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

By train: approximately 7 hrs 5 min. By road: approximately 5 hrs 21 min.

Shimla to Kotdwar — 199 km Distance

Q: What is the distance from Shimla to Kotdwar?

The aerial distance from Shimla to Kotdwar is approximately 199 km (124 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 390 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 7 hrs 5 min. Buses take about 8 hrs 40 min and are the most affordable.

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

Kotdwar

Uttarakhand

199 km

aerial distance (straight line)

124 miles · Road distance: ~390 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

390 km

Road distance

5 hrs 21 min

Drive time

199 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Shimla to Kotdwar

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: DED

🚆

By Train

7 hrs 5 min

390 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

8 hrs 40 min

390 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

5 hrs 21 min

390 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

199 km (124 mi)

Road distance

~390 km

Recommended

Train (7 hrs 5 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Shimla to Kotdwar distance overview

The straight-line distance from Shimla to Kotdwar is approximately 199 km (124 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 390 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand.

199 kmAerial distance

~390 kmBy road

7 hrs 5 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Kotdwar by air

No direct airport

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

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Shimla to Kotdwar

7 hrs 5 min ~390 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Shimla and Kotdwar with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 7 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 — Shimla to Kotdwar

8 hrs 40 min ~390 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Shimla to Kotdwar route. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 40 min covering ~390 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 Shimla to Kotdwar Buses

🚗 By car — Shimla to Kotdwar

5 hrs 21 min ~390 km

A road trip from Shimla to Kotdwar covers approximately 390 km and takes around 5 hrs 21 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Shimla to Kotdwar

📅

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.

🅞️ Weather in Kotdwar

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 Shimla to Kotdwar? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Shimla to Kotdwar is approximately 199 km (124 miles). The road distance is approximately 390 km, which takes about 5 hrs 21 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 7 hrs 5 min. Buses take about 8 hrs 40 min and are the most affordable. Kotdwar doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is DED.

Are there buses from Shimla to Kotdwar? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Shimla to Kotdwar route. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 40 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 Shimla to Kotdwar? ▼

The train from Shimla to Kotdwar takes approximately 7 hrs 5 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Shimla to Kotdwar travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

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Shimla to Kotdwar — Distance, Route & Travel Guide