Kasauli is a charming hill station located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its serene environment, colonial architecture, and scenic views. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Kasauli due to its connectivity and facilities.

This route is popular among tourists seeking a quick getaway from the city heat to the cool hills. In this guide, you will learn about the main transport options from Delhi to Kasauli, detailed travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Delhi to Kasauli – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option for reaching nearby towns before heading to Kasauli. However, Kasauli itself does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Kasauli is Kalka, located about 30 km away. Trains from Delhi to Kalka run frequently, covering approximately 270 km in 4 to 5 hours.

• Popular trains include the Shatabdi Express and Himachal Express, offering air-conditioned coaches and reserved seating for comfort during the journey.

• From Kalka station, you can hire taxis or take local buses to Kasauli, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train fares from Delhi to Kalka range between ₹300 and ₹1,200 depending on class and train type, making it an economical choice for many travelers.

• During winter mornings, fog can delay trains on this route, so plan accordingly and check IRCTC updates before booking.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Kasauli from Delhi. Several state-run and private operators run services connecting these points, suitable for travelers seeking convenience.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular Volvo and deluxe buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Kasauli, covering about 300 km in 8 to 10 hours.

• Private bus operators also run services from Delhi to nearby towns like Solan and Dharampur, from where you can take local transport to Kasauli.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹400 to ₹900 depending on the type of bus and time of travel, with night buses available for overnight journeys.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can get crowded, so booking tickets in advance through HRTC online portals or travel agents is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH44 and NH205 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches along the hilly stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kasauli is a popular option for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to enjoy the scenic route at their own pace. The distance is about 300 km via NH44 and NH205.

• The drive usually takes 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic, with toll plazas on NH44 near Karnal and Ambala requiring payment en route.

• Key waypoints include Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, and Solan before ascending to Kasauli via winding hill roads.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi through companies like Zoomcar and Revv, offering vehicles suitable for hill driving with GPS navigation.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available at major towns such as Karnal and Ambala, but options become limited on the hill ascent, so plan accordingly.

• During the monsoon, landslides and roadblocks can occur near Solan and Kasauli, so check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Flight

There is no airport in Kasauli, but the nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, which is well connected to Delhi. This option suits travelers who want to reduce travel time on road.

• Flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Chandigarh take about 1 hour, with multiple daily flights by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Chandigarh Airport, Kasauli is approximately 70 km away and can be reached by taxi or bus in 2 to 3 hours.

• Taxi services from Chandigarh to Kasauli are available at the airport, with fares ranging between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 depending on vehicle type.

• Himachal Road Transport buses also operate from Chandigarh ISBT to Kasauli, offering a cheaper but longer travel option.

• Flight prices vary seasonally but generally range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 one way if booked in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kasauli, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or HRTC websites at least a week in advance to secure your preferred timings and avoid last-minute rush.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Kalka and pre-arrange a taxi or check local bus timings for the onward journey to Kasauli to avoid waiting at the station.

• If driving, plan your route with GPS and check for toll plazas on NH44 and NH205; carry cash for toll payments and keep your vehicle’s documents handy.

• Pack light but include warm clothes as Kasauli’s weather can be cool, especially in the mornings and evenings, even in summer.

• On arrival, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber from Kalka or Chandigarh to reach Kasauli safely and avoid overcharging.

• Check weather forecasts before departure, especially during monsoon and winter, to prepare for possible delays or road closures.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks during the journey, as food options can be limited on hill roads and some bus routes.

• Use official booking platforms like IRCTC for trains and HRTC for buses to avoid scams and fake tickets common in Indian travel.

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

• For local travel in Kasauli, prefer walking or local taxis as the town is small and narrow roads restrict large vehicles.

• During winter months, roads can be foggy and slippery; drive cautiously or choose public transport if unfamiliar with hill driving.

• Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications, as pharmacies in small hill towns may have limited stock.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kasauli depends on your weather preference and tolerance for crowds. Summers offer pleasant weather in the hills, while winters can be cold and foggy.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains that may cause landslides and roadblocks, so it is advisable to avoid traveling during peak monsoon months.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when roads and accommodation in Kasauli get crowded and prices rise.

• Summer months from March to June are ideal for clear weather and comfortable temperatures in Kasauli.

• Winter months from December to February can be chilly with fog, causing train and road delays, so plan extra travel time.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Kasauli by afternoon, allowing daylight travel on hill roads.

Arrival at Kasauli & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kasauli, you will find a small, peaceful town with narrow roads and colonial charm. The main entry points are the bus stand and taxi drop-off areas near the Mall Road.

Local transport options include shared taxis and auto-rickshaws, but many visitors prefer to walk as most attractions are within walking distance. Accommodation is available near the Mall Road and Lower Bazaar areas, offering easy access to shops and eateries.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited in Kasauli, so it is best to arrange your return transport in advance. Local shops and restaurants offer Himachali cuisine and fresh local produce, making your stay pleasant and authentic.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kasauli from Delhi depends on your priorities. Trains to Kalka combined with taxis offer a balance of comfort and cost, while buses provide direct and economical travel. Self-driving gives flexibility but requires careful planning, especially during monsoon.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and planning your last-mile transport will help ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Kasauli and enjoy the beautiful hill station without stress.