Skip the Crowds: The Quietest (and Easiest) Way to Get to Shimla

We all know Shimla is one of the popular weekend getaways. And for very valid reasons. Shimla boasts of colonial charm, cozy cafes and hills wrapped in mist – it is literally this picturesque spot that everyone dreams of.

But the ride to Shimla? Now that is an experience of its own. Trains are usually packed, flights do not go to Shimla and neither do the cabs which also happen to take a LONG and BUMPY (absolutely not in a fun way) ride.

Let me tell you a travel secret,

Direct buses to Shimla operate from Delhi and are quite the opposite of chaotic. Just you and your playlist in the hills. And trust me you will not have to fight over a seat.

But First, Why Shimla?

If you have not visited, Shimla makes the cut as one of those places that guarantee you a great experience. Old school is the best way to describe the vibe here. You have charming British buildings, winding lanes and roads all wrapped with pineapple scent.

And if you are planning to visit for the first or fifth time, you are bound to feel rejuvenated (figuratively and literally) because the town gives fresh air to your lungs.

The catch? The place is visited by way too many people.
This also means tons of pesky tourists during the peak, traffic jams on narrow roads, and ridiculously long waits at every. single. cafe.

And this is when the secret bus ride comes in real handy.

The Route You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Delhi to Shimla may sound like a haul, but this direct overnight bus makes it easy. You don’t need to worry about excessive stops every 30 minutes. You board the bus in Delhi and wake up in the hills.

• Distance: Around 350 kilometers
• Travel time: 7 to 8 hours (best done overnight!)
• Departure: Evening slots allow for snoozing through the best.
• Arrival: Early morning, just as Shimla begins to wake up.

Best of all, you get to bypass the rush of early morning queues at railway stations and arrive into a peaceful mountain morning, chai included.

The Ride Itself? Honestly Pretty Great

This isn’t one of those vile journeys that you just suffer through to reach your desired destination. It’s actually enjoyable.

As you leave Delhi behind, the landscapes start shifting, fields, forests, and finally, the kind of mountains that make you want to stare out the window gleefully.

There are 1-2 decent breaks stretched out during the drive. You can do a bit of freshening up and get a bite to eat. No mad dashes, just calm roadside vibes and surprisingly great parathas.

Traveling To Shimla: The Complete Guide

What To Expect Aboard?

This comfort-maximized sleeper also comes with:

• Recliner Seating: Nap time will truly be an unbothered affair.
• Wi-Fi: It might not allow for HD movies but works for chit-chat sessions or scheduling your next Insta post.
• Charging Points: With this convenience, phone dying mid-way through the journey is not a possibility.
• Air Conditioning: Never have to turn into a nugget of ice during winter, but will still be nice and toasty.

The Non-Essentials That Are Actually Essentials

Make the most of Shimla with these travel hacks:

• With no phone signal at the top of the mountains, an offline playlist tends to save the day.
• Grab a hoodie. Even summer nights get cool.
• Setting an alarm becomes WORTH IT when you can witness the hills lighting up with the sun.
• Flip flops won’t cut it. Shimla is not a walk in the park.
• Bring a Book: Or jot things down in a journal. Or simply think without limits. Nighttime bus rides are a whole other experience.
• Having a fully charged Power Bank makes sure that all devices, electronics, and other appliances go along with you on your journey.

Arriving in Shimla

Arriving in Shimla is an entirely new experience. The windy roads lead to Shimla, showing off the town while simultaneously making you want to scream. Lovers of fresh air will flock over to Shimla, as it offers cool winds, birds chirping with rhythm, plus the peaceful environment of town flashing with life.

These Are Places You Wouldn’t Want to Miss Out On While Being in Shimla, Shall We?

• Mall Road: Malls are quite overrated, but Mall Road has maintained its popularity for shopping along with its charm. Set out for the stroll in order to grab snacks or a warm cozy drink.
• Jakhoo Temple: You can spend time visiting this tremendous temple. To get there, use the cable car, or use your legs and hike it. There is a major payoff when you get to see the views.
• Lakkar Bazar: Looking to buy Souvenirs? Lakkar Bazar offers a variety including laced wooden toys and hot steaming momos. Bazar is open till late and lets you enjoy the shopping without worrying about the timing.

Just like the locals describe, spend a day in these areas for lakeside strolls along with capturing the surrounding hills and their beauty.

Shimla leaves you with the opportunity to capture all breathtaking viewpoints, while also grabbing a warm drink from a seasonal café.

So… Is This Bus Route Worth It?

Of course. If you are a person who does not want to go through the hassle of multiple-step itineraries, this route is a simple one.

You can enjoy a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling like you are on vacation, which is the kind of service you didn’t know was possible until now.

If you are interested in which operator works best for you, zingbus is a good option; they service this route frequently and their zingbus Plus service meets all standards: tidy buses, punctual schedules, and all the stated onboard amenities.

No excess luxury; only the right kind of considerate travel.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you are looking for a stress-free trip to Shimla, forget about the sophisticated travel diagrams and choose the one that lets you appreciate the journey instead.

Remember, half the excitement of the hills is the journey itself.

Get ready to put on your sweater, grab those earphones, and get to the quiet side of Shimla before everyone wakes up.