Delhi to Shimla trains

Delhi to Shimla by train is the most sought after journey in the North Indian hills. While there is no direct train between Delhi to Shimla, one has to change trains at Kalka for Shimla. The broad gauge track from

Delhi ends at Kalka and from Kalka to Shimla is a narrow gauge track. Trains from Delhi leave from New Delhi railway station. Himalayan Queen (Train no. 4095) starts from Nizammudin station at 05.25 am and reaches New Delhi station at .5.40 am. It has a halt of 10 minutes at New Delhi station and then reaches Kalka at 11.10 am. Shatabdi Express (Train no. 2011) leaves from New Delhi station at 07.40 am and reaches Kalka at 11.45 am. This is the best train on this route. The fare in Shatabdi till Kalka is Rs. 465/ in AC chair car. Both these trains make convenient connection for the Kalka – Shimla, Himalayan Queen train which departs at 12.10 pm from Kalka.

The Howrah Kalka Mail is an overnight train from Old Delhi station departing at 09.40 pm and reaches Kalka the next morning at 04.40 am. There are quite a good connections for Shimla in the morning from Kalka.

The best Kalka Shimla train I believe is the Shiwalik Deluxe Express (Train no. 241, New train n0. 52451) departing Kalka at 05.30 am. Breakfast is served en route and is included in the fare. Kalka – Shimla track is included in the UNESCO world heritage rail sites.

A word of caution though, journey in Kalka – Shimla train takes longer time than by road since the track is narrow gauge and smaller trains known as toy trains run on this track. This is a scenic journey and is recommended as long as you are not rushing into the hills. Reservations on the internet can be made on the IRCTC site or through any counter of the railways in India. One has to register on the IRCTC site for making reservations online. Here is a useful link for booking tickets online. More information on the trains is available on the Indian Railways site. In case you want to taxi up from Kalka to Shimla, taxis charge around Rs. 1200-1500 for a drop. Taxis are available outside Kalka Station. Starting point of toy trains is the same where the trains from Delhi stops at Kalka. So just relax! Toy trains from Kalka wait for the connecting trains from Delhi. Don’t get worried if your train is running a little late to Kalka.

I almost forgot, Shimla is listed as Simla on the Indian Railways site. Don’t be disheartened if the system says no trains for Shimla. Try Simla instead.

Following is a chart of trains on Kalka – Shimla route. The information is true as of November 30, 2008. FC, CC, 2S means First Class, Chair Car and Second class.

The train numbers on this track were earlier 3 digit numbers which have now been changed to 5 digit numbers w.e.f. Dec 20, 2010. Following are the new numbers and all these trains can now be booked from any railway station anywhere in India.

Update: Starting October 1, 2011 train fares have been increased by Rs. 22/- on every class on this sector. Following rates are the older one.

Trains between Kalka to Shimla

Trains between Shimla to Kalka

Information updated on December 19, 2010