How to Reach Kufri from Delhi, Chandigarh & Shimla: Complete 2026 Travel Guide

Quick answer: Kufri sits 16 km east of Shimla on National Highway 5, at an altitude of about 2,720 metres (8,900 ft). From Delhi it is roughly 360 km (8–9 hours by road), from Chandigarh about 130 km (4–4.5 hours), and from Shimla just 30–45 minutes by taxi. There is no railway station or airport in Kufri itself — every route goes through Shimla first.

Our team at Kufri Heritage Resort arranges transfers for guests every single day of the year, so this guide reflects what actually works on these roads — including the winter months when snow changes the rules.

Route 1: Delhi to Kufri (360 km)

By Road (Most Popular)

Take NH44 to Chandigarh (245 km, flat expressway), then NH5 through Kalka, Solan and Shimla into Kufri. Total driving time is 8–9 hours with two breaks.

• Self-drive: Leave Delhi by 5 AM to clear Gurugram before rush and reach Kufri by mid-afternoon. Fuel plus tolls run around ₹4,500–5,500 one way.
• HRTC Volvo bus: ₹900–1,500 per seat from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Shimla (overnight services are ideal). From Shimla bus stand, a local taxi to Kufri costs ₹800–1,200.
• Private taxi: ₹8,000–12,000 one way depending on vehicle. Worth it for families with luggage.
• Bundled option: A Delhi to Shimla tour package that includes transfers and stay often works out cheaper than booking the pieces separately.

By Train (Most Scenic)

Take the Kalka Shatabdi from New Delhi (4 hours), then the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla toy train (5–6 hours through 102 tunnels). It is slow but unforgettable — book the toy train 2–3 weeks ahead in peak season. From Shimla railway station, Kufri is a 45-minute taxi ride.

By Air

Shimla Airport (Jubbarhati) is about 38 km from Kufri, but flights are limited and weather-dependent. Chandigarh Airport is the reliable option — well connected to every metro, with prepaid taxis to Kufri available at the terminal (₹4,000–5,500, 4.5 hours).

Route 2: Chandigarh to Kufri (130 km)

This is the leg most travellers worry about, because NH5 climbs from 350 m to 2,700 m altitude. The road is excellent but winding — anyone prone to motion sickness should sit in front and take it slow. Plan 4–4.5 hours with a stop at Solan or Barog. We've covered timings, halts and taxi fares in detail in our Chandigarh to Shimla distance guide.

Route 3: Shimla to Kufri (16 km)

The final stretch takes 30–45 minutes. Local taxis charge ₹800–1,200; HRTC buses toward Rampur/Narkanda stop at Kufri for under ₹50. In December–February, check conditions before driving yourself — after fresh snowfall the last 3–4 km can require chains, and our team advises guests on same-day road status. See what the season looks like month by month in our Kufri weather guide.

Winter Travel: What Changes (December–February)

• Roads are cleared quickly after snowfall, but allow 1–2 extra hours of buffer.
• Book a hotel that confirms vehicle access to the property in snow — some Kufri lodges require a 10–15 minute uphill walk that becomes difficult with luggage and ice. (Kufri Heritage Resort has direct road access year-round.)
• Carry the right layers — our what to pack for Kufri checklist covers every season.
• Planning a snow trip specifically? Read when and where to find snow in Kufri.

Cost Comparison at a Glance

Mode (from Delhi)	Cost per person	Time	Best for
HRTC Volvo + local taxi	₹1,300–2,100	10–11 hrs	Budget travellers
Shatabdi + toy train + taxi	₹1,800–3,000	11–12 hrs	Experience seekers
Self-drive	₹4,500–5,500 (car)	8–9 hrs	Families, flexibility
Flight to Chandigarh + taxi	₹6,000–10,000	6–7 hrs	Short trips, comfort

Once You Arrive: Plan Your Days

Kufri rewards 2–3 nights. Use our ready-made Kufri itinerary to cover Kufri Fun World, Mahasu Peak, horse trails and nearby Fagu, and browse the full list of things to do in Kufri. If you're weighing a longer Himachal circuit, our guide to places to visit near Shimla maps every worthwhile detour.

Timing Your Journey Right

Whichever route you choose, the clock matters as much as the road:

• Leave Chandigarh before 2 PM. The NH5 climb takes twice as long in darkness, and Shimla's evening traffic between Shoghi and Dhalli adds 45–60 minutes after 5 PM on weekends.
• May–June weekends: The Kalka–Shimla stretch jams near Parwanoo on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Travel Tuesday–Thursday if your dates are flexible — hotel rates are lower too.
• Monsoon (July–August): Allow a full extra hour for the hill section and check the HP traffic police updates for landslide clearances before starting. Mornings are more reliable than afternoons.
• December–February: Aim to complete the Shimla–Kufri leg before 4 PM. Snowmelt refreezes after sunset, and even cleared roads develop slick patches near Green Valley.

If you're building a multi-stop trip, sequence matters: do Chandigarh sightseeing on the way up, not the way down — descending NH5 with tired kids and full luggage is when families regret over-packing the last day. Our Kufri itinerary guide shows a proven 3-day sequence that most of our guests follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Delhi–Kufri road safe for first-time hill drivers?

Yes — NH5 is a well-maintained double-lane highway. Drive in daylight, use low gear on descents, and avoid the stretch after 8 PM in winter when black ice can form.

Can I reach Kufri without going through Shimla?

Practically, no. All road, rail and air routes funnel through Shimla or its bypass. The bypass via Dhalli tunnel saves 20–30 minutes in tourist season.

Do app cabs (Ola/Uber) work for Shimla to Kufri?

Coverage is unreliable beyond Shimla city. Use the local taxi stand rates (₹800–1,200) or ask your resort to arrange a pickup — we do this daily for guests.