Short answer
Chandigarh is the main gateway for Shimla and Manali, about 115 km and 310 km away. Pathankot is the gateway for Dalhousie and Dharamshala. Small airports at Shimla, Bhuntar and Gaggal have limited flights. From Delhi, overnight buses and cars reach Manali in 12 to 14 hours.
On this page 13 sections
Himachal is well connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by road and rail, but its airports are small, and the drives from the plains into the mountains can be long. Choosing the right gateway can save hours. This guide explains your options for getting in and for moving between bases.
By air
Himachal has three small airports, and most visitors use Chandigarh instead.
- Chandigarh (IXC) has frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. It is the usual gateway for Shimla (about 115 km, 3.5 hours) and Manali (about 310 km, 8 to 9 hours).
- Shimla (SLV) at Jubbarhatti has a small number of flights, which are weather-dependent and sometimes suspended. It is about 22 km from the town.
- Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar, KUU) has limited flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. It is about 50 km from Manali, and flights are often delayed by weather.
- Kangra (Gaggal, DHM) has limited flights and is about 15 km from Dharamshala.
- Amritsar (ATQ) is a larger airport that also serves Dharamshala and Dalhousie, about 200 km away.
Because of weather, we recommend building a buffer if you rely on a hill airport.
By rail
Himachal has no broad-gauge railway deep in the hills, so trains take you to the foothills.
- Kalka (KLK) is the gateway to Shimla. The UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge toy train runs from Kalka to Shimla, and Shatabdi and other trains connect Delhi with Kalka and Chandigarh.
- Chandigarh (CDG) is the most convenient station for Shimla and Manali.
- Pathankot (PTK) is the gateway to Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Dharamshala.
- Joginder Nagar is the terminus of the scenic Kangra narrow-gauge line.
Check IRCTC for timetables, and note that toy-train services are sometimes suspended during the monsoon.
By road
Roads are good on the plains and winding in the hills.
| Route | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Chandigarh | 250 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Chandigarh to Shimla | 115 km | 3.5 hours |
| Delhi to Shimla | 350 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| Chandigarh to Manali | 310 km | 8 to 9 hours |
| Delhi to Manali | 540 km | 12 to 14 hours |
| Pathankot to Dharamshala | 90 km | 3 hours |
| Pathankot to Dalhousie | 80 km | 3 hours |
Overnight Volvo and deluxe buses run from Delhi to Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala and are a popular budget choice. A private car with driver is more flexible and easier for families and groups.
Moving between bases
| Leg | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla to Manali | 250 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| Manali to Dharamshala | 250 km | 8 to 9 hours |
| Dharamshala to Dalhousie | 120 km | 4 hours |
| Manali to Kaza (Spiti, via Kunzum) | 200 km | 8 to 10 hours, summer only |
| Shimla to Kaza (Spiti, via Kinnaur) | 410 km | 12 to 14 hours, usually over two days |
These times assume dry weather and normal traffic. Heavy rain, landslides and festival traffic can add hours.
The best approach for each trip
| Trip | Suggested arrival | Suggested departure |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla and Manali | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Himachal circuit | Chandigarh | Pathankot |
| Dalhousie and Dharamshala | Pathankot | Pathankot |
| Manali only | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Spiti circuit | Shimla | Manali |
Choosing between car, bus and train
A private car gives flexibility, space for luggage and the ability to stop for photographs. Volvo buses are cheaper and fine for solo travellers and couples on a budget, but they have fixed stops and can be crowded. Trains are comfortable up to Kalka or Pathankot, but you then need a car. The toy train is a lovely experience but slow.
Arrival tips
At Chandigarh, use prepaid taxis, apps or hotel pickups. In hill towns, taxis are run by unions with posted rate lists. Carry ID and cash. Keep your phone charged and download offline maps, since coverage drops in the hills.
In the monsoon
Landslides can block the Chandigarh to Manali highway for hours or days. Check the state disaster management authority and police updates before leaving. Allow extra time, avoid night driving and be prepared to wait. If a red alert is in force, postpone hill travel.
Reaching the hills from nearby cities
From Delhi, many travellers take an overnight Volvo or drive to Chandigarh and continue by car. From Amritsar, Dharamshala and Dalhousie are about 200 km and four to five hours away. From Jammu, a drive via Pathankot reaches Dalhousie in about six hours. From Dehradun, Shimla is reachable via Paonta Sahib and Solan, though it is a long day. Each of these routes has different road quality, so ask your planner which suits your trip.
Facilities along the way
On the major highways, there are dhabas, rest stops and petrol stations at regular intervals. Between Mandi and Manali, services are good, but on the Shimla to Kinnaur and Manali to Kaza routes, facilities are sparse. Fill up with fuel whenever you can, carry water and snacks and start early. Public toilets can be basic, so plan stops at reliable restaurants.
Planning for delays
Allow a buffer of at least a few hours on every long drive, and a full spare day if your trip depends on a flight or train home. Landslides, accidents and festival traffic can hold up even well-planned journeys. A relaxed attitude and a flexible schedule make delays easier to take.
Luggage
Hill taxis and local transport have limited space. Pack soft bags rather than hard suitcases, and keep a small daypack for the things you need on the road. If you are heading to Spiti, travel light.
Where to go next
Once you know your gateway, choose your base. See Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Spiti. For help with transfers, tell us your flight or train details and we will include them in your plan.
Practical tips
- Choose your entry point by your first base: Chandigarh for Shimla and Manali, Pathankot for Dalhousie and Dharamshala.
- Do not rely on small hill airports for tight connections; weather often cancels flights.
- Book trains and Volvo buses early for May, June and winter weekends.
- Break the Chandigarh to Manali or Delhi to Manali drive if anyone is prone to motion sickness.
- Check road status before you set out in the monsoon.
