Chandigarh to Shimla journey is really beautiful as you can see beautiful mountains. Tourist should have information about this glorious route before travelling.
Chandigarh to Shimla distance is 125 km from Chandigarh International Airport and 115 km from Chandigarh Railways Station by road. Similarly, Shimla distance is 120 km from Chandigarh ISBT sector 43. Total travel time is 3 hours and 20 minutes if you are travelling by own vehicle with one stopover of 10 minutes. The bus can take 4 hours to reach new ISBT at Shimla from sector 43 bus stand. Bus stops for 15 to 20 minutes in between for refreshment.
Earlier Chandigarh Shimla road numbered as national highway 22. Now, this national highway renumbered to national highway number 5. It also is known as Hindustan Tibet road. On the way, you would cross Surajpur, Pinjore Bypass, Timber Trail Parwanoo, Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Chambaghat, Kumarhatti, Kandaghat, Shoghi, Tara Devi and finally you would reach ISBT Shimla. There is one toll barrier at Surajpur. They charge 30 rupees for one way and 45 rupees for a one-day unlimited pass. Secondly, You would have to pay Rs. 40 at Parwanoo barrier for Himachal Pradesh entry tax.
You would reach timber trail 2 km after Himachal entry tax barrier. This really adventurous to experience this Shivalik ropeway. It is the private ropeway of five-star timber trail resort. This 4800 feet ropeway is complimentary for the guests of the resorts. However, tourist can pay and ride it. Tickets start from Rs. 2500 for a couple. Please note government buses do not stop at Timber Trail Resort ropeway. You can stop here if you are travelling by own car or taxi
After travelling further, you would reach Sanwara. It is the place where a maximum of the buses stops for refreshment. Bus stops here for 15 to 20 minutes. You can have Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Food, Fruit Chat etc. Ladies and gents toilets are available at this stopover. You should use these toilets if required because buses do not stop after this station for this much time.
Next main stations are Solan, Kandaghat and Shoghi. You should avoid going inside solan bazar, Use bypass instead. All the buses to Shimla go from bypass only. Next, in 10 km, you are going to reach Kandaghat. After crossing Kandaghat, Shoghi would come. Shimla is 13 km away from Shoghi.