Chandigarh to Shimla Drive: 4 Routes Compared
NH-5 vs Kalka-Shimla via Kasauli vs Baddi shortcut — with time, tolls and scenery scores.
Go2Himachal Editorial12 April 20256 min read
The default NH-5 isn't always the fastest. Here's how the four common routes compare.
NH-5 via Parwanoo
115 km, 3.5 hours, ₹200 tolls. Fastest, 4-lane till Parwanoo, then divided highway. Best for first-timers.
Via Kasauli
130 km, 4.5 hours. Adds Kasauli detour. Scenic. Recommended if you have time for lunch at Kasauli.
Baddi-Solan bypass
125 km, 4 hours. Avoids Parwanoo tolls but road quality varies.
Kalka toy-train (rail)
Not driving but worth mentioning — 5 hour heritage narrow-gauge, book 60 days ahead.
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