How to travel from Shimla to Rishikesh, India
The distance between Shimla and Rishikesh is around 262km (163 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi which takes around 4h 25m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Shimla to Rishikesh by taxi, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Rishikesh → Shimla if you're planning a return trip.
Taxi and Train
Take a taxi to Chandigarh then take the train to Rishikesh.
- Duration7h 40m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical cost₹2,465($31)
Multiple operators
Taxi
Take a taxi to Rishīkesh.
- Duration4h 25m
- Departson demand
- Typical cost₹7,165($90)
Tour 2 Himachal
+ 2 othersFrequently asked questionsabout travel between Shimla and Rishikesh
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Shimla to Rishikesh by taxi, train and car. The cheapest option is to take a taxi and then take the train which costs around ₹2,465 ($31) and will take around 7h 40m. 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 Shimla and Rishikesh is around 262km (163 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 154km (96 miles)
It takes around 7h 40m to get from Shimla and Rishikesh by taxi and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 25m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Shimla to Rishikesh 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 Shimla and Rishikesh, if you exclude driving, is to take a taxi and then take the train which will typically cost around ₹2,465 ($31) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Shimla and Rishikesh. We recommend that you take a taxi to Rishīkesh. instead which will take 4h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Shimla and Rishikesh. We recommend that you take a taxi to Rishīkesh. instead which will take 4h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Shimla to Rishikesh. We recommend that you take a taxi to Chandigarh then take the train to Rishikesh. instead which will take 7h 40m.
The closest major airport to Rishikesh is Dehradun Airport (DED) (DED) which is approximately 34km (21 miles) from Rishikesh. Chandigarh Airport (IXC) (IXC) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) (DEL) 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 Shimla and Rishikesh. 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 Shimla to Rishikesh is to take a taxi and then take the train which takes, on average, 7h 40m and will usually cost around ₹2,465 ($31).
Compare travel optionsbetween Shimla and Rishikesh
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxi and Train | 7h 40m | ₹2,465($31) | once daily | 330km (205 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 Shimla and Rishikesh
Train operators
Indian Railways
Bus companies
HRTC
Airports near Rishikesh
The following major airports near Rishikesh offer regular flights to various popular destinations within India and internationally.
Dehradun Airport (DED)
- Distance
- 34km (21 miles) from Rishikesh
Chandigarh Airport (IXC)
- Distance
- 157km (98 miles) from Rishikesh
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Distance
- 208km (129 miles) from Rishikesh