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From the factories and hosiery lanes of Ludhiana you climb out of the Punjab plains into the cedar and oak forest of the lower Himalaya, ending in Shimla, the old summer capital of British India. The usual way is a two-stage trip through Chandigarh, with a choice between a bus or the narrow-gauge toy train for the final climb.
Ludhiana to Shimla by Bus via Chandigarh
Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses run from Ludhiana to ISBT-43 in Chandigarh 13 times a day, the first at 05:24 and the last at 17:25, with air-conditioned services at 06:12, 10:25, 12:40 and 16:35. From the same ISBT-43, CTU buses to Shimla leave at 05:00, 06:54 (AC), 07:00, 08:38 (AC), 08:48, 13:20 (AC), 13:30 and 17:12 (AC).[1] Ordinary and luxury coaches also run between Chandigarh and Shimla, which has its main bus station at ISBT Shimla.[2]
Buses back from Shimla to ISBT-43 leave at 11:36, 12:50 (AC), 12:58, 15:20 (AC), 15:30, 18:30 (AC), 19:30 and 22:45 (AC).[1]
Ludhiana to Shimla by Train and Toy Train
The Kalka-Shimla railway has 102 tunnels and is a UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway. Regular trains run between Delhi and Kalka, where passengers change to the Kalka-Shimla line.[2] The 52453 Kalka-Shimla Express leaves Kalka at 06:00 and reaches Shimla at 11:05. The 52455 Himalayan Queen leaves Kalka at 12:10 and arrives at 17:30, so the climb takes a little over 5 hours.[3] Book it for the views rather than for speed.
Ludhiana to Shimla by Private Car
A taxi or driver-hire car is the most direct option from Ludhiana, with no bus change and a stop at a dhaba on the way up. Agree the fare before you set off and tell the driver whether you want to go via Chandigarh.
Tips for Traveling from Ludhiana to Shimla
- Check which Chandigarh bus station you need: Ludhiana buses and Shimla buses use ISBT-43, so you can change without leaving the station.[1]
- Dress in layers: Heavy woollens are needed from November to March, and spring and autumn mornings and evenings are chilly.[2]
- Mind the monsoon: The monsoon months of July to September bring rain and mist to the hills, which can slow the road and hide the views.[2]
- Motion sickness: The road climbs in many bends above Kalka. Take a front seat and avoid a heavy meal beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Take a CTU bus from Ludhiana to ISBT-43 in Chandigarh, then a CTU bus from the same station to Shimla. There are 13 Ludhiana departures a day and 8 to Shimla.
The first CTU bus leaves ISBT-43 at 05:00. Air-conditioned buses leave at 06:54, 08:38, 13:20 and 17:12.
Not from Ludhiana itself. Travel to Kalka first, then take the Kalka-Shimla train. The 52453 leaves Kalka at 06:00 and the Himalayan Queen at 12:10.
The last CTU bus leaves ISBT-43 at 17:12 (AC). Plan to reach Chandigarh well before it.
Light woollens in spring and autumn and heavy woollens and jackets from November to March.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Chandigarh Transport Undertaking: Time table of ISBT-17 and 43 Chandigarh, CTU bus services on inter-state routes (amended 22.04.2026). Retrieved November 12, 2026.
- [2] Himachal Pradesh Tourism: Shimla - Himachal Tourism Official Website. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
- [3] Indian Railways (CRIS): Mail/Express/Superfast Train Names with Details. Retrieved November 12, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.