How to travel from Rishikesh to Shimla, India
The distance between Rishikesh and Shimla is around 262km (163 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi which takes around 4h 25m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Rishikesh to Shimla by train, taxi, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Shimla → Rishikesh if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Taxi
Take the train to Chandigarh then take a taxi to Shimla.
- Duration6h 15m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical cost₹2,465($31)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Taxi
Take a taxi to Shimla.
- Duration4h 25m
- Departson demand
- Typical cost₹7,165($90)
Nature Holidays Travel
+ 2 othersFrequently asked questionsabout travel between Rishikesh and Shimla
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rishikesh to Shimla by train, taxi, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train and then take a taxi which costs around ₹2,465 ($31) and will take around 6h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and arrive in approximately 4h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₹7,165 ($90).
The distance between Rishikesh and Shimla is around 262km (163 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 154km (96 miles)
It takes around 6h 15m to get from Rishikesh and Shimla by train and taxi. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 25m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Rishikesh to Shimla is to take a taxi which takes around 4h 25m and will set you back approx ₹7,165 ($90).
The cheapest way to travel between Rishikesh and Shimla, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then take a taxi which will typically cost around ₹2,465 ($31) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rishikesh and Shimla. We recommend that you take a taxi to Shimla. instead which will take 4h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rishikesh and Shimla. We recommend that you take a taxi to Shimla. instead which will take 4h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Rishikesh to Shimla. We recommend that you take the train to Chandigarh then take a taxi to Shimla. instead which will take 6h 15m.
The closest major airport to Shimla is Chandigarh Airport (IXC) (IXC) which is approximately 60km (37 miles) from Shimla. Bhuntar Airport (KUU) (KUU) and Dehradun Airport (DED) (DED) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
Yes it is possible to drive from Rishikesh and Shimla. The distance is around 262km (163 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 25m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rishikesh to Shimla is to take the train and then take a taxi which takes, on average, 6h 15m and will usually cost around ₹2,465 ($31).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rishikesh and Shimla
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Taxi + 2 similar | 6h 15m | ₹2,465($31) | once daily | 330km (205 miles) |
| Train to Chandigarh, Taxi | 6h 35m | ₹2,545($32) | once daily | 339km (211 miles) |
| Bus and Taxi | 8h 60m | ₹3,580($45) | once daily | 333km (207 miles) |
Taxi | 4h 25m | ₹7,165($90) | on demand | 262km (163 miles) |
Drive | 4h 25m | ₹2,150($27) | on demand | 262km (163 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rishikesh and Shimla
Train operators
Indian Railways
Bus companies
Northern Bus
Airports near Shimla
The following major airports near Shimla offer regular flights to various popular destinations within India and internationally.
Chandigarh Airport (IXC)
- Distance
- 60km (37 miles) from Shimla
Bhuntar Airport (KUU)
- Distance
- 98km (61 miles) from Shimla
Dehradun Airport (DED)
- Distance
- 120km (75 miles) from Shimla