Chandigarh is a well-planned city in northern India known as the gateway to the hills, while Kufri is a popular hill station near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. This route is frequently traveled by tourists seeking a quick escape to the mountains from the plains.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options from Chandigarh to Kufri, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also get a detailed travel plan, practical tips, and advice on arrival to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Chandigarh to Kufri – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a scenic and comfortable option for travelers who want to enjoy the journey through the hills. However, there is no direct train to Kufri, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• Board a train from Chandigarh Railway Station to Kalka, which is about 45 km away; trains run frequently and take around 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹200 depending on class.

• From Kalka, take the famous Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge toy train, which offers a scenic ride of about 2.5 to 3 hours covering 96 km; ticket prices range from ₹100 to ₹400.

• Get down at Shimla Railway Station, which is the closest railhead to Kufri; from here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kufri, about 16 km away.

• The train journey is best avoided during heavy monsoon months (July-August) due to occasional landslides and delays; book tickets early via IRCTC especially during peak tourist seasons.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Kufri from Chandigarh, with several government and private operators running services daily. This option suits budget travelers and those who prefer direct road travel.

• Board a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus from Chandigarh ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) to Shimla; buses run every 30 minutes to 1 hour and take around 4 to 5 hours covering approximately 115 km.

• From Shimla bus stand, take a local bus or shared taxi to Kufri, which is about 16 km uphill; buses are frequent but can get crowded during weekends and holidays.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort and cost between ₹300 to ₹600; these buses have fewer stops and better seating but book tickets in advance during peak seasons.

• Road conditions on NH5 and NH205 are generally good but can be affected by fog and rain in winter and monsoon; expect slower travel times during these periods.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Kufri is a flexible and comfortable choice, ideal for families or groups who want to explore at their own pace. The route is scenic and well-connected by national highways.

• The distance from Chandigarh to Kufri is about 120 km via NH205 and NH5, with a typical driving time of 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

• Start from Chandigarh and take NH205 towards Kharar, then continue on NH5 passing through towns like Solan and Shimla before reaching Kufri; toll plazas are present on NH5, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Fuel stations and roadside dhabas are available along the way, with popular stops near Solan for refreshments and rest; monsoon season may cause occasional landslides, so check weather updates before departure.

• Parking in Kufri is limited during peak tourist seasons; it is advisable to park at designated areas and use local taxis or walk to your accommodation.

Flight

While there is no direct airport in Kufri, flying to the nearest airport followed by road travel is an option for those who prefer air travel. This is suitable for travelers coming from distant cities or with limited time.

• The nearest airport to Kufri is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), about 25 km away; it has limited flights mainly from Delhi and Chandigarh, with flight time around 30 to 40 minutes.

• From Shimla Airport, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kufri; taxis are available outside the airport and cost around ₹800 to ₹1200 for the 25 km journey.

• Flight schedules can be affected by weather conditions such as fog and strong winds, especially in winter, so plan accordingly and check flight status before booking.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Chandigarh Airport and then use road or rail options described above for the rest of the journey.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chandigarh to Kufri, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

• Book your preferred mode of transport in advance, especially during holidays or weekends, using IRCTC for trains or official HRTC websites for buses to avoid last-minute issues.

• If traveling by train, reach Chandigarh Railway Station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform easily and confirm your coach position using the Indian Railways app.

• For bus travel, arrive early at Chandigarh ISBT to get a good seat, as buses can fill up quickly; carry water and snacks for the 4-5 hour journey.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and carry a physical or digital copy of your driving license and vehicle documents; plan breaks at Solan or other towns for refreshments.

• On arrival at Shimla or Kufri, use prepaid taxis or Ola/Uber cabs for safe local travel; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Carry warm clothes and rain gear as Kufri’s weather can change quickly, especially if traveling during winter or monsoon seasons.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and avoid drinking tap water; buy sealed bottled water from trusted shops to prevent stomach issues common in hill stations.

• Book your train or bus tickets online well in advance during peak seasons like summer vacations and festivals to secure your seat and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Use official taxi stands or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local transport in Shimla and Kufri to ensure safety and fair pricing.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and a raincoat or umbrella, as Kufri’s weather can be cold and rainy even in summer.

• Be cautious while driving or walking on hilly roads, especially during monsoon when landslides and slippery roads are common; check local weather and road conditions before starting.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medication, as medical facilities in Kufri are limited compared to Chandigarh.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Chandigarh to Kufri depends on your weather preference and tolerance for crowds. Summer months offer pleasant weather, while winter brings snow but also cold temperatures.

Monsoon season can cause travel delays due to landslides and slippery roads, so it is advisable to avoid July and August if possible.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and New Year when roads and accommodations are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and occasional snowfall, which may delay road and air travel; plan early morning departures to avoid fog-related slowdowns.

• Summer (March to June) is the peak tourist season with clear roads and pleasant weather, but book transport and hotels well in advance.

• Early morning departures from Chandigarh help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother travel on highways to Kufri.

Arrival at Kufri & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kufri, you will find a small but bustling hill station known for its scenic views and adventure activities. The main entry point is usually via Shimla if you come by train or bus.

Local transport options include shared taxis, private cabs, and local buses that connect Kufri to Shimla and nearby villages. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are available but limited, so plan accordingly.

Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the Kufri bus stand and main market area. It is advisable to book in advance during peak seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kufri from Chandigarh depends on your budget and travel preferences. For comfort and flexibility, driving or hiring a taxi is ideal. For budget travelers, buses offer direct and frequent services. Train travel is scenic but requires combining with road transport.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather forecasts, and preparing for hill travel conditions. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from Chandigarh to the beautiful hill station of Kufri.