Delhi (Train) → Kalka (Train) → Shimla (Toy Train)

Pros of Train Travel:

  • More economical than a flight

  • View, particularly in the toy train

  • Sleeper coaches available for comfortable journey

Cons of Train Travel:

  • Longer travel time

  • Has lot of interchange of trains

By Road: An Exciting Road Trip

If you are a road trip person, then you may consider a car or bus traveling from Mumbai to Shimla.

Option 1: Mumbai — Shimla Self Drive

Distance: 1,750 km

Duration: 30-35 Hours (Nonstop)

Stop: Mumbai → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla

Road Condition: Good Roads until Chandigarh, Hilly Roads from Chandigarh to Shimla

Option 2: Mumbai to Shimla by Bus

Its not a direct bus from Mumbai to Shimla. First take bus to Delhi or Chandigarh.

Bus: Mumbai to Delhi: 24-26 hours (AC sleeper, semi-sleeper available)

By Bus from Delhi to Shimla: 8-10 hours (HRTC and private buses available)

Chandigarh to Shimla Bus: 3–4 Hours

Suggested Route: Mumbai → Delhi (Bus) → Shimla (Bus)

Pros of Road Travel:

  • Ideal for adventure lovers

  • Recreational flexibility to break at tourist attractions

  • Mountain skyline drive

Cons of Road Travel:

  • Long travel time

  • Tiredness from long hours of driving

Best Time to Visit Shimla

Summer (March to June): Pleasant ambience, perfect for sightseeing

Monsoon (July to September): Beautiful green, but landslide risk

Winter season (October to February): Snow, ski season

Initially, you are going to need a completely remind yourself of your art money by budget estimation for travelling from Mumbai to Shimla.

Budget Estimation for Mumbai to Shimla Travel

Mode

Approx. Cost (INR)

Flight (Mumbai to Chandigarh) + Taxi

7,000 - 12,000

Train (Mumbai to Kalka) + Toy Train

2,500 - 4,500

Road Trip (Fuel & Tolls)

6,000 - 10,000

Bus (Mumbai to Delhi + Shimla)

2,500 - 4,000

 

Travel Tips for Making the Trip Painless

  • Reserve tickets ahead of time (particularly in peak season)

  • Also carry warm clothes if you are traveling in winter

  • Hilly roads, get motion sickness medicine

  • Allow for leeway in train and bus transfers

  • Fly in the morning to minimize the chances of delays

Conclusion

When it comes to travel options to reach Shimla from Mumbai, you have several travel styles and budget options to choose from. Be it a quick journey by flight, a pleasant ride by train, or an enjoyable drive on the road, your way to "Queen of Hills" will surely be memorable. So, strategise, plan ahead, pick the best-suited route for yourself and get ready to explore the landscapes of Shimla!

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