How long does it take to travel from Gangotri to Shimla?

By train: approximately 7 hrs 12 min. By road: approximately 5 hrs 58 min.

Gangotri to Shimla: 169 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Gangotri to Shimla?

The aerial distance from Gangotri to Shimla is approximately 169 km (105 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 396 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Gangotri to Shimla?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 7 hrs 12 min. Buses take about 8 hrs 48 min and are the most affordable.

Gangotri

Uttarakhand

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

169 km

aerial distance (straight line)

105 miles · Road distance: ~396 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

396 km

Road distance

5 hrs 58 min

Drive time

169 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Gangotri to Shimla

✈

By Flight

59 min

Fly from Dehra Dun (DED), nearest to Gangotri

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

7 hrs 12 min

396 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

8 hrs 48 min

396 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

5 hrs 58 min

396 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

169 km (105 mi)

Road distance

~396 km

Recommended

Train (7 hrs 12 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Gangotri to Shimla distance overview

The straight-line distance from Gangotri to Shimla is approximately 169 km (105 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 396 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh.

169 kmAerial distance

~396 kmBy road

7 hrs 12 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Shimla by air

No direct airport

Shimla does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is IXC. Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Gangotri to Shimla

7 hrs 12 min ~396 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Gangotri and Shimla with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 7 hrs 12 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Gangotri to Shimla

8 hrs 48 min ~396 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Gangotri to Shimla route. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 48 min covering ~396 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Gangotri to Shimla Buses

🚗 By car — Gangotri to Shimla

5 hrs 58 min ~396 km

A road trip from Gangotri to Shimla covers approximately 396 km and takes around 5 hrs 58 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Gangotri to Shimla

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

Where to stay in Shimla

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Shimla Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Shimla

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Gangotri to Shimla? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Gangotri to Shimla is approximately 169 km (105 miles). The road distance is approximately 396 km, which takes about 5 hrs 58 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Gangotri to Shimla? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 7 hrs 12 min. Buses take about 8 hrs 48 min and are the most affordable. Shimla doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is IXC.

Are there buses from Gangotri to Shimla? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Gangotri to Shimla route. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 48 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Gangotri to Shimla? ▼

The train from Gangotri to Shimla takes approximately 7 hrs 12 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Gangotri to Shimla travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Gangotri to Shimla route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Gangotri

Gangotri to Shimla Distance & How to Reach