Chandigarh to Kullu Cab Fare Guide 2026 | One Way & Round Trip | AC & Non-AC Cabs

Chandigarh to Kullu Cab Fare Guide

Complete pricing for Dzire, Innova Crysta, Ertiga, Tempo Traveller, Urbania Van & Minibus — with tolls, stopovers & travel guide

266 km Distance6–7 hrs Travel Time₹3,200 Starts FromNH-3 Route4–5 Toll Plazas

Cab Fare Chart 2025

All fares are indicative base prices per cab (not per person). Fares may vary based on travel dates, fuel costs, and driver availability. Toll charges are extra unless stated. GST at 5% may apply| Chandigarh to Kullu Cab Fare Guide

One Way Fare — Chandigarh to Kullu Cab Fare Guide

VehicleTypeCapacityAC FareNon-AC Fare
Maruti Dzire (Sedan)AC4 Passengers₹3,200₹2,800
Maruti Ertiga (MPV)AC6 Passengers₹4,200₹3,700
Toyota Innova Crysta (Premium SUV)AC6–7 Passengers₹5,500₹4,800
12-Seater Tempo TravellerAC10–12 Passengers₹7,500₹6,500
17-Seater Tempo TravellerAC14–17 Passengers₹9,500₹8,200
20-Seater Tempo TravellerAC18–20 Passengers₹11,000₹9,500
Luxury Tempo TravellerLuxury AC12–14 Passengers₹14,000N/A
Force Urbania VanLuxury AC12–17 Passengers₹12,000N/A
Minibus (35-seater)AC30–35 Passengers₹18,000₹15,000
Important: Fares are subject to fuel price revisions, peak season surcharges (Dussehra, New Year), and driver night halt charges of ₹300–₹500 if required. Toll charges, HP state tax, and parking are not included in base fares unless explicitly stated.

Round Trip Fare — Chandigarh to Kullu

VehicleTypeCapacityAC Round TripNon-AC Round Trip
Maruti DzireAC4 Passengers₹5,800₹5,000
Maruti ErtigaAC6 Passengers₹7,500₹6,600
Toyota Innova CrystaAC6–7 Passengers₹9,800₹8,500
12-Seater Tempo TravellerAC10–12 Passengers₹13,500₹11,500
17-Seater Tempo TravellerAC14–17 Passengers₹17,000₹14,500
20-Seater Tempo TravellerAC18–20 Passengers₹19,500₹17,000
Luxury Tempo TravellerLuxury AC12–14 Passengers₹25,000N/A
Force Urbania VanLuxury AC12–17 Passengers₹21,500N/A
Minibus (35-seater)AC30–35 Passengers₹32,000₹27,000

Route Details

Route Distance & Time Total Distance: ~266 kmVia Route: NH-3 (Chandigarh–Manali Highway)Estimated Travel Time: 6–7 hoursBest Travel Window: Early morning (5–6 AM departure)Key Towns on Route Chandigarh → Ropar (35 km)Ropar → Bilaspur (75 km)Bilaspur → Sundernagar (50 km)Sundernagar → Mandi (20 km)Mandi → Pandoh → Aut → Bhuntar → Kullu

Step-by-Step Route from Chandigarh to Kullu

1. Chandigarh (Start) — Sector 17, ISBT, or your hotel pick-up | Altitude: 321 m

2. Ropar (Rupnagar) – 35 km — First major town on NH-3. Good for fuel & morning tea stop.

3. Swarghat – 90 km — Toll Plaza Stop | Scenic gorge. First mountain roads begin here.

4. Bilaspur – 100 km — Great lunch stop. Famous Gobind Sagar Lake is visible. Historical town.

5. Sundernagar – 150 km — Industrial town. Good fuel & refreshment stop. Pandoh Dam visible ahead.

6. Pandoh Dam & Mandi – 170 km — Toll Plaza Stop | Pandoh Tunnel. Beautiful Beas River. Mandi is good for lunch.

7. Aut Tunnel – 205 km — Toll Plaza near Aut. 3-km tunnel cuts travel time. Mountain views begin.

8. Bhuntar (Kullu Airport) – 235 km — Kullu-Manali Airport is located here. Town with shops and hotels.

9. Kullu Town – 266 km (Destination) — Arrive at Kullu. Drop at Dhalpur Maidan, bus stand, or your hotel.

Toll Plazas & Charges

There are 4 to 5 active toll plazas on the Chandigarh to Kullu highway (NH-3). LMVs (light motor vehicles like Dzire/Innova) pay approximately ₹385–₹465 in total tolls.

#Toll PlazaLocationHighwayCar/LMVMini Bus/TTBus/Truck
1Jia Bridge TollNear Chandigarh (Km 262)NH-3₹60₹95₹155
2Swarghat Toll PlazaSwarghat, Bilaspur DistrictNH-3₹80₹130₹210
3Sundernagar TollPandoh–Sundernagar stretchNH-3₹75₹120₹195
4Takoli Toll PlazaAut–Kullu areaNH-3₹90₹145₹235
5Dohlunala Toll*Between Kullu & ManaliNH-3₹80₹130₹210
* Dohlunala Toll Plaza was suspended after 2023 flood damage and is expected to resume operations. Confirm current status before travel. FASTag is mandatory at all NHAI toll plazas — vehicles without FASTag pay double the toll.

Himachal Pradesh State Entry Tax for Cabs

State Tax for Taxis from Chandigarh Dzire / Ertiga / Innova: ₹100–₹200 (approx)Tempo Traveller (12–20 seater): ₹300–₹500Luxury Traveller / Urbania: ₹400–₹600Minibus (35-seater): ₹700–₹1,000Taxi Permit Details Vehicles must have valid All-India Tourist Permit (AITP) or HP State Taxi PermitState Tax checkpoint at Swarghat or Bilaspur borderTaxiYatri vehicles carry valid HP permitsPassenger tax: ₹40–₹80 per head in some cases

Local Pickup & Drop Points

Chandigarh Pickup Points ISBT Sector 43, ChandigarhISBT Sector 17, ChandigarhChandigarh Railway Station (Sector 17)Chandigarh Airport (Mohali)Sector 22-C Bus StandElante Mall, Industrial AreaPGI Hospital AreaPanchkula (Sector 5, 11, 15)Mohali Phase 7, Phase 10Zirakpur (NH-7 bypass area)Kharar (on the way to Ropar)Any hotel/residence on callKullu Drop Points Kullu Bus Stand (HRTC Terminal)Dhalpur Maidan, KulluKullu Market (Main Bazaar)Bhuntar Airport (Kullu Airport)Raghunath Temple AreaMohal (towards Great Himalayan NP)Kasol / Manikaran RoadNaggar (Naggar Castle Road)Katrain VillageParvati Valley Drop (via Bhuntar)Tirthan Valley (Gushaini)Any hotel in Kullu town

Best Stopovers on the Road Trip

1. Ropar (Rupnagar) – 35 km  |  ~45 min drive

The first sizeable town on the route. Ideal for a quick chai and nashta break. Fuel is also cheaper here before entering Himachal. The famous Ropar Wetland (Punjab Wildlife Sanctuary) is a bonus sighting point.

2. Bilaspur – 100 km  |  ~2 hrs drive

Stop at one of the many viewpoints overlooking Gobind Sagar Lake — one of Asia’s largest reservoirs. Spectacular especially in morning light. Several dhabas and restaurants nearby.

3. Mandi – 170 km  |  ~3.5 hrs drive

Known as the ‘Varanasi of the Hills,’ Mandi is a cultural hub with 81 temples. Have lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. The Pandoh Dam and Tunnel section ahead is visually stunning along the Beas River gorge.

4. Aut – 200 km  |  ~4.5 hrs drive

Aut is where the Beas River widens and valleys open up dramatically. Many small dhabas here serve hot Maggi, chai, and local snacks. Aut Tunnel (3 km) saves significant travel time and is an engineering marvel.

5. Bhuntar – 235 km  |  ~5.5 hrs drive

The last major town before Kullu. Bhuntar hosts the Kullu-Manali Airport and has ATMs, pharmacies, bakeries, and local fruit stalls. Stock up on apples and other Himachali produce here.

Best Time to Visit Kullu

Summer (March – June) Temp: 15°C – 30°CSightseeing & trekkingLush green valleysParagliding, rafting at peakBest for families & first-timersMonsoon (July – August) Temp: 15°C – 25°CHeavy rainfall & landslide riskRoad closures possibleNot ideal for large groupsWaterfalls are spectacularAutumn – BEST (Sept – Nov) Temp: 5°C – 22°COctober = Kullu DussehraClear blue skies post-monsoonApple harvest seasonPhotography paradiseWinter (Dec – Feb) Temp: -5°C – 10°CSnowfall in higher areasSkiing at Solang ValleyRohtang Pass closed Dec–AprilBudget-friendly off-season
Best Month: October is the best month to visit Kullu. The world-famous Kullu Dussehra (International Festival) takes place in October — a UNESCO-recognized cultural event where 300+ local deities are carried in procession to Dhalpur Maidan. Book your cab at least 4–6 weeks in advance for the Dussehra period.

Best Places to Visit in Kullu

Raghunath Temple  [Spiritual]

The chief deity of Kullu, Lord Raghunath (Ram). Built in the 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh. Stunning valley views from the hilltop temple.

Bijli Mahadev Temple  [Spiritual]

Perched 2,460 m high with a 60-ft Shiva shikhar. Lightning strikes the lingam every year — a truly mystical experience.

Manikaran Sahib  [Spiritual]

Sacred Gurudwara and Hindu shrine in Parvati Valley. Hot water springs where rice is cooked in the natural boiling springs — unmissable.

Great Himalayan National Park  [Nature]

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and over 375 animal species. Trekking permits required.

Solang Valley  [Adventure]

Green Valley

Adventure hub near Manali. Skiing, zorbing, paragliding, cable car rides. Snow activities in winter, adventure sports in summer.

Kasol & Parvati Valley  [Nature]

A scenic backpacker’s paradise along the Parvati River. Trekking base for Kheerganga and Pin Parvati Pass.

Naggar Castle  [Culture]

A 500-year-old castle converted into a heritage hotel. Houses the Roerich Art Gallery. Panoramic views of Kullu Valley.

Tirthan Valley  [Nature]

Off-beat, pristine valley with trout fishing, nature walks, and bamboo cottages. Gateway to GHNP.

Jana Waterfall  [Nature]

A beautiful 150-ft waterfall near Naggar. Easy 1-km trek from the road. Picnic-perfect spot.

Rohtang Pass (3,978 m)  [Adventure]

Gateway to Lahaul and Spiti. Snow even in June. Requires permit (book online via NGT). Open only May–October.

Kullu River Rafting  [Adventure]

The Beas River offers Grade III–IV rapids between Pirdi and Jhiri. Best from March to June and September to October.

Kullu Dussehra Festival  [Culture]

International Dussehra at Dhalpur Maidan every October — 7 days of cultural grandeur with 300+ deity palanquins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the cab fare from Chandigarh to Kullu in 2025?

Chandigarh to Kullu one-way cab fares in 2025 start from ₹3,200 for a Maruti Dzire (AC). Ertiga is ₹4,200, Innova Crysta ₹5,500, 12-seater Tempo Traveller ₹7,500, 17-seater ₹9,500, 20-seater ₹11,000, Luxury Tempo Traveller ₹14,000, Force Urbania ₹12,000, and Minibus from ₹15,000. Round trip fares are slightly lower than 2x one-way.

Q: How far is Kullu from Chandigarh by road?

The road distance from Chandigarh to Kullu is approximately 266 km via NH-3 (formerly NH-21). The journey typically takes 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and pit stops. Departing by 5–6 AM from Chandigarh ensures a comfortable daytime arrival in Kullu.

Q: How many toll plazas are there on Chandigarh to Kullu route?

There are 4 to 5 active toll plazas: (1) Jia Bridge Toll near Chandigarh, (2) Swarghat Toll at Bilaspur, (3) Sundernagar/Pandoh Toll, (4) Takoli Toll near Aut, and (5) Dohlunala Toll. For a standard car (LMV), total toll charges are approximately ₹385–₹465. FASTag is mandatory at all plazas.

Q: Is there an HP state entry tax for cabs from Chandigarh?

Yes, Himachal Pradesh levies a state entry/passenger tax on taxis entering from outside the state. For a Dzire or Innova Crysta, this is approximately ₹100–₹200. For Tempo Travellers (12–20 seater), it’s ₹300–₹600. For minibuses, it can be ₹700–₹1,000.

Q: What is the best time to visit Kullu?

The best time to visit Kullu is October for the world-famous Kullu Dussehra festival, and March to June for pleasant weather and green landscapes. September to November overall provides the clearest weather, post-monsoon greenery, and open mountain passes. Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to landslide risks.

Q: Which vehicle is best for a group trip from Chandigarh to Kullu?

For groups of 4: Innova Crysta. For 6–8 people: Ertiga or a smaller Tempo Traveller. For 10–15 people: 12 or 17-seater Tempo Traveller. For 15–20 people: 20-seater Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania Van. For larger groups of 30+: Minibus is best value.

Q: Can I book a one-way cab from Chandigarh to Kullu?

Yes! TaxiYatri offers dedicated one-way cab bookings from Chandigarh to Kullu. One-way fares are lower than half the round-trip cost, making them ideal if you plan to return by bus, flight from Bhuntar Airport, or another transport mode. One-way bookings require advance notice of at least 24 hours.

Q: Are toll charges included in the cab fare?

This depends on the cab operator. TaxiYatri clearly states whether tolls are included or extra in the fare quote. As a general rule: most budget quotes exclude toll, parking, and state taxes. Always ask your operator for a fully inclusive quote. Total tolls from Chandigarh to Kullu range from ₹385 to ₹465 for a car/jeep (LMV).

Q: How do I book a cab from Chandigarh to Kullu with TaxiYatri?

You can book your Chandigarh to Kullu cab through the TaxiYatri website at taxiyatri.com. Select your vehicle type, enter pickup and drop points, choose one-way or round trip, select your travel date, and confirm your booking. You can also call TaxiYatri directly for immediate bookings, group packages, and custom itinerary planning.