Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, is well known for its educational institutions and vibrant culture. Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station famous for its cool climate and colonial charm. Traveling from Pune to Shimla is a favored route for those seeking a refreshing escape from the plains to the serene mountains.

This guide covers all practical ways to reach Shimla from Pune, including train, bus, car, and flight options. Whether you prefer scenic road trips or faster air travel, you’ll find detailed information, travel tips, and step-by-step plans to help you plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Pune to Shimla – Main Options

By Train

Train travel from Pune to Shimla is a scenic but indirect option, as there is no direct rail link to Shimla. The nearest major railway station to Shimla is Kalka, from where you can take the famous toy train or other transport modes. This option suits travelers who enjoy train journeys and want to experience the heritage Kalka–Shimla railway.

• Route details:

  Board a train from Pune Junction to Kalka Junction, which typically involves a change at Delhi or Chandigarh. The total rail distance is around 1900 km and takes approximately 30–36 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains:

  Trains like Pune–Delhi Duronto or Pune–Chandigarh Express are good options. Book tickets early via IRCTC as these trains can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Kalka to Shimla:

  From Kalka, take the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka–Shimla toy train, which takes about 5 hours. Alternatively, taxis and buses are available for the 90 km road journey.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Long-distance trains offer sleeper and AC classes. The toy train is a slow, scenic ride with limited frequency, so plan accordingly.

• Travel tips:

  Carry warm clothes for the toy train journey and book Kalka–Shimla tickets in advance. Be prepared for possible delays on the narrow-gauge section.

By Bus

Bus travel from Pune to Shimla is possible but involves multiple changes and a long journey. This mode is less popular due to the distance and terrain but can be economical for budget travelers.

• Route overview:

  There are no direct buses from Pune to Shimla. Travelers usually take a bus to Delhi or Chandigarh first, then board Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to Shimla.

• Bus types and duration:

  Pune to Delhi buses take around 24–30 hours, while Delhi to Shimla HRTC Volvo or ordinary buses take 8–10 hours. Total journey time can exceed 36 hours.

• Booking and fares:

  Book Pune–Delhi buses via Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) or private operators online. HRTC tickets can be booked on their official site or at stands.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Pune–Delhi buses run daily with sleeper and semi-sleeper options. HRTC buses from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla are frequent but can get crowded during holidays.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid night travel on hilly roads from Chandigarh to Shimla due to narrow, winding roads. Carry snacks and water as stops can be limited.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Shimla is a long but rewarding option for those who enjoy road trips. The route covers diverse landscapes and offers flexibility to explore en route.

• Distance and route:

  The drive covers approximately 1900 km via NH 48 and NH 44, passing through cities like Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Delhi before ascending to Shimla.

• Travel time:

  Expect around 35–40 hours of driving time, usually split over 3–4 days for comfort and safety.

• Road conditions:

  National Highways are mostly in good condition with toll plazas. The final stretch from Chandigarh to Shimla involves hilly roads with hairpin bends requiring cautious driving.

• Rest stops and sightseeing:

  Numerous dhabas and restaurants along NH 48 offer local cuisine. Consider overnight stops in Jaipur or Delhi to break the journey.

• Driving tips:

  Avoid night driving in the hills due to fog and narrow roads. Check weather forecasts during monsoon and winter for landslides or snow.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Shimla from Pune. While Shimla has a small airport, direct flights from Pune are rare, so connecting via Delhi or Chandigarh is common.

• Flight route:

  Fly from Pune Airport (PNQ) to Delhi (DEL) or Chandigarh (IXC), then take a taxi, bus, or helicopter to Shimla.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Pune to Delhi flights take about 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Shimla airport:

  Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla is small with limited flights, mostly from Delhi. Helicopter services are also available from Chandigarh and Delhi for quicker access.

• Ground transfer:

  From Chandigarh, Shimla is about 112 km by road, taking 3–4 hours by taxi or HRTC bus. Delhi to Shimla road travel takes around 7–8 hours.

• Travel tips:

  Book flights early to get better fares. Check weather conditions as Shimla’s airport can be affected by fog in winter.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Shimla, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether train, bus, or flight, secure your tickets at least 2–3 weeks in advance via IRCTC, MSRTC, or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Reach your departure point early:

  Arrive at Pune station or airport at least 1 hour before departure to manage security and boarding, especially during peak seasons.

• Pack smartly:

  Carry warm clothes, especially if traveling in winter. Include snacks and water for long journeys, particularly on road and train segments.

• Plan your transfers:

  If traveling by train, arrange transport from Kalka to Shimla in advance. For flights landing in Delhi or Chandigarh, pre-book taxis or use trusted cab apps like Ola or Uber.

• Break your journey:

  For road trips or train travel, consider overnight stops in cities like Delhi or Chandigarh to rest and explore local attractions.

• Stay updated on weather:

  Check forecasts for Shimla and en route areas to avoid disruptions due to fog, snow, or monsoon rains.

Practical Travel Tips

• IRCTC bookings:

  Use the official IRCTC website or app for train tickets and check train status regularly. Tatkal bookings can help if you miss early reservations.

• Bus travel tips:

  For HRTC buses, arrive early at bus stands to get good seats. Carry cash as some buses may not accept digital payments.

• Local commute in Shimla:

  Use local taxis or shared cabs for short distances. Auto-rickshaws are rare, so rely on Ola or Uber where available.

• Luggage handling:

  Pack light due to multiple transfers and hilly terrain. Keep valuables close during train and bus journeys.

• Food and water:

  Stick to bottled water and freshly cooked food. Avoid roadside stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Seasonal safety:

  Avoid night travel on hilly roads during monsoon and winter due to landslides and fog. Carry a flashlight and warm blankets if driving.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Shimla depends on weather and traffic conditions. Summer months offer pleasant weather in Shimla, while winters bring snow but also travel challenges.

Monsoon season can cause landslides and roadblocks, so plan accordingly. Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival.

• Avoid peak festival weekends like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are fully booked and roads congested.

• Summer (April to June) is ideal for comfortable weather and clear roads.

• Winter (December to February) offers snow but can cause flight delays and slippery roads.

• Start journeys early in the day to bypass Pune and Delhi rush hours and reach hill roads before dusk.

Arrival at Shimla & What to Expect

Shimla welcomes travelers with its cool climate, colonial architecture, and bustling Mall Road. Upon arrival at the Shimla bus stand, railway station, or airport, you will find several options to reach your accommodation.

Prepaid taxis are available at the airport and bus stand, while local buses connect to nearby areas. Popular stay areas include Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, and the Ridge, all within easy reach of attractions like Jakhoo Temple and Christ Church.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying to Delhi or Chandigarh followed by a road transfer to Shimla is the most time-efficient and comfortable way to travel from Pune. For those who enjoy scenic journeys, combining train travel to Kalka with the toy train ride to Shimla offers a unique experience.

Whichever mode you choose, planning ahead and considering seasonal factors will ensure a smooth trip. With this guide, you can confidently embark on your journey from Pune to Shimla and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan hill station to the fullest.