Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in North India. This state is connected with major cities and towns of the rest of the country by all the modes of transport. The detailed information about how to reach Himachal Pradesh is mentioned below, which allows tourists to plan their Himachal trip hassle-free. The famous hill stations of Himachal Pradesh are flocked by tourists throughout the year due to the pleasant and calming weather, making the sightseeing tour memorable. The renowned towns of this state are full of mystical, dreamy charm and enveloped in a unique mesmerizing appeal. This state has its airports, railway stations, and interstate bus stands where tourists can arrive. Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by Punjab, Jammu, and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, owing to which it has excellent connectivity from the rest of the country. Hence, presented here is a comprehensive guide on how to reach Himachal Pradesh most conveniently by Air, Road, and Train mediums.
How to Reach By Road
This is the cheapest and most convenient to reach Himachal Pradesh. There are regular buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh, Panipat, Jammu, Amritsar, and other towns for the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation (HPTDC), Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), Haryana Roadways (HR), and J & K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) is the major bus service providers to the Himachal. The roads are tough and reliable. Besides, the bus services are affordable. Tourists can also travel in their car or hire a taxi. The state is connected by national and state highways.
| Cities | Distance | Travel Time |
| Delhi to Shimla | 349 km | 8 hours |
| Delhi to Dharamshala | 471 km | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| Delhi to Dalhousie | 566 km | 11 hours 20 minutes |
| Delhi to Chamba | 582 km | 11 hours 50 minutes |
| Delhi to Manali | 537 km | 12 hours 40 minutes |
| Chandigarh to Shimla | 115 km | 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Chandigarh to Manali | 291 km | 8 hours 30 minutes |
| Pathankot to Dharamshala | 85 km | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Pathankot to Dalhousie | 86 km | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Amritsar to Mcleodganj | 206 km | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Amritsar to Chamba | 219 km | 5 hours 20 minutes |
| Amritsar to Manikaran Sahib | 395 km | 10 hours 10 minutes |
| Ambala to Kasauli | 83 km | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Ambala to Kangra | 255 km | 5 hours 15 minutes |
How to Reach By Train
Being a mountainous area surrounded by lofty hills, there are no major railway tracks anywhere within the state. The best option to reach Himachal is the Kalka Railway Station for tourists opting for railway travel, located approximately 90 kilometers away from Shimla. From here, you either choose to travel by road or ride the famous toy train (A UNESCO World Heritage) into the picturesque hilly regions of this fantastic destination. Another narrow-gauge railway station in Himachal Pradesh is in Jogindernagar, to which Pathankot connects. Tourists can hop on the toy trains and explore the enchanting beauty of the hilly area. Several railway stations are located in the vicinity of the major towns of Himachal and serve as the primary railheads for them.
| Railway Station | Nearest Hill Station with Distance | Travel Time |
| Pathankot Railway Station | Dalhousie (87 km) | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Pathankot Railway Station | Dharamshala (86 km) | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Pathankot Railway Station | Palampur (113 km) | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Chandigarh Railway Station | Shimla (112 km) | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Chandigarh Railway Station | Manali (296 km) | 8 hours 50 minutes |
| Kalka Railway Station | Shimla (86 km) | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Jogindernagar Railway Station | Manali (144 km) | 4 hours 40 minutes |
| Jogindernagar Railway Station | Mandi (54 km) | 1 hour 45 minutes |
How to Reach By Air
There are limited options available to fly into the state. Although being a major tourist destination in India, air connectivity to this state is not as robust and reliable as other stations in the country. Jubbarhatti Airport in Kullu, Bhuntar Airport in Shimla, and Gaggal Airport in Kangra are connected by flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh. Taxis and cabs provide easy connectivity from these airports to within the state. This is the fastest way to reach tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. However, flights getting canceled are higher than in any other state due to harsh weather conditions.
| Airport | Nearest Hill Station | Travel Time |
| Gaggal Airport | Dalhousie (105 km) | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Gaggal Airport | Dharamshala (14 km) | 28 minutes |
| Gaggal Airport | Palampur (38 km) | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Jubbarhatti Airport | Shimla (21 km) | 45 minutes |
| Jubbarhatti Airport | Narkanda (82 km) | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| Bhuntar Airport | Manali (51 km) | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Bhuntar Airport | Kullu (10 km) | 20 minutes |
| Bhuntar Airport | Spiti Valley (231 km) | 6 hours 40 minutes) |
| Pathankot Airport | Dalhousie (91 km) | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Pathankot Airport | Dharamshala (90 km) | 2 hour 20 minutes |
| Pathankot Airport | Palampur (117 km) | 3 hours 10 minutes |
How to Get Around in Himachal Pradesh
There are numerous bus stands in the state from where one can board a government or private bus to travel to the cities, towns, and villages of Himachal Pradesh. The major bus stands in Himachal Pradesh are Chamba, Dharamshala, Manali, Kullu, Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Palampur, Mandi, and Shimla, Rampur Bushahr, Reckong Peo, and Kaza. Tourists can hop on the buses and travel to the remotest corner of the state, including Kinnaur Valley, Tirthan Valley, Lahaul Valley, and Spiti Valley. This is a cost-effective way to get around in Himachal Pradesh. Also, travelers can board a shared jeep, which is easily available everywhere. The facility of hiring a private taxi and renting a bike is also there in the state's major tourist cities, including Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Palampur, and Kaza.
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