Kufri is a popular hill station located near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities, making it a favorite getaway from Delhi. Traveling from Delhi to Kufri is common for tourists seeking a cool retreat from the city heat.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kufri from Delhi. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. This will help you plan your trip confidently and enjoy a smooth journey.

Getting from Delhi to Kufri – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a comfortable and scenic way to travel from Delhi to the Shimla region, with further travel needed to reach Kufri. It suits travelers who prefer relaxed journeys and want to avoid road traffic.

• The nearest major railway station to Kufri is Shimla Railway Station, connected by the UNESCO heritage Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge train from Kalka. Delhi to Kalka trains run frequently, covering about 270 km in 4-6 hours.

• From Shimla Railway Station, Kufri is approximately 16 km away and can be reached by taxi or local buses, taking around 40-50 minutes depending on traffic and weather.

• Train fares from Delhi to Kalka range from INR 300 to INR 1500 depending on class, while the Kalka-Shimla toy train ticket costs around INR 100-300. Advance booking via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• Trains can be crowded during holidays and weekends, so booking early is crucial. The Kalka-Shimla route may face delays in heavy monsoon due to landslides, so plan accordingly.

• Food options are available at major stations like Delhi and Kalka, but onboard catering is limited on the toy train. Carry snacks and water for the narrow gauge journey.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Kufri from Delhi. They offer frequent services but involve a longer journey and variable comfort levels.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators run Volvo and ordinary buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Shimla, covering about 350 km in 8-10 hours depending on traffic.

• From Shimla bus stand, local buses and shared taxis are available to Kufri, which is 16 km away. The last-mile travel takes around 45 minutes and costs INR 50-150.

• Volvo buses cost between INR 700 and INR 1500, offering better comfort and air conditioning. Ordinary buses are cheaper but less comfortable and more crowded.

• Bus frequency is higher during daytime, with fewer night buses. Booking tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays is advisable to avoid sold-out situations.

• Road conditions on NH44 and NH205 are generally good but can be affected by monsoon landslides or winter snowfall near Kufri, causing delays. Carry warm clothes and check weather updates before travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kufri offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views en route. It is ideal for travelers who prefer private transport and want to explore at their own pace.

• The distance from Delhi to Kufri is approximately 350 km via NH44 and NH205, taking around 8-9 hours depending on traffic and stops. The route passes through Karnal, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Solan.

• Toll plazas are present on NH44 and NH205, with total toll charges around INR 300-500. Fuel stops and restaurants are available along the highway, including popular dhabas for local food.

• Driving in the hills near Kufri requires caution due to narrow roads and sharp turns. It is best to avoid night driving in the mountains for safety reasons.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi with daily rates starting from INR 2000-3000. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber also offer outstation rides but can be expensive for this distance.

• During winter, roads near Kufri may be slippery due to snow and ice. Check weather and road conditions before starting your journey to avoid surprises.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to get close to Kufri, but it requires additional road travel from the nearest airport. This option suits travelers who want to save time and prefer air travel.

• The nearest airport to Kufri is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), about 23 km away. However, Shimla Airport has limited flights, mostly from Delhi, with small aircraft and weather-dependent schedules.

• Alternatively, Chandigarh Airport, about 120 km from Kufri, offers more frequent flights from Delhi and other cities. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kufri, which takes around 4-5 hours.

• Flight fares from Delhi to Shimla range from INR 2000 to INR 5000, depending on the airline and season. Chandigarh flights may be cheaper but add road travel time and cost.

• Weather conditions like fog and winter snow can cause flight delays or cancellations at Shimla Airport, so plan with flexibility and check flight status regularly.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at both airports for onward travel to Kufri. Booking cabs in advance is recommended to avoid waiting times.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kufri. It covers essential actions to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Book your train or bus tickets online well in advance using IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure seats, especially during peak seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• If traveling by train, arrive at Delhi Railway Station or New Delhi Station at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform easily.

• For bus travel, reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate early, as buses board on a first-come, first-served basis. Carry some water and snacks for the long journey.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check live traffic updates. Start early in the morning to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Kufri before dark.

• Upon reaching Shimla by train or bus, book a local taxi or shared cab to Kufri. Confirm the fare before starting the ride to avoid overcharging.

• Carry warm clothes, especially if traveling in winter, and keep your mobile phone charged for navigation and communication during the hill drive.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel in Shimla and Kufri to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your trip to avoid stomach issues common in hill stations due to water quality variations.

• Book your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Carry light luggage and use sturdy bags, as you may need to walk short distances on uneven paths or cobbled streets in Kufri.

• Be cautious during monsoon season (July-September) as landslides and roadblocks can cause delays; check weather forecasts and local news before traveling.

• Try local Himachali food at roadside dhabas and small eateries but avoid street food that may not meet hygiene standards to prevent illness.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kufri depends on the weather and your preferences for sightseeing or adventure activities. Summer and winter seasons attract most tourists.

Monsoon season can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions, while winter brings snow and cold temperatures, ideal for skiing but requiring warm clothing and careful driving.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and New Year when roads and trains are crowded, and prices are higher.

• Summer months (April to June) offer pleasant weather and clear roads, making it the most comfortable time for travel.

• Winter months (December to February) are perfect for snow lovers but expect possible delays due to snowfall and fog, especially early morning and late evening.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid Delhi traffic and reach Kufri before dark, especially during winter when daylight hours are shorter.

Arrival at Kufri & What to Expect

On arrival at Kufri, you will find a small but charming hill station with limited public transport. Most visitors rely on taxis or shared cabs to move around.

Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the main market area. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are less common in Kufri, so negotiate fares carefully with local drivers.

The main entry points are via Shimla or directly by road if you are driving. The roads can be narrow and steep, so allow extra time for travel within Kufri. Local buses run infrequently, so taxis are the preferred option for sightseeing.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Kufri is a rewarding experience with several transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. The train to Kalka followed by the Kalka-Shimla toy train and a taxi to Kufri offers a scenic and comfortable journey, while buses and self-drive cars provide flexibility and cost savings.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hill travel will ensure a smooth trip. With the right approach, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cool climate of Kufri without stress. This guide equips you with all the practical information needed to reach Kufri confidently from Delhi.