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

By train: approximately 45 hrs 58 min.

Shimla to Varkala: 2488 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Shimla to Varkala?

The aerial distance from Shimla to Varkala is approximately 2,488 km (1,546 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 2,988 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 45 hrs 58 min. Buses take about 59 hrs 46 min and are the most affordable.

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

Varkala

Kerala

2,488 km

aerial distance (straight line)

1,546 miles · Road distance: ~2,988 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

2,988 km

Road distance

38 hrs 32 min

Drive time

2,488 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Shimla to Varkala

✈

By Flight

4 hrs 4 min

Fly to Trivandrum (TRV), nearest to Varkala

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

45 hrs 58 min

2,988 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

38 hrs 32 min

2,988 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

2,488 km (1,546 mi)

Road distance

~2,988 km

Recommended

Train (45 hrs 58 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Shimla to Varkala distance overview

The straight-line distance from Shimla to Varkala is approximately 2,488 km (1,546 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 2,988 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Kerala.

2,488 kmAerial distance

~2,988 kmBy road

45 hrs 58 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Varkala by air

No direct airport

Varkala does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (TRV). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Shimla to Varkala

45 hrs 58 min ~2,988 km Multiple daily trains

The train journey from Shimla to Varkala is a long one at approximately 45 hrs 58 min. Consider flying if time is a factor. If you enjoy train travel, book AC 2-Tier or AC First Class for comfort on this extended journey.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

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

💡 Travel tips for Shimla to Varkala

📅

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 Varkala

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Varkala Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Varkala

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 Varkala? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Shimla to Varkala is approximately 2,488 km (1,546 miles).

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 45 hrs 58 min. Varkala doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Trivandrum (TRV).

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

The train from Shimla to Varkala takes approximately 45 hrs 58 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Shimla to Varkala travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Shimla

Shimla to Varkala Distance & How to Reach