Delhi to Shimla by Car: Distance, Routes & Travel Time
A Delhi to Shimla road trip by car is one of the most popular getaways from Delhi NCR. With smooth highways, beautiful mountain views, and a pleasant climate throughout the year, the Delhi to Shimla drive is perfect for couples, families, friends, and corporate groups.
Whether you prefer a Sedan, SUV, Self-Drive car, or a Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Shimla, this guide covers everything — distance, routes, travel time, car rental charges, road conditions, safety tips & more.
Why Choose Car Rental from Delhi to Shimla?
Traveling from Delhi to Shimla by car offers unmatched comfort and flexibility:
- Doorstep pickup & drop anywhere in Delhi NCR
- Freedom to take breaks, enjoy food stops & do sightseeing
- Smooth drive via NH-44 & NH-5
- Ideal for family trips, weekend getaways, and group tours
- More economical than flight/train when traveling with 3–7 people
Delhi to Shimla Distance, Route & Travel Time
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 340–360 km |
| Travel Time | 7–9 hours |
| Best Route | Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Solan → Shimla |
| Highway | NH-44 + NH-5 |
| Best Time to Travel | Early morning (4–6 AM) |
| Peak Season | March–June & October–January (snow season) |
Best Routes for Delhi to Shimla Drive
1. Via NH-44 + NH-5 (Fastest Route)
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Dharampur → Solan → Shimla
Why this route is best:
- Smoothest 6-lane highway
- Plenty of food courts, dhabas & fuel stations
- Ideal for Sedans, SUVs & Tempo Travellers
- Best route for first-time hill drivers
2. Via Meerut–Saharanpur Route (Less Traffic)
Delhi → Meerut → Saharanpur → Yamunanagar → Solan → Shimla
Great if you want fewer tolls and minimal traffic.
Best Cars to Hire for Delhi to Shimla Road Trip
Here are the Best Cars to Hire for Delhi to Shimla Trip
Delhi to Shimla Car Rental Charges
| Vehicle Type | Price (₹/km) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dzire / Etios | ₹12–14/km | Couples & budget trips |
| Ertiga | ₹16–18/km | Small families |
| Innova Crysta | ₹18–20/km | Family travel |
| SUV (Creta / Scorpio) | ₹20–24/km | Hill driving |
| Fortuner | ₹28–32/km | Premium comfort |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹22–30/km | Group tours |
Popular Stopovers on Delhi–Shimla Route
🍽️ Food Stops
- Amrik Sukhdev, Murthal
- Haveli, Karnal
- Zhilmil Dhaba (Ambala)
- McDonald’s / KFC (Chandigarh highway)
📍 Scenic Stop Points
- Timber Trail, Parwanoo
- Dharampur hills
- Kandaghat valley views
Great for photography, snacks & short breaks.
Delhi to Shimla Road Conditions
- Delhi to Chandigarh: Smooth 6-lane expressway
- Chandigarh to Solan: Widened roads, minor curves
- Solan to Shimla: Steeper climb but well-maintained
- Winter months: Expect snow near Kufri, Mashobra & Shimla ridge
Delhi to Shimla Driving Tips
- Start early to avoid Delhi–Panipat traffic
- Keep cash + FASTag
- Maintain speed on curves
- Use low gears in hill sections
- Avoid night driving between Solan–Shimla
- In winter, carry warm clothes & snow-chain if needed
- SUVs recommended for heavy snow
Delhi to Shimla Travel Time Breakdown
- Delhi → Chandigarh: 4–5 hours
- Chandigarh → Shimla: 3–4 hours
Total: 7–9 hours depending on traffic & halts.
Best Time to Visit Shimla by Car
- Summer (March–June): Ideal for sightseeing, adventure, pleasant weather.
- Monsoon (July–September): Avoid — chances of landslides & slippery roads.
- Winter (October–January):Best for snowfall trips & Christmas/New Year celebrations.
Places to Visit in Shimla After Your Road Trip
Here are the top Places to Visit in Shimla After Your Road Trip
- Kufri
- Mall Road
- Ridge
- Jakhoo Temple
- Green Valley
- Mashobra
- Naldehra
Book Your Delhi to Shimla Car Rental
For a smooth, comfortable & safe journey:
📲 Call / WhatsApp: +91-9354672570
📧 Email: info@tempotravelleronline.com
