CHANDIGARH
TO SHIMLA
India's summer capital. Three hours from Chandigarh. Mall Road, Kufri, and the toy train. A timeless hill station.
115 km
Distance
3 hrs
Drive time
Easy
Difficulty
Year-round
Best season
Baleno / Creta
Best car
THE DRIVE
NH5 TO THE
SUMMER CAPITAL
The Chandigarh–Shimla highway (NH5) is one of the better-maintained mountain roads in Himachal Pradesh. It's scenic without being technical - good for first-time mountain drivers and families with children.
The climb starts at Parwanoo, about 55km from Chandigarh. The next 60km is continuous mountain road - well-paved, with guardrails on most of the exposed sections. Pine forests and terraced apple orchards run alongside the road.
Shimla itself is a parking nightmare. The Mall Road is pedestrianised. Park at the designated car parks (Rivoli or Victory Tunnel), buy a parking ticket, and walk the 15 minutes uphill to the main town. It's worth the walk.
Timing this drive matters more than most people expect. Leave Chandigarh by 8am and you land in Shimla with most of the afternoon still ahead of you - enough time for Mall Road, the Ridge, and a short walk up to Jakhu Temple before dark. Leave any later on a Friday and you will sit in the queue of Delhi-bound traffic that funnels through Solan every weekend. If Shimla is your only stop, this route pairs naturally with a look at our full fleet to pick between an automatic hatchback for easy hill driving or an SUV for extra ground clearance near Kufri.
TIPS FOR THIS ROUTE
Avoid reaching Shimla on Friday evenings - extreme traffic on NH5 from Delhi and Chandigarh
Summer (May–June) means crowds. October–November is quieter and the light is exceptional
Kufri is 14km from Shimla. The road is steep and narrow - the Baleno handles it comfortably
Mall Road parking is restricted. Always use designated car parks and walk in
The Jakhu Temple road is a steep uphill - the view from the top is worth the calf burn
If it snows (December–February), NH5 can close temporarily. Check road conditions in advance
BOOK FOR THIS ROUTE
Chandigarh → Shimla
STOP BY STOP
0
km
Chandigarh
Leave by 8–9am for a relaxed day. NH5 starts smoothly from the city - no traffic after Panchkula.
30
km
Pinjore
The Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens) are worth a stop in the morning light if you have time.
55
km
Parwanoo
Himachal Pradesh border. The hills start here. The road climbs for the next 60km.
75
km
Solan
Midway stop. Famous for mushrooms and craft beer (the Kasauli brewery is nearby). Stop for tea.
115
km
Shimla
Park at the lower car parks - Rivoli or Lakkar Bazaar. Walk the last stretch to Mall Road.
FAQ
SHIMLA TRIP
QUESTIONS
How long does it take to drive from Chandigarh to Shimla?
Around 3 hours for the 115 km via NH5, assuming a normal traffic day and one or two short stops. Add 30-45 minutes if you are travelling on a Friday evening or a long weekend, when the highway gets busy near Solan.
Which car is best for a Chandigarh to Shimla self drive trip?
The Baleno Automatic is our most booked option for this route - it is comfortable on NH5 and easy to manage in Shimla traffic. Families often prefer the Creta for the extra boot space and higher seating position on the climb.
Is a permit needed to drive to Shimla from Chandigarh?
No inter-state permit is required to enter Shimla itself. Our rate already includes the standard Himachal Pradesh travel permit, so there is nothing extra to arrange before you leave.
Where should I park in Shimla?
Mall Road is pedestrianised, so you cannot drive up to it directly. Use the Rivoli or Victory Tunnel car parks, buy a parking ticket, and walk the last 10-15 minutes uphill - it is a short climb and saves you the parking chaos closer to the centre.
What is the best time of year to drive to Shimla?
March to June is warm and green, October and November are the clearest and quietest months, and December to February can bring snow above Kufri - beautiful, but check road conditions before you leave if you are travelling in winter.
Can I combine Shimla with Kufri or Chail in the same trip?
Yes. Kufri is only 14 km further and is a common half-day add-on. Chail is about 45 km from Shimla and works well as an overnight extension if you have an extra day in your rental.
SHIMLA THIS WEEKEND?
115 km. 3 hours. Year-round. Vehicle delivered to your door in Chandigarh.