Himachal Pradesh has no direct long distance trains to Shimla or Manali and very few flights, so most travellers first reach Delhi or Chandigarh and then go into the hills by road. This guide shows the distance to Himachal from major Indian cities, the best way to travel from each, and how long the last part of the journey takes.
All road distances below are approximate and measured to Shimla. Manali is about 250 km further on from Shimla, or about 540 km from Delhi.
Distance to Himachal Pradesh from Major Cities
| From | Distance to Shimla (approx.) | Best way to travel |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 350 km | Cab, 7 to 8 hours |
| Chandigarh | 115 km | Cab, 3 to 4 hours |
| Jaipur | 630 km | Train or flight to Delhi |
| Lucknow | 900 km | Train or flight to Delhi |
| Ahmedabad | 1,250 km | Flight or train to Delhi or Chandigarh |
| Mumbai | 1,750 km | Flight to Chandigarh or Delhi |
| Pune | 1,800 km | Flight to Delhi or Chandigarh |
| Kolkata | 1,850 km | Flight to Delhi or Chandigarh |
| Hyderabad | 1,900 km | Flight to Delhi or Chandigarh |
| Bangalore | 2,500 km | Flight to Delhi or Chandigarh |
| Chennai | 2,550 km | Flight to Delhi or Chandigarh |
Delhi and Chandigarh: The Two Gateways
Delhi has the most flights and trains from every part of India, so it is the easiest starting point. Chandigarh is closer to the hills and saves about four hours of driving, which makes it a good choice if you can get a flight or train there.
All our Himachal cab tours start from Delhi or Chandigarh. Your private cab picks you up from the airport, railway station or hotel, and you travel straight to Shimla or Manali.
Mumbai to Himachal Pradesh
Mumbai to Shimla is about 1,750 km by road, which is more than 30 hours of driving, so road travel is not practical for a holiday. The best option is a direct flight to Chandigarh or Delhi, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. There are also overnight trains from Mumbai to Delhi and Chandigarh if you prefer rail.
Hyderabad to Himachal Pradesh
Hyderabad to Shimla is about 1,900 km by road. Take a flight to Delhi or Chandigarh, which takes about 2.5 hours, and start your cab tour from there. Flight prices change every day, so it helps to book early, especially for May, June and December.
Chennai and Bangalore to Himachal Pradesh
Chennai and Bangalore are both about 2,500 km from Shimla. Flying to Delhi or Chandigarh takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and is by far the best choice. Trains take more than 30 hours, so they make sense only if you have extra days.
Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune to Himachal Pradesh
From Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune, fly to Delhi or Chandigarh. Ahmedabad also has convenient trains to Delhi if you prefer an overnight journey.
Last Leg: Delhi and Chandigarh to the Hills
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Time by cab |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Shimla | 350 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| Delhi to Manali | 540 km | 12 to 14 hours |
| Delhi to Dharamshala | 480 km | 10 to 11 hours |
| Chandigarh to Shimla | 115 km | 3 to 4 hours |
| Chandigarh to Manali | 300 km | 8 to 9 hours |
| Chandigarh to Dharamshala | 240 km | 6 to 7 hours |
Many travellers from Delhi take an overnight Volvo bus to Manali and continue by cab from there. Our Shimla Manali Volvo Tour is built this way and starts at ₹11,750 per person.
Can I Fly Directly to Himachal
Himachal has three small airports: Shimla, Kullu-Bhuntar for Manali, and Gaggal for Dharamshala. Flights are few, mostly from Delhi, and are often cancelled in bad weather, so they are best treated as a bonus rather than a plan. Chandigarh and Delhi airports are much more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Mumbai to Himachal Pradesh?
Mumbai to Shimla is about 1,750 km by road and Mumbai to Manali about 1,950 km. Most travellers fly from Mumbai to Chandigarh or Delhi and then go to Himachal by cab.
What is the distance from Hyderabad to Himachal Pradesh?
Hyderabad to Shimla is about 1,900 km by road. The best way is a flight to Delhi or Chandigarh, followed by a cab to Shimla or Manali.
What is the distance from Chennai to Himachal Pradesh?
Chennai to Shimla is about 2,550 km by road. Fly to Delhi or Chandigarh and start your Himachal trip by cab from there.
Which is the nearest big airport to Himachal?
Chandigarh airport is the nearest big airport, about 115 km from Shimla. Delhi airport has the most flights from all over India.
Do you book flights and trains too?
Yes. Our cab tours start from Delhi or Chandigarh, and our team can book your flight or train tickets from your city.
Plan Your Trip from Any City
Tell our trip expert your city, travel dates and number of travellers on WhatsApp at +91 90150 50020. We will suggest the best route and send a complete plan with tickets, hotels and cab.