1. Route Overview

Chandigarh -> Kharar -> Ropar -> Kiratpur Sahib -> Swarghat -> Darlaghat -> Shoghi -> Shimla (via NH-205)

Total Distance: ~114 km | Highway: NH-205 | Shimla Altitude: 2,206 m AMSL

Travel time is typically 3.5-4.5 hours depending on traffic at Kharar and road conditions on the hill section after Swarghat. The mountain section from Swarghat onwards is winding with average speed dropping to 25-35 km/h. Chandigarh to Shimla Cab Fare Guide.

2. Chandigarh to Shimla Cab Fare Guide Table – All Vehicles

2.1 Sedans & SUVs (1-6 Passengers)

Vehicle	Capacity	Type	One Way	Round Trip	Per Day
Swift Dzire	4 pax	AC	Rs.1,800 – Rs.2,200	Rs.3,200 – Rs.3,800	Rs.2,500/day
Swift Dzire	4 pax	Non-AC	Rs.1,500 – Rs.1,800	Rs.2,800 – Rs.3,200	Rs.2,000/day
Maruti Ertiga	6 pax	AC	Rs.2,500 – Rs.3,000	Rs.4,500 – Rs.5,500	Rs.3,200/day
Maruti Ertiga	6 pax	Non-AC	Rs.2,000 – Rs.2,500	Rs.3,800 – Rs.4,500	Rs.2,700/day
Toyota Innova Crysta	7 pax	AC (Popular)	Rs.4,200 – Rs.4,800	Rs.7,500 – Rs.9,000	Rs.5,000/day
Toyota Innova Crysta	7 pax	Non-AC	Rs.3,500 – Rs.4,000	Rs.6,500 – Rs.7,800	Rs.4,200/day

2.2 Tempo Travellers, Vans & Buses (10-30 Passengers)

Vehicle	Capacity	Type	One Way	Round Trip	Per Day
Tempo Traveller 12 Seater	12 pax	AC	Rs.5,500 – Rs.6,500	Rs.10,000 – Rs.12,000	Rs.7,000/day
Tempo Traveller 12 Seater	12 pax	Non-AC	Rs.4,500 – Rs.5,500	Rs.8,500 – Rs.10,000	Rs.5,800/day
Tempo Traveller 17 Seater	17 pax	AC	Rs.7,000 – Rs.8,500	Rs.13,000 – Rs.16,000	Rs.9,000/day
Tempo Traveller 20 Seater	20 pax	AC	Rs.9,000 – Rs.11,000	Rs.17,000 – Rs.20,000	Rs.11,500/day
Force Urbania Van (Luxury)	12-17 pax	Luxury AC	Rs.9,500 – Rs.12,000	Rs.18,000 – Rs.22,000	Rs.13,000/day
Luxury Tempo Traveller	12 pax	Luxury AC	Rs.8,500 – Rs.10,500	Rs.16,000 – Rs.19,000	Rs.12,000/day
Minibus (26-30 Seater)	26-30 pax	AC	Rs.13,000 – Rs.16,000	Rs.24,000 – Rs.30,000	Rs.17,000/day

Disclaimer: All fares are approximate 2025 market rates. Actual fares depend on season (peak rates in Dec-Jan & May-Jun), fuel surcharges, night travel, and hills terrain surcharge. Toll charges, parking, and entry fees are payable extra. Contact TaxiYatri.com for confirmed fixed pricing.

3. Toll Booths & Toll Tax

Tolls apply only on the Punjab portion (Chandigarh to Kiratpur Sahib/Swarghat). Himachal Pradesh is 100% toll-free as of 2025 – zero toll charges once you enter HP near Swarghat/Bilaspur.

3.1 Toll Plaza List (Punjab Portion Only)

Toll Plaza	Car (One Way)	Car (Return)
Kharar Toll Plaza (NH-205, ~16 km from Chandigarh)	Rs.55-75	Rs.110-150
Ropar (Rupnagar) Toll Plaza (~40 km from Chandigarh)	Rs.70-90	Rs.140-180
Kiratpur Sahib Area Toll (~55 km from Chandigarh)	Rs.75-100	Rs.150-200
Jia Bridge / Swarghat (Punjab-HP border)	Rs.0 (checkpoint only)	–

3.2 Total Approximate One-Way Toll by Vehicle

Vehicle Type	One Way Toll	Round Trip Toll
Car / Sedan / Jeep	Rs.200-300	Rs.400-600
SUV / MUV (Innova, Ertiga)	Rs.280-380	Rs.560-760
Tempo Traveller / Minivan	Rs.500-700	Rs.1,000-1,400
Bus / Minibus	Rs.900-1,400	Rs.1,800-2,800

* FASTag gives 5% discount on applicable tolls. For one-way cab bookings, you only pay toll one way – the driver pays return toll separately.

4. Pickup & Drop Points

4.1 Chandigarh – Pickup Points

Chandigarh Railway Station (Sector 17)
ISBT Bus Stand, Sector 17
Chandigarh Airport (Shaheed Bhagat Singh International)
Sector 22 Market
Sector 34 Market
Sector 43 / IT Park
Elante Mall, Industrial Area Phase 1
Panchkula Bus Stand / ISBT
Mohali / Kharar / Zirakpur
Manimajra / Hallomajra
Any Hotel / Home Address in Chandigarh

4.2 Shimla – Drop Points

Shimla ISBT Bus Stand (Tutikandi)
Shimla Railway Station (Lower Bazaar)
Mall Road, Shimla
The Ridge, Shimla
Scandal Point
Kufri (20 km from Shimla)
Chail (45 km from Shimla)
Naldehra (22 km from Shimla)
Shoghi (13 km before Shimla)
Fagu (22 km from Shimla)
Any Hotel / Resort in Shimla

Note: Vehicles above a certain size cannot proceed to Mall Road or The Ridge (pedestrian zones). Cab will drop at the nearest accessible point (usually Cart Road or ISBT).

5. Best Stopovers on the Route

Make your road trip memorable with these scenic and essential pit stops along NH-205.

Kharar (~16 km)

First major town after Chandigarh. Ideal for fuel, snacks, and last-minute shopping.

Anandpur Sahib (~40 km via Ropar)

10 km detour from Ropar. Sacred Sikh pilgrimage site with Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Virasat-e-Khalsa museum.

Kiratpur Sahib Pickle Stop (~55 km)

Famous throughout India for homemade pickles, jams, squashes, and murabbas. Don’t miss mango achaar and amla candy!

Gobind Sagar Lake / Bilaspur (~75 km)

Asia’s largest artificial lake (Bhakra Dam reservoir). Stunning views from NH-205.

Swarghat Viewpoint (~80 km)

Dramatic gorge viewpoint entering HP hills. Popular breakfast stop with hot parathas and chai.

Darlaghat (~90 km)

Good fuel stop before the final mountain climb. Roadside dhabas available.

Shoghi (~100 km)

Last major town before Shimla, 13 km downhill. Famous for pickles, jams, and juices.

Shimla – Destination (~114 km)

The Queen of Hills! Former summer capital of British India at 2,206 m elevation.

Pro Tip: Start your journey by 7-8 AM from Chandigarh to avoid traffic and enjoy the cool mountain morning, reaching Shimla by noon.

6. Best Places to Visit in Shimla

Mall Road Shopping & Dining | City Center

Shimla’s iconic pedestrian promenade with shops, restaurants, banks, and cafes. Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, and Kali Bari Temple are all here. Open all day. Free entry.

The Ridge Iconic Open Space | Panoramic Views

The heart of Shimla – a large flat open space connecting Christ Church to Scandal Point. Spectacular Himalayan views on clear days. Hosts festivals year-round. Free entry.

Jakhu Temple & Ropeway Religious | Adventure | Highest Peak

Shimla’s highest point at ~2,400 m. Ancient Hanuman temple with a 108-ft statue. Take the ropeway (Rs.250-500/person) for panoramic views. Open 9:30 AM – 7 PM.

Christ Church Heritage | Colonial Architecture

Second oldest church in North India (built 1857). Neo-Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass windows. Located on The Ridge. Open 8 AM – 6 PM. Free entry.

Viceregal Lodge (IIAS) Heritage Museum | British Colonial Era

Built in 1888 as residence of British Viceroys. Now the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Witnessed India’s partition negotiations. Open 9 AM – 5 PM, Rs.30-100 entry.

Kufri Adventure | Snow | Nature

Hill station 20 km from Shimla at 2,622 m. Famous for skiing (Dec-Feb), snow activities, and Himalayan Nature Park. Summer offers go-karting, hiking, and lush meadows.

Green Valley Nature | Scenic Viewpoint

Breathtaking valley 8 km from Shimla on the way to Kufri. Lush deodar and oak forests. Also known as Hassan Valley. Best in morning light. Free entry.

Chadwick Falls Waterfall | Nature Trek

65-meter high waterfall 7 km from Shimla. Best July-September at full force. Requires a short forest trek. Open 8 AM – 6 PM. Free entry.

Lakkar Bazaar Shopping | Local Market

Shimla’s famous woodcraft market near Jakhu Peak. Unique wooden toys, decorative items, and Himachali handicrafts. Open 9 AM – 8 PM. Free entry.

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train UNESCO Heritage | Iconic Experience

UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway (1903). 96 km through 102 tunnels and 800+ bridges. Take it one way and return by cab for the full experience. Fares Rs.25-800.

Chail (Day Trip) Palace | World’s Highest Cricket Pitch

45 km from Shimla. Former summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala. World’s highest cricket ground at 2,444 m. Perfect day trip with panoramic Shivalik views.

Naldehra Golf Course Golf | Scenic Hill Station

22 km from Shimla. One of India’s oldest golf courses (1905) set amidst breathtaking oak and rhododendron forests. Annual Naldehra Golf Tournament is a major Himachal event.

7. Best Time to Visit Shimla

Season	Temperature	Notes
Summer (Mar-Jun)	15 C – 30 C	Most popular. Perfect for sightseeing. Book in advance.
Monsoon (Jul-Sep)	Warm & Wet	Landslide risk. Beautiful greenery. Check road conditions before travel.
Autumn (Oct-Nov)	5 C – 20 C	Clear skies, fewer tourists. Ideal for budget travel. Best photography weather.
Winter (Dec-Feb)	-2 C to 8 C	Snowfall! Peak demand – fares 20-30% higher. Carry snow chains.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cab from Chandigarh to Shimla cost in 2025?

A one-way cab starts from Rs.1,800 for a Swift Dzire and goes up to Rs.16,000+ for a Minibus. Innova Crysta typically costs Rs.4,200-Rs.4,800 one way. Tempo Travellers range from Rs.5,500 (12-seater) to Rs.11,000 (20-seater). Fares may be 20-30% higher during peak season (Dec-Jan snowfall, May-June holidays).

What is the distance and travel time from Chandigarh to Shimla?

The road distance via NH-205 is approximately 111-116 km. The journey typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic at Kharar and weather. The mountain section from Swarghat onwards is winding with average speed dropping to 25-35 km/h.

Which route is taken from Chandigarh to Shimla?

Standard route: Chandigarh -> Kharar -> Morinda/Ropar -> Kiratpur Sahib -> Swarghat -> Bilaspur (bypass) -> Darlaghat -> Shoghi -> Shimla via NH-205 (formerly NH-21 and NH-88). Distance: ~114 km.

Is there a toll tax from Chandigarh to Shimla?

Yes, but only on the Punjab portion (Chandigarh to Kiratpur Sahib/Swarghat area) – approximately 3-4 toll plazas with total one-way toll of Rs.200-300 for a car rental. Himachal Pradesh has zero toll roads as of 2025 – no toll charges once you enter HP after Swarghat.

What is the best vehicle for a family of 6 people?

The Toyota Innova Crysta (7-seater) is the top pick for hill routes due to its powerful engine, ground clearance, and comfort on winding mountain roads. Maruti Ertiga (6-seater) is also suitable. Innova Crysta costs Rs.4,200-Rs.4,800 one way.

What are the best stopovers between Chandigarh and Shimla?

Top stopovers: (1) Kiratpur Sahib for famous roadside pickle and jam shops; (2) Anandpur Sahib (10 km detour) for Virasat-e-Khalsa museum; (3) Gobind Sagar Lake for stunning reservoir views; (4) Swarghat viewpoint for the first dramatic mountain gorge views and a chai-paratha breakfast stop.

Can vehicles like Innova and Tempo Traveller go up to Mall Road in Shimla?

Mall Road and The Ridge are pedestrian-only zones – private vehicles cannot enter. Your cab will drop at the nearest permitted parking (usually Shimla ISBT or Cart Road). From there, walk 10-15 minutes or take a local taxi/e-rickshaw. Large vehicles like Tempo Travellers must park at designated areas.

Are Non-AC cabs available?

Yes, Non-AC cabs are available for Dzire, Ertiga, and Innova Crysta. Since Shimla rarely exceeds 25 degrees C even in summer, Non-AC is perfectly comfortable for most of the journey. Non-AC fares are typically 15-20% lower. In December-February, AC is definitely not needed!

What are must-visit places in Shimla?

Top must-visit places: Mall Road (vibrant pedestrian promenade), The Ridge (iconic open space with Himalayan views), Jakhu Temple (ancient Hanuman temple with 108-ft statue), Viceregal Lodge (stunning British-era palace), Kufri (20 km away for snow activities), Lakkar Bazaar (wooden handicrafts), and Chadwick Falls in monsoon. Day trips to Chail and Naldehra are also highly recommended.

About This Guide

This guide is prepared by the TaxiYatri travel team with 10+ years of experience operating cab services on the Chandigarh-Shimla corridor. Fare data is based on market research, operator feedback, and bookings processed through our platform. Last updated: May 2025. Toll information referenced from NHAI official sources and Himachal Pradesh state transport guidelines. All prices are indicative – confirm at the time of booking.

Abhishek Singh

I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.