How long does it take to travel from Leh Ladakh to Shimla?

By train: approximately 12 hrs 5 min. By road: approximately 10 hrs 2 min.

Leh Ladakh to Shimla: 343 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Leh Ladakh to Shimla?

The aerial distance from Leh Ladakh to Shimla is approximately 343 km (213 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 665 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 12 hrs 5 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 47 min and are the most affordable.

Leh Ladakh

Ladakh

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

343 km

aerial distance (straight line)

213 miles · Road distance: ~665 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

665 km

Road distance

10 hrs 2 min

Drive time

343 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Leh Ladakh to Shimla

🚆

By Train

12 hrs 5 min

665 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

14 hrs 47 min

665 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

10 hrs 2 min

665 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

343 km (213 mi)

Road distance

~665 km

Recommended

Train (12 hrs 5 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Leh Ladakh to Shimla distance overview

The straight-line distance from Leh Ladakh to Shimla is approximately 343 km (213 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 665 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh.

343 kmAerial distance

~665 kmBy road

12 hrs 5 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 — Leh Ladakh to Shimla

12 hrs 5 min ~665 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Leh Ladakh and Shimla with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 12 hrs 5 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 — Leh Ladakh to Shimla

14 hrs 47 min ~665 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Leh Ladakh to Shimla route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 47 min covering ~665 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 Leh Ladakh to Shimla Buses

🚗 By car — Leh Ladakh to Shimla

10 hrs 2 min ~665 km

A road trip from Leh Ladakh to Shimla covers approximately 665 km and takes around 10 hrs 2 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Leh Ladakh 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.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 10 hrs 2 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

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 Leh Ladakh to Shimla? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Leh Ladakh to Shimla is approximately 343 km (213 miles). The road distance is approximately 665 km, which takes about 10 hrs 2 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Leh Ladakh to Shimla? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 12 hrs 5 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 47 min and are the most affordable. Shimla doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is IXC.

Are there buses from Leh Ladakh to Shimla? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Leh Ladakh to Shimla route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 47 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 Leh Ladakh to Shimla? ▼

The train from Leh Ladakh to Shimla takes approximately 12 hrs 5 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Leh Ladakh to Shimla travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh to Shimla Distance & How to Reach