Shimla Varanasi
straighten 1110 km
schedule 13h 25m
flight ~2h 00m
flight_takeoff Flight Available

Shimla to Varanasi: 1110 km Road Guide 13h 25m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026

📅
Share on WhatsApp

Planning a trip from Shimla to Varanasi? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 1110km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.

straighten Distance
1110 km
Total Distance
directions_car By Car
13h 25m
Drive Time
₹10,601
₹2,650/person (4 pax)
flight By Air
~2h 00m
Flight Time
train By Train
~13–18h
Est. Time
₹635 – ₹2,308
Min – Max
directions_bus By Bus
~19–26h
Est. Time
₹2,065 – ₹7,526
Min – Max
info

All prices are estimates. Train: Check IRCTC. Bus: Prices vary 25-50%, check redBus (not recommended >2,500km). Flight: Check airlines for current rates. Drive: Costs assume 4 travelers; fuel/tolls may vary.

info
Train availability: Prices shown are estimates based on distance. Please check IRCTC or train booking platforms for actual availability, routes, and current ticket prices as they vary by class, train type, and booking time.

analytics Travel Comparison: Shimla to Varanasi

Mode Duration Estimated Cost
directions_car Private Car 13h 25m ₹10,601 Fuel & Tolls
flight Flight ~2h 00m ₹3,885 - ₹7,770
train Train 12h – 16h ₹635 – ₹2,308
bus Bus 12h – 16h ₹2,065 – ₹7,526
📋
Your Trip Checklist
Tap to check off as you plan
📧 Get this + packing tips by email:

How to Reach Varanasi from Shimla: Car, Train, Bus & Flight Options

Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.

directions_car

Drive Shimla to Varanasi (1110 km, 13h 25m)

Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips

13h 25m
Duration
1110 km
Distance
₹10,601
Fuel + Tolls
flight

Fly Shimla to Varanasi (~2h 00m flight)

Speed, long distances, business travel

~2h 00m
Flight Time
1110 km
Distance
₹3,885 — ₹7,770
Airfare Range

lightbulb Our Recommendation

For this 1110km long-distance journey, consider flying (~2h 00m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.

What to Eat in Shimla Before You Hit the Road

Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:

restaurant

Must-Try Food in Shimla Before Your Drive

  • local_dining
    Chana Madra - Chickpea curry cooked in yogurt and spices (try at local restaurants)
  • local_dining
    Thukpa - Tibetan noodle soup (try at Tibetan restaurants on Mall Road)
  • local_dining
    Momos - Tibetan dumplings (try at street food stalls)
location_on Recommended Restaurant

Indian Coffee House • Mall Road

Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Shimla and Varanasi

These cities sit along your Shimla to Varanasi route corridor and are worth a brief stop:

location_city

Chakrata

schedule ~50 min detour
Stop #1
location_city

Paonta Sahib

schedule ~35 min detour
Stop #2
location_city

Mussoorie

schedule ~40 min detour
Stop #3

Mussoorie, often called the "Queen of Hills," is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, India. It's known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate. The town is a gateway to several other Himalayan destinations and is easily accessible from Dehradun.

attractions Top Attractions

Kempty Falls
schedule 2-3 hours payments Free

Kempty Falls is a popular waterfall located a short drive from Mussoorie. The falls cascade down several tiers, creating a refreshing pool at the bottom. It's a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.

Gun Hill
schedule 1-2 hours payments ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Gun Hill is the second highest point in Mussoorie, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. A cannon was fired from this location at noon during the British Raj to signal the time.

Lal Tibba
schedule 1-2 hours payments Free

Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It's located in Landour, a quieter and more charming part of Mussoorie.

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Momos - try them at Kalsang Friends Corner

location_city

Dehradun

schedule ~10 min detour
Stop #4
location_city

Dhanaulti

schedule ~70 min detour
Stop #5

Things to Do in Varanasi: Attractions & Highlights

Varanasi offers a unique travel experience. For detailed information about local attractions, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips, visit our comprehensive destination guide.

Shimla to Varanasi FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)

What is the distance from Shimla to Varanasi?
The distance from Shimla to Varanasi is 1110 kilometers by road.
How long does it take to drive from Shimla to Varanasi?
It takes approximately 13h 25m to drive from Shimla to Varanasi, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops you make along the way.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Shimla to Varanasi?
The most budget-friendly option is usually by bus or train. Driving costs approximately ₹10,601 for fuel and tolls. Buses are typically the cheapest, while trains offer a good balance of comfort and affordability.
Is there a direct flight from Shimla to Varanasi?
Yes, flights are available from Shimla to Varanasi with a flight time of approximately ~2h 00m. Flight costs typically range from ₹3,885 to ₹7,770 depending on booking time and airline.
What are the best stops between Shimla and Varanasi?
Popular stops along the route include Chakrata, Paonta Sahib, Mussoorie, Dehradun, Dhanaulti. These cities offer interesting attractions, local cuisine, and comfortable rest facilities.
What is the best time to travel from Shimla to Varanasi?
October to March is generally the best time for road trips in India, with pleasant weather and clear skies.

More Road Trips from Shimla: Popular Nearby Routes

Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Shimla:

How to Reach Varanasi from Other Cities

Traveling to Varanasi from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:

🏖️ Planning a Weekend Getaway?

Discover the best weekend trips from Shimla and Varanasi - perfect 2-3 day escapes within 200km!

Explore More of India

Discover comprehensive travel guides, hidden gems, and local insights for cities across India. Plan your perfect journey with our detailed destination guides.

🗺️ Travellers Who Planned This Also Visited

Browse all destinations →
📍 Planning this trip?
Share on WhatsApp