Shimla Railway Station is the Shimla terminus of the Kalka–Shimla heritage railway, which runs between Shimla and Kalka. The heritage train covers the Shimla–Kalka leg; you’ll need to check current rail options separately for onward travel to Chandigarh.
- The line is a 96 km metre-gauge railway.
- The journey takes around 6 hours.
- There are 3–4 trains daily in each direction.
- Train timings and fares can change, so confirm them before booking.
Times checked November 2026.
Finding Shimla Railway Station
Shimla Railway Station is the town’s station for the Kalka–Shimla heritage line. Use the station as your starting point when checking a train’s route, departure and arrival details.
From this hotel in Shimla, the station journey is about 18 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car. Keep the station name handy when searching for train information: Indian Railways’ digital services can look up arrival and departure details by train number or station name.
Understanding the Kalka–Shimla route
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a mountain railway built in 1903 and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways of India. The line is 96 km long, with a journey time of around 6 hours.
The route passes through 103 tunnels. Its longest tunnel is 1.2 km. These landmarks give you a sense of the railway’s engineering as it crosses the hills between Shimla and Kalka.
The Himalayan Queen covers 94 km between Shimla and Kalka in 5 hours 30 minutes. This service-specific journey figure differs from the general journey time, so verify the train you plan to take.
Checking schedules and booking tickets
Check current train availability and fares through IRCTC, then confirm running information with Indian Railways before setting out. There are 3–4 trains daily from Kalka to Shimla and in the opposite direction; confirm current service details before relying on a schedule.
IRCTC’s booking process involves registering and logging in, entering journey details to see available trains, selecting a class and using the “Book Now” option.
You can select a train name in the train list to check its route and timings; selecting an available class shows its fare. The fare displayed during booking is for one adult and includes IRCTC service charges.
For arrival or departure information, Indian Railways’ digital services let you search using a train number or station name. Results can include expected timings, platform information, and delays or rescheduling. Check the official site before you go.
Planning the station transfer
If you’re continuing toward Chandigarh, the Kalka–Shimla railway covers the Shimla–Kalka part of the journey. For a separate overland comparison, Shimla to Chandigarh bus and train options address that onward connection.
Service changes and journey-day checks
Check for service updates on your journey day, since disruption on a hill railway can affect where a train terminates and how passengers continue. Indian Railways’ digital services can show expected timings, platforms, delays and rescheduling when you search by train number or station name.
Use the train number from your booking when checking its status, and confirm the information again before travelling to the station.
FAQs
Does the Kalka–Shimla train go to Chandigarh?
The heritage railway connects Shimla with Kalka. Check current options separately for travel onward to Chandigarh.
How long is the Kalka–Shimla train journey?
The general journey time is around 6 hours. Individual services may have their own timings.
How can you check a train’s platform or delay?
Indian Railways’ digital services allow searches by train number or station name and can show platform information, expected timings, delays or rescheduling.
What is notable about the Kalka–Shimla Railway?
Built in 1903, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways of India and passes through 103 tunnels.