Hamirpur is a scenic town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to Himachal Pradesh. This route is popular among tourists and locals alike for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Chandigarh to Hamirpur. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Chandigarh to Hamirpur – Main Options

Train

Train travel is limited on this route but can be part of a combined journey. It suits travelers who prefer rail comfort for part of the trip and don’t mind switching to road transport later.

• There is no direct train from Chandigarh to Hamirpur; you can take a train from Chandigarh Railway Station to Una Himachal Railway Station, which is the nearest major railhead to Hamirpur, about 45 km away.

• Trains from Chandigarh to Una take approximately 3 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on class.

• Una Railway Station is well connected by local buses and taxis to Hamirpur, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by road.

• Train frequency is moderate; booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during holidays and weekends.

• Monsoon season can cause delays on the rail route due to landslides in the hills, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Hamirpur from Chandigarh. Both government and private operators run frequent services, making it convenient for most travelers.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular buses from Chandigarh ISBT to Hamirpur Bus Stand, covering about 125 km in 4 to 5 hours.

• Bus fares typically range between ₹150 and ₹300, depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo).

• Buses depart frequently throughout the day, but early morning and late evening services are less crowded and more comfortable.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can get crowded; booking tickets online or at the depot a day in advance is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH205 and NH3 are generally good, but monsoon rains may cause occasional delays due to slippery roads and minor landslides.

• There are several rest stops along the route offering snacks and tea, including popular dhabas near Kiratpur and Una.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Hamirpur is a flexible and scenic option. It suits travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace and enjoy the hill views en route.

• The distance by road is approximately 125 km via NH205 and NH3, taking about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through Kiratpur Sahib and Una, with well-maintained highways and toll plazas; toll charges may apply at multiple points.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Chandigarh from companies like Zoomcar and local providers, with daily rates starting around ₹2000.

• Driving in the hills requires caution, especially during monsoon months when roads can be slippery and visibility low.

• There are several fuel stations and eateries along the way, including popular stops near Una and Hamirpur outskirts.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia helps avoid last-mile confusion in hilly areas and find alternate routes if needed.

Flight

There are no direct flights between Chandigarh and Hamirpur, as Hamirpur does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Gaggal (Kangra), which is about 70 km from Hamirpur.

• From Chandigarh Airport, you can take a flight to Gaggal Airport, which takes about 45 minutes, but flights are limited and may not operate daily.

• From Gaggal Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Hamirpur, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by road.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season, typically ranging from ₹2000 to ₹5000 one way.

• Booking flights well in advance is essential due to limited availability and fluctuating schedules.

• This option is suitable for travelers prioritizing speed and comfort but willing to combine air and road travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chandigarh to Hamirpur, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. For most, bus or car is best for direct travel.

• Step 2: Book your tickets in advance. Use IRCTC for trains, HRTC online portal for buses, or car rental apps like Zoomcar for self-drive options to ensure availability.

• Step 3: Pack light but prepare for hill weather. Carry water, snacks, and a light jacket as temperatures can vary, especially in early mornings and evenings.

• Step 4: Reach the departure point early. Chandigarh ISBT or railway station can be crowded; arriving 30 minutes before departure helps avoid last-minute stress.

• Step 5: On arrival at Una or Hamirpur, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for local travel, as auto-rickshaws may overcharge tourists.

• Step 6: Keep local emergency numbers and maps handy. Mobile network coverage can be patchy in hills, so offline maps and contacts are useful.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling after dark on hill roads due to narrow and winding paths; always check weather forecasts before starting your journey.

• Food and Water: Carry bottled water and snacks from Chandigarh, as roadside dhabas may not always maintain hygiene standards.

• Booking Strategy: For buses and trains, book tickets at least 2-3 days in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Local Transport: Use prepaid taxi counters at Una and Hamirpur stations to avoid bargaining and ensure fair pricing for last-mile connectivity.

• Luggage: Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly, especially in crowded bus stands and railway stations.

• Seasonal Warnings: During monsoon (July to September), landslides can cause delays; check local news and road conditions before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Chandigarh to Hamirpur is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold but offer clear skies, while monsoons bring heavy rain and possible travel disruptions.

Planning your trip outside major festivals and holidays helps avoid crowded transport and inflated fares. Early morning departures usually provide smoother journeys with less traffic.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Dussehra when roads and buses are crowded and accommodation prices rise.

• Monsoon season often causes slippery roads and occasional landslides, so extra caution and flexible schedules are necessary.

• Winter mornings can have fog on highways, reducing visibility; mid-morning departures are safer during this time.

• Summer months (April to June) see increased tourist traffic; booking transport and stays well in advance is recommended.

Arrival at Hamirpur & What to Expect

Hamirpur Bus Stand and local taxi stands are well-organized with prepaid counters to help you avoid overcharging. The town is compact, and local transport options include shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cabs.

Popular areas to stay include the town center near the bus stand and market areas, which offer budget hotels and guesthouses. Ola and Uber services may be limited, so relying on local taxis or hotel-arranged transport is common.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Hamirpur from Chandigarh is by bus or self-drive car, depending on your comfort and schedule. Buses offer affordability and frequency, while driving provides flexibility and scenic views. Train travel requires a combination with road transport and is less direct.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hill travel will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. With these practical tips and detailed options, you can confidently plan your trip from Chandigarh to Hamirpur and enjoy the beautiful Himachal landscapes.