Hi there, welcome to the forum!
I would like to know how to reach Shimla from Amritsar?
Here are your transportation options from Amritsar to Shimla:
1. By Bus - There are no direct buses from Amritsar to Shimla. You need to first ride a bus from Amritsar to Chandigarh. There are two types of buses that you can board: Punjab Roadways Buses and Private Buses. Here are the timings for the Punjab Roadways Buses:
- Volvo AC Seater - Departs from Amritsar at 4:00 am and 7:20 am. Arrives in Chandigarh at 9:00 am and 12:50 pm respectively. Fare is at Rs. 529 per passenger.
- Mercedes AC Seater - Departs from Amritsar at 11:00 am and 5:20 pm. Arrives in Chandigarh at 4:00 pm and 10:50 pm respectively. Fare is at Rs. 529 per passenger.
These buses depart from the ISBT Counter No. 7 in Amritsar.
For the private buses, here are their timings:
- Libra Bus Service (Mercedes AC Seater) - Departs from the Hall Gate in Amritsar at 5:45 am and 2:45 pm. Arrives in Chandigarh at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm respectively. Fare is at Rs. 517 per passenger.
- Guardian Travels (Mercedes AC Semi-Sleeper) - Departs from the Hall Gate in Amritsar at 5:50 am and 3:00 pm. Arrives in Chandigarh at 9:40 am and 6:40 pm respectively. Fare is at Rs. 517 per passenger.
- Maharaja Travels (Mercedes AC Semi-Sleeper) - Departs from the Hall Gate in Amritsar at 5:45 am and 1:45 pm. Arrives in Chandigarh at 9:30 am and 6:15 pm respectively. Fare is at Rs. 517 per passenger.
From Chandigarh, you can then ride another bus to reach Shimla. HRTC Buses ply this route, here are their timings:
- HRTC Ordinary Express Bus - Departs at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm from Chandigarh. Fare is at Rs. 172 per passenger.
2. By Train - There are also no direct trains from Amritsar to Shimla. You can opt to ride a train from Amritsar to Chandigarh first. Here are their timings:
- Amritsar Chandigarh Duronto Express Train No. 12242 - Departs from Amritsar daily at 5:15 and arrives in Chandigarh at 9:10.
- Amritsar Lal Kuan Express Train No. 14616 - Departs from Amritsar on Saturdays at 5:55 and arrives in Chandigarh at 10:20.
- Gondwana Express Train No. 12412 - Departs from Amritsar daily at 17:30 and arrives in Chandigarh at 21:55.
- Amritsar Saharsa Jansadharan Weekly Express Train No. 15532 - Departs from Amritsar on Mondays at 17:50 and arrives in Chandigarh at 22:45.
Fares are the following: AC Chair at Rs. 435 per passenger and 2nd Class at Rs. 120 per passenger.
From Chandigarh, you can ride another train to Kalka:
- Himalayan Queen Train No. 14095 - Departs from Chandigarh daily at 10:33 and arrives in Kalka at 11:10.
- Kalka Shatabdi Train No. 12011 - Departs from Chandigarh daily at 11:13 and arrives in Kalka at 11:45.
- Barmer Kalka Express Train No. 14888 - Departs from Chandigarh daily at 5:20 and arrives in Kalka at 5:55.
Fares are the following: Rs. 45 in Second Seater (2S), Rs. 260 in Chair Car (CC), Rs. 545 in First AC (1A), Rs. 695 in Second AC (2A), Rs. 140 in Sleeper (SL) and Rs. 490 in Third AC (3A) in general quota.
And then, from Kalka, ride another train going to Shimla:
- Kalka Simla Express Train No. 52453 - Departs from Kalka daily at 6:00 and arrives in Shimla at 11:05.
- Shivalik Deluxe Express Train No. 52451 - Departs from Kalka daily at 5:30 and arrives in Shimla at 10:15.
- Himalayan Queen Train No. 52455 - Departs from Kalka daily at 12:10 and arrives in Shimla at 17:20.
Fares are the following: AC Chair at Rs. 295 per passenger and 2nd Class at Rs. 65 per passenger.
3. By Car - You can also take your own vehicle or rent a car to reach Shimla from Amritsar. It's more convenient and you can control the stopovers along the way. The routes you can take are:
- Route No. 1 via Grand Trunk Road - Amritsar > Jalandhar > Phagwara > Balachaur > Rupnagar > Pinjore > Shimla.
This route is about 336 kms long. It can take you 7 to 8 hours to cover this distance. It also has tolls and the roads are well-maintained. You need to leave early though to avoid the traffic along Jalandhar.
- Route No. 2 via SH18 - Amritsar > Jalandhar > Phagwara > Balachaur > Rupnagar > Nalagarh > Arki > Shimla.
This route is shorter at 307 kms. It can take you 7 hours or less to cover this distance. This has tolls as well just like the first route.
What mode of transport would be the best way to travel?
The best mode of public transport would be by train. The views along the way are scenic as well and if you choose a higher class, you can have a comfortable ride. It's the cheapest option as well especially if you choose the lower classes. The ride won't be as bumpy as compared to a bus.
A rough estimate of the cost for traveling from Amritsar to Shimla?
Here are the estimated costs for both train and bus travel:
- Bus - Estimated fare of Rs. 1,300 for one-way ride.
- Train - Estimated fare of Rs. 1,500 for one-way ride.
I am also considering taking my uncles car and driving there, is that a good idea?
Yes, if you can drive well, then it's the best option. I have given you the possible routes above. With your own car, you can control the stopovers and if you'd like to take pictures along the way, it is okay as well. You won't be bothered by delays as well nor changing of buses or trains this way.
I hope this helps!
