Which train to take
Several trains run each day, from basic passenger services to more comfortable ones. The Shivalik Deluxe Express is the most comfortable, with chair cars and a meal, and leaves Kalka very early in the morning. The Himalayan Queen leaves around midday and connects with trains from Delhi. Timetables change, so check the current times on IRCTC or Indian Railways before you plan around them.
| Train | From Kalka | Journey time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shivalik Deluxe Express | Early morning (about 05:20–05:45) | About 4h 40m–5h | Comfort, meal included, morning light |
| Himalayan Queen | Around midday | About 5h 20m | Connecting from a morning Delhi train |
| Other passenger and express trains | Several daily | 5–6 hours | Flexibility, simpler seating |
Booking as a foreign visitor
Tickets go on sale on irctc.co.in. Foreign visitors can register with an international mobile number and email; accounts for non-Indian nationals carry a small registration fee. Once registered, the Foreign Tourist Quota under Services lets you book with your passport number, and has historically opened much further ahead than ordinary tickets.
The toy train sells out in peak months, especially May–June, Indian school holidays and around Christmas and New Year. Book as early as you can, and keep a taxi as your fallback.
Getting to Kalka
Kalka is about 25 km from Chandigarh, so the easiest plan for most visitors is a night in Chandigarh and an early taxi to Kalka for the morning train. From Delhi, some trains run through to Kalka and connect with the Himalayan Queen.
If you're arriving at Chandigarh airport, a pre-booked car can take you straight to Kalka station; tell us your train and we'll time the pickup.
Ride one way, drive the other
A popular plan is to take the train up to Shimla and a taxi back down, or the reverse. The road via Solan takes about 3–4 hours to Chandigarh, so you see the hills twice without spending two full days on the slow line.
If you're travelling with lots of luggage, send it ahead with your taxi driver to your Shimla hotel, and ride the train with a day bag. Shimla station is below the Mall, and some hotels are a steep walk away; porters are available.
- Sit on the valley side for the best views; seats are assigned, so try for a window.
- Short on time? Ride only part of the line, for example to Barog, and continue by car.
- Carry water and snacks on trains without catering; stops are short.
When to go
The line runs all year. Spring and autumn give clear views; the monsoon (July–August) is lush but brings occasional landslide delays; winter can be cold but beautiful, with snow around Shimla in some years.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Kalka–Shimla toy train take?+
About 4½ to 5½ hours for the roughly 96 km, depending on the train. Check current timings on IRCTC.
Can foreigners book the toy train online?+
Yes, on irctc.co.in with an international mobile number. The Foreign Tourist Quota lets you book with your passport details.
How do I get from Chandigarh to Kalka station?+
Kalka is about 25 km away. A pre-booked taxi gets you there for the early-morning train.
Can a taxi carry our luggage to Shimla while we ride the train?+
Yes. Book the car to Shimla, ride the train with day bags, and the driver delivers your luggage to the hotel.
