No direct train; you must go to Kalka and take the toy train.

Yes, but be cautious of narrow roads.

January and February are best for snow.

Yes, plenty of taxis available in Roorkee.

Mostly well-maintained but winding.

Roorkee

Shimla

Bus Driving

Roorkee to Shimla

Updated: 21 May 2026

The journey from Roorkee to the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, covers about 220 km. You can drive via the scenic route through Nahan or take the highway via Chandigarh. The drive takes you from the plains into the Shivalik hills, offering breathtaking views. Expect a travel time of 6 to 7 hours by car or bus.

Total Distance: 220 km by road, 160 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Private taxi, taking 6 hours depending on traffic.

Cheapest Way

State transport bus, costing around 500 INR.

Compare Roorkee to Shimla Routes

	Bus Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	6 hours
Avg Price	500 - 900 INR	3000 - 5000 INR
Operator	HRTC / UTC	Private Taxi
Route	Roorkee to Shimla via Chandigarh	NH 7 via Nahan and Solan
Tip	Buses are frequent from the Roorkee bus stand.	The road via Nahan is less crowded than the Chandigarh route.

Travel Tips

Motion Sickness
Carry medication if you are prone to car sickness on winding roads.
Clothing
Carry a light jacket even in summer as evenings get cool.
Walking
Be prepared to walk a lot as many areas are pedestrian-only.
Parking
Parking is limited in Shimla; check if your hotel provides it.
Local Bus
Use local buses to reach nearby spots like Kufri.

Safety Tips

Landslides
Avoid travel during heavy monsoon rains due to landslide risks.
Driving
Drive slowly on sharp mountain curves.
Emergency
Keep the local hospital contact info saved.
Night Driving
Avoid driving on mountain roads after dark.