Delhi to Shimla by road
The Delhi to Shimla distance by road is about 350 km, roughly 8 hr of driving. Fast highway to the foothills, then the widened Parwanoo–Solan road and the final climb to Shimla. Facts last checked in October 2026.
- Distance
- 350 km
- Drive time
- 8 hr
- Tolls (car, one way)
- See tolls below
- Fuel (petrol car)
- ~₹2,550
The best route: Via NH-44, Zirakpur and Kalka
Highways: NH-44 → NH-152 → NH-5
- Delhi
- Panipat
- Karnal
- Ambala
- Zirakpur
- Pinjore
- Parwanoo
- Solan
- Shimla
Toll plazas from Delhi to Shimla
| Toll plaza (in order) | Car, one way |
|---|---|
| Panipat | Check FASTag app |
| Bastara (Karnal) | Check FASTag app |
| Dappar (Ambala–Zirakpur) | Check FASTag app |
| Chandimandir (Zirakpur–Parwanoo) | Check FASTag app |
| Sanwara (Parwanoo–Solan) | ₹55 |
Sanwara collection was suspended by the High Court in November 2025 until highway repairs are done. Cars registered outside Himachal pay a state entry tax at the border barrier: ₹170 from 1 April 2026 (FASTag being rolled out at the main barriers). NHAI revises toll rates every April; a return trip within 24 hours is usually cheaper than two single journeys.
Delhi to Shimla fuel and toll cost
A petrol sedan uses about ₹2,550 of fuel one way and an SUV about ₹3,570. Change the car, fuel price and group size to see your own cost.
- Fuel
- ₹5,110
- 700 km
- Tolls
- Not known
- check your FASTag app
- Total
- ₹5,110+
- return
- Per person
- ₹2,560+
- 2 sharing
Delhi pump prices, October 2026. Hill roads, AC and traffic use more fuel than highway driving; parking, state entry taxes and local sightseeing drives are extra.
Fuel calculator for other trips.
Where to stop on the way
Murthal dhabas~50 km from Delhi
The famous paratha stop on NH-44; very busy on weekend mornings.
Karnal Haveli~125 km from Delhi
Large themed highway restaurant with parking and toilets.
Dharampur~300 km from Delhi
Hill-road halt between Parwanoo and Solan, known for its roadside dhabas.
Road conditions and tips
- Cars registered outside Himachal pay a state entry tax at the border barrier: ₹170 from 1 April 2026 (FASTag being rolled out at the main barriers).
- Weekend queues at the Parwanoo barrier are common; the High Court has flagged the gridlock.
- Monsoon landslides on NH-5 between Parwanoo and Shimla can close the road; check updates in July–September.
- Dense morning fog on NH-44 through Haryana and Punjab is common in December and January; leave later or keep extra time.
- Leave Delhi by 5:30 am to clear Parwanoo before the weekend rush builds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Delhi to Shimla distance by road?
About 350 km on the recommended route (Via NH-44, Zirakpur and Kalka), which takes roughly 8 hr without long breaks. Shimla to Delhi is the same distance on the same route in reverse.
Which is the best route from Delhi to Shimla?
Via NH-44, Zirakpur and Kalka, via Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, Zirakpur, Pinjore, Parwanoo, Solan. Fast highway to the foothills, then the widened Parwanoo–Solan road and the final climb to Shimla.
When should I leave Delhi for Shimla?
Leave Delhi by 5:30 am to clear Parwanoo before the weekend rush builds.
Can I reach Shimla without a car?
HRTC Volvo buses run overnight from ISBT Kashmere Gate, or take a train to Kalka and the toy train up to Shimla.
Sources: angelone.in, tribuneindia.com, swarajyamag.com, tribuneindia.com. Distances and times are typical; traffic, weather and roadworks change them.