Kalka to Shimla Train Route

The Kalka to Shimla route is a narrow-gauge railway line on the Indian Railways network that connects Shimla. Kalka Shimla Express travels from Kalka to Shimla. There is some station in between Kalka to Shimla that is Taksal, Gumman, Koti, Sonwara, Dharmpur Hmchl, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Salogra, kandaghat, kanoh, Kathlighat, Shoghi, Taradevi, Jutogh, Summerhill, and Shimla. Kalka is the starting station for all train Kalka Shimla. There are 5 trains from Kalka  to Shimla (SML) and 5 trains from Shimla to Kalka (KLK).

Himalayan Queen

Himalayan Queen is a general train that departs Kalka at 12:10 pm and is scheduled to reach Shimla at 17:20 pm Train number is 52455. This train has many stops in between stations that are Dharmpur Hmchl, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, kandaghat, Taradevi, Jutogh, Summerhill, and Shimla. Departure time from Shimla at 10:40 am and is scheduled to reach Kalka 16:10 pm train Number is 52456.

KLK SML Passenger

KLK SML Passenger (52457) departs from Kalka Railway Stationat 03:30 am and reaches Shimla at 08:55 Total stations that train Kalka Shimla Passenger passes are 18 that are Kalka, Taksal, Gumman, Koti, Sonwara, Dharmpur Hmchl, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat, Kanoh, Kathleeghat, Shoghi, Taradevi, Jutogh, Summer Hill, Shimla. Kalka is the station from were Train Kalka Shimla Passenger starts. Departure time from Shimla at 14:20 pm and is scheduled to reach Kalka 20:10 pm train Number is 52458.

SML KLK Special

SML KLK Special is a general train that departs Kalka at 05:10 am and is scheduled to reach Shimla at 09:50 am Train number is 52459. This train has only 2 stoppages (Kalka and Shimla). Departure time from Shimla at 17:25 pm and is scheduled to reach Kalka 22:05 pm train Number is 52460.

Shivalik Deluxe

The best train to travel by this route is the Shivalik Deluxe Express, which starts in the early morning at 5.30 am from Kalka and is scheduled to reach Shimla at 10:35 am Train number is 52451.It stopped at barog where food packets were loaded to the train. Departure time from Shimla at 17:50 pm and is scheduled to reach Kalka 22:45 pm train Number is 52452.

Shimla Kalka express

Shimla Kalka express is a general train that departs Kalka at 06:20 am and is scheduled to reach Shimla at 11:35 am Train number is 52453. This train has many stops in between stations that are Dharmpur Hmchl, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, kandaghat, Taradevi, Jutogh, Summerhill, and Shimla. Departure time from Shimla at 18:30 pm and is scheduled to reach Kalka 23:30 pm train Number is 52454.

 Kalka to Shimla train timings / timetable

Shimla to Kalka train timings / timetable

Please not that the Kalka Shimla toy train bookings open only one month in advance (except ShivalikDeluxe train, it will open three months before from travel date), not like other trains which open two months in advance.

FAQ

Qus:- On the trip up to Shimla is there a preferred side to sit for best views?

Any side is perfectly all right as whole of the route is so much beautiful.

Qus:- Can’t we board kalka shimla toy train from solan?

You can board the train from any stop but on some stations the stopover time is very less. So make sure you are there on time and are able to board quickly.

Qus:- What time does the toy train to Kalka close down?

The last Toy Train to Kalka arrives at Kalka at 4 in the evening.

How to book online tickets for Shimla Toy Train 

Kalka to Shimla through toy train offers a grand view of pine covered hill tops, flora and fauna, and the typical picture which makes the hills, queen of hills. Toy train is the best mode of transport to explore the treasuries of great Himalayas. Toy train has now come under the world heritage list of UNESCO and stands at fourth rank.

Time taken by tiny toy train to reach Shimla is around 5-6 hours. The Kalka Shimla route is 96 km long, including 103 tunnels except for one which no longer exists. The Kalka Shimla train track is a narrow gauge.  Every tunnel has its own story. The longest tunnel of Barog will take around 3 minutes to reach the other end.

Follow these simple steps for Toy Train booking

Step 1: Go to the IRCTC website.

Step 2: Register yourself on the website.

Step 3: Click on the link ‘plan my travel’.

Step 4: The source station to select is Kalka (KLK) and destination station is Simla (SML)

Step 5: Fill in other details like the travel date, type of ticket you want.

Step 6: After you have examined the availability of the desired coach and train, click on’Book Ticket’.

Step 7: The ticket reservation page will appear where you will have to check if the train details are the same as you opted for. Then feed in details like number of passengers, age, gender and seat preferences. *Senior Citizens can avail 30% discount on the base fare.

Step 8: After filled all the details, click on the ‘Make Payment’ option.

Step 9: After you make the payment, you will receive an SMS and/or an email with all the ticket details which you will have to take a print out of (provided you’ve opted for e-ticket option)

Step 10: There are two options for the ticket, i-ticket which will be delivered to an address you submit and e-ticket of which you’ll have to take a print out.

Kalka to Shimla train timings / timetable

Shimla to Kalka train timings / timetable

Please not that the Kalka Shimla toy train bookings open only one month in advance (except Shivalik Deluxe train, it will open three months before from travel date), not like other trains which open two months in advance. Bookings have to be done in advance especially in summer and winter, as large numbers of tourists are pouring in. During Dussehra holidays, Christmas Eve and New Year, there is so much rush, it’s better to book your ticket early. The service is available seven days a week. Toy train advance bookings can be done online through a number of websites. IRCTC, a government undertaking of the Indian Railways is the nodal agency for all online ticket bookings of  Kalka Shimla trains. Tickets can also be booked from affiliate websites of IRCTC. The following are some of the links:

cleartrip.com | IRCTC Online Passenger Reservation System | yatra.com | Makemytrip.com

The Shimla Kalka toy train bookings can also be done anywhere in India at Indian railways online ticket counters. Since the journey through the toy train takes more time so you can enjoy sightseeing of Himalayan hills. The train will pass through lush green landscapes, dense pine and deodar forests which will surely make you wordless.

FAQ

Qus:-Which toy train to be preferred in order to enjoy fully?

You better plan a journey for Shivalik Dlx or Rail Motor Car. Both have First Class service, cushioned seats and better viewing wide window glasses.

Qus:- How can i book vistadom coach from kalka to shimla?

You can only book tickets one month in advance on line and booking can be done on IRCTC.

Qus:-Is there any rule, that shivalik dlx have to wait, until howrah-kalka mail reach to kalka station?

Qus:-Does the Shimla railway operate in December & January ?

Yes its opened all year and the experience is worthwhile during these times because of snowfall.

Train from Ambala to Shimla

Shimla is situated at a height of 2000 meters, a perfect destination for travelers but there is no direct train from Ambala to Shimla. While travelling from Ambala to Shimla through train one has to travel first to Kalka and from there to Shimla. The train from Ambala to Kalka is a broad gauge train but from Kalka to Shimla its narrow gauge and toy trains run over this track. Depending upon your budget and affordability you can choose ordinary or luxury trains. Do check about the days of service by different trains.

There are two railway stations in Ambala. Ambala Cantt railway Station and Ambala City Railway Station. Ambala Cantt is the major railway station and connected with Shimla.

Indian Railway website irctc.com will provide complete information regarding the Ambala Shimla train schedules, timings and fares.

If you want to come to Kalka from Ambala by train there are not much options. Travel by bus or taxi is the best option. There is taxi stand at the Ambala railway station itself and one can reach Kalka in less than one hour. Toy trains to Shimla Start from Kalka.
Ambala Kalka Distance is 62 kilometers only and travel time is about 1:30 minutes.

Ambala Kalka train timetable

Kalka Ambala train timetable

The Kalka Shimla toy train runs very slow but if you have time and want to experience the nature, this would be the best mode of transport to Shimla. This train takes around six hours from Kalka to reach Shimla. The best thing about this train is that having so much nature scenes, reasonable fare and it just stops at heart of city.

Kalka to Shimla train timings / timetable

Unlike other long distance trains, these bookings open one month in advance only. While, in peak tourist season, summer and winter and holidays such as Dussehra and special occasions like Christmas Eve and New Year, large number of tourists are visiting Shimla, so hurry and book at earliest.

FAQ

Qus:- When does the first train leave from Kalka to Ambala?

The first train from Kalka to Ambala is at 06:15 AM, which is Kalka Shatabdi (12006) followed by Paschim Express (22926) which leaves at 10:20 AM.

Qus:- When does the first train leave from Kalka to Shimla?

The first train from Kalka to Shimla is Kalka – Shimla Passenger, which originates from the Kalka railway station at 3:30 a.m. on all days of the week.

Qus:- What places does the toy train to Kalka cover?

The Toy Train to Kalka covers stops such as Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Kandaghat and more.

Qus:- Can we take heavy luggage in the toy train?

You can take the luggage as per Indian railways rules.

Qus:- What is Ambala to Shimla train ticket price?

The Kalka Shimla Ticket price varies from train to train and travel class chosen. Kindly visit ITCT website to check the latest train ticket prices

Qus:- What is Ambala to Shimla distance by train?

Ambala to Kalka broad gauge railway distance is  62 kilometers. From Kalka to Shimla toy train distance from Kalka to Shimla is 96 kilometers

Train from Chandigarh to Shimla

Shimla is situated at a height of 2000 meters, a perfect destination for travelers but there is no direct train from Chandigarh to Shimla. While travelling from Chandigarh to Shimla through train one has to travel first to Kalka and from there to Shimla. The train from Chandigarh to Kalka is a broad gauge train but from Kalka to Shimla its narrow gauge and toy trains run over this track. Depending upon your budget and affordability you can choose ordinary or luxury trains. Do check about the days of service by different trains.

Indian Railway website irctc.com will provide complete information regarding the Chandigarh Shimla train schedules, timings and fares.

If you want to come to Kalka from Chandigarh by train there are not much options and there is no connecting train also. Travel by bus or taxi is the best option. There is taxi stand at the Chandigarh railway station itself and one can reach Kalka in less than one hour. Toy trains to Shimla Start from Kalka.
Chandigarh Kalka Distance is 27 kilometers only and travel time is about 30 to 45 minutes.

Kalka Chandigarh train timetable

Chandigarh Kalka Train Timetable

The toy train runs very slow but if you have time and want to experience the nature, this would be the best mode of transport to Shimla. This train takes around six hours from Kalka to reach Shimla. The best thing about this train is that having so much nature scenes, reasonable fare and it just stops at heart of city.

These are the trains from Kalka to Shimla according to the categories.

• Economical class include: – Kalka Shimla rail and Himalayan queen.
• Deluxe category includes: – The Kalka Shimla Special and The Shivalik Deluxe Express.
• Premium includes: – The Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach and The Shivalik Queen Tourist Coach

Kalka to Shimla train timings / timetable

Shimla to Kalka train timings / timetable

Unlike other long distance trains, these bookings open one month in advance only. While, in peak tourist season, summer and winter and holidays such as Dussehra and special occasions like Christmas Eve and New Year, large number of tourists are visiting Shimla, so hurry and book at earliest.

FAQ’s Of Shimla

Qus :- How do I book ticket in toy train? In shimla?

Just like any other train booking in India. Visit IRCTC Next Generation eTicketing System.

Qus :- Which is the best toy train from Kalka to Shimla?

Shivalik Express and Rail Motor are the best toy trains from Kalka to Shimla.

Qus :- Is it safe to travel in train from Chandigarh to Shimla?

Yes it is completely safe to take up this exciting and memorable voyage.

Ques:- Chandigarh to Shimla train ticket price

The Chandigarh Shimla train ticket price varies from train to train. Check IRCTC website for latest ticket prices

Kalka Shimla Holiday Special Train

Kalka-Shimla toy train in Himachal Pradesh is a popular way of reaching Shimla, which is a famous tourist place. Indian Railways has announced holiday special train service between Kalka and Shimla. For passenger convenience during the ongoing holiday season, Northern Railway.

Holiday Special Trains

During Popular Times :- Holiday Specials run during the seasons, from May 1 July 15, September 15 to October 30 and December 15 to January 15.

Holiday Special train in Summer

The Railways have run special holiday trains on the Kalka-Shimla heritage track from May 1 to July 15. The move aims at attracting tourists during vacations. Passengers will also be able to make online reservation of this train and the Railways had also run this vehicle to clear waiting. In view of the demand of passengers, the railway can also regularize this train next year.

Summer holiday special train timing and fare

A seven-coach holiday special train (52443) starts its journey from Kalka at 1:05 pm every day and arrives at Shimla at 6:30 pm. The train (52444) departs from Shimla at 9:40 am and reaches Kalka at 3:30 pm. The train will have seven-coach rail with one coach of first class, three coaches of chair car, two general category and one SLR with fares ranging from Rs 470 for first class and Rs 260 for chair car.

Holiday Special train in Navrate

Before Navratri, railway is going to give gifts to tourists. Ambala Railway Division has decided to run a special train from 27 September to 30 October  on the Kalka-Shimla rail route. The vehicle is being run to clear heavy waiting in trains for the month of October. Special train number 52459/60 will run between Kalka and Shimla. The train will have 6 deluxe coaches with Shivalik Express.

Navrate holiday special train timing and fare

A 6 deluxe coaches holiday special train 52459/60 starts its journey from Kalka at 5:15 am every day and arrives at Shimla in about five hours. This train will leave from Shimla at 5:25 pm.Railways have completed preparations to start operating the train. Passengers will also be able to make online reservation of this train. Currently, 5 trains are running on the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Track. After the start of the special train, the number of trains will increase to 6. Train fare will be same as normal trains.

Holiday Special train in New Year and X-mas

Last year in Dec, 2018 the railways have run special holiday trains on the Kalka-Shimla heritage track from December 15 to January 15. Only 10 per cent tourists come to Shimla by train and the idea behind running two holiday trains is to attract more during Christmas and New Year as the tourist inflow increases during this period due to snowfall. Regarding train timing and fare it will be updated soon as per railways guidelines.