Is there a direct train?

No, there is no direct train from Kerala to Shimla.

How to reach from Kalka?

Take the Kalka-Shimla toy train or a local bus/taxi.

Yes, flying to Chandigarh saves significant time.

What is the nearest airport?

Shimla Airport (SLV) or Chandigarh (IXC).

Are there buses from Kerala?

No, direct bus services do not exist for this distance.

Chavakkad

Shimla

Train Flight

Chavakkad to Shimla

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Chavakkad to the hill station of Shimla is a long 2850 km trip. You must travel to Thrissur for a train to Delhi, then take a train to Kalka, followed by the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train or a bus. Alternatively, fly from Kochi to Chandigarh and drive to Shimla. This route takes you from the tropical coast to the high Himalayas.

Total Distance: 2850 km by road, 2450 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight to Chandigarh followed by a taxi to Shimla.

Cheapest Way

Sleeper class train is the most economical.

Compare Chavakkad to Shimla Routes

	Train Connecting	Flight Connecting
Duration	55 hours	9 hours
Avg Price	2600 - 6500 INR	13000 - 25000 INR
Operator	Kerala Express + Kalka-Shimla Toy Train	IndiGo
Route	Thrissur - New Delhi - Kalka - Shimla	COK - IXC - Shimla (Road)
Tip	The Kalka-Shimla toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage experience.	The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla takes about 3-4 hours.

Travel Tips

Toy Train
Book the Kalka-Shimla toy train tickets months in advance.
Clothing
Carry heavy woolens even in summer as evenings can be chilly.
Transport
Shimla is a pedestrian-friendly city; be prepared to walk a lot.
Booking
Use the IRCTC website for all train bookings.
Food
Try the local Himachali dishes like Siddu.

Safety Tips

Mountain Roads
If hiring a taxi, ensure the driver is experienced with mountain roads.
Altitude
Stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
Night Travel
Avoid driving on mountain roads at night due to fog.
Emergency
Keep the contact details of your hotel and local emergency services.