Self-Drive Chandigarh to Shimla — Book a Car & Hit the Road

Drive from Chandigarh to Shimla (115 km, 3 hours) in a self-drive car. Starting from ₹1,630 total including car booking, fuel, and tolls. Compare prices from multiple partners on Zymo and book instantly.

Distance
115 km
Drive Time
3 hours
Starting From
₹1,630
Best Season
March to June (summer escape), December to February (snow)
Book a Self-Drive Car from Chandigarh →

Cost Breakdown — Chandigarh to Shimla

Estimated cost for a 1-day self-drive trip (115 km):

Cost ComponentHatchbackSedanSUV
Car Booking (1 day)₹900-1,400₹1,400-2,000₹2,000-3,000
Fuel (₹96/L)₹690₹789₹1,004
Tolls₹40
Total₹1,630-2,130₹2,229-2,829₹3,044-4,044

Self-Drive vs Other Options

Cost comparison for 2 people travelling Chandigarh to Shimla:

ModeCost (2 people)TimeFlexibility
BEST VALUESelf-Drive (Zymo)₹1,6303 hoursFull — stop anywhere, any time
Bus (AC/Volvo)₹6003 hoursNone — fixed schedule
Train (AC)₹500VariesNone — station to station
Cab (Ola/Uber)₹3,2203 hoursModerate — driver dependent
Save ₹1,590 vs booking a cab — and you keep the car for the entire trip.

Toll Breakdown — Chandigarh to Shimla

Total tolls: ₹40. All toll plazas accept FASTag.

1. Parwanoo toll — ₹40

Suggested Itinerary

Stop 1: Parwanoo (35 km, 45 min)
Timber Trail cable car
Stop 2: Shimla (115 km, 3 hrs)
Mall Road, Ridge

What to See — Chandigarh to Shimla

Mall Road, Ridge, Kufri, Jakhu Temple, colonial architecture, snow in winter

Road Condition

NH5 — well-maintained mountain road. Hairpin bends in the Shimla approach. Drive confidently but carefully.

Thinking of buying this car?

Experience it on this road trip first. Book an Extended Test Drive on Zymo — drive the car through your daily routine and this Chandigarh-Shimla trip before making a purchase decision. A 30-minute showroom drive can't tell you what a day of real driving can.

Learn more about Extended Test Drives →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an SUV for Chandigarh to Shimla?

Not necessarily. The road is paved throughout and a sedan handles it fine. An SUV is better in winter (December-February) when roads may have ice or slush near Shimla. In other seasons, any car type works.

How much does it cost to drive from Chandigarh to Shimla?

A day trip from Chandigarh to Shimla costs approximately Rs 1,500-3,200. This includes car booking (Rs 900-3,000/day), fuel (Rs 720-1,050), and toll (Rs 40). The 115 km mountain drive takes about 3 hours.

How many tolls from Chandigarh to Shimla?

There is approximately 1 toll plaza on the Chandigarh to Shimla route, with a combined cost of around ₹40 one-way for cars. Tolls in order: Parwanoo toll (₹40). Toll rates revise periodically; carry a FASTag for cashless payments.

How much toll from Chandigarh to Shimla?

Total toll charges from Chandigarh to Shimla are approximately ₹40 one-way for a private car, spread across 1 toll plaza. With FASTag, payment is automatic. For a round trip, double the toll cost. Rates revise periodically.

How long is the drive from Chandigarh to Shimla?

The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla takes approximately 3 hours for a distance of 115 km. Actual time depends on traffic, weather, and stops. Plan an early start to avoid peak-hour traffic near both cities and to reach before sunset on highway sections.

How far is Shimla from Chandigarh by car?

Shimla is approximately 115 km from Chandigarh by road. The drive takes around 3 hours via the standard route. Distance varies slightly by route choice (highway vs scenic), but 115 km is the typical figure for navigation apps.

Book a Self-Drive Car

Self-drive cars in Chandigarh · Cheap car booking in Chandigarh · Self-Drive Car Guide India · Best Cars for Road Trips · Extended Test Drives

Compare Self-Drive Cars from Chandigarh →

Looking elsewhere? Browse all self-drive car rentals on Zymo across 60+ Indian cities.

Read our self-drive market data 2026 for trends across Indian routes and cities.