How to Reach

How to Reach

Solan is well-connected by road, rail, and air to major cities in North India. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful hill town:

1. By Air (Fastest Route)

• Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) – 60 km from Solan.
• Flights Available From: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities.
• Major Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara.
• From the Airport to Solan:
  ✔ Hire a private taxi (1.5-hour drive).
  ✔ Take a bus from Chandigarh ISBT (Sector 43) to Solan.

 Tip: Flights to Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti, 45 km away) are limited, so Chandigarh is a better option.

2. By Train (Most Scenic Route)

a) Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (UNESCO Heritage)

• Nearest Major Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station (44 km from Solan).
• Toy Train Route: Kalka → Dharampur → Kandaghat → Solan → Shimla.
• Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours (Slow but scenic ride through tunnels & hills).
• Best For: Travelers who want to enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

b) Express Trains to Kalka

• Kalka is well-connected by trains from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.
• From Kalka, you can take the Toy Train, taxi, or bus to Solan.

 Tip: Book Toy Train tickets early as they sell out fast, especially in peak season.

3. By Road (Most Convenient)

a) Distance & Travel Time

✔ Chandigarh to Solan: 46 km (~1.5 hours).
✔ Delhi to Solan: 300 km (~6 hours).
✔ Shimla to Solan: 48 km (~1.5 hours).
✔ Manali to Solan: 235 km (~7 hours).

b) Bus Services

✔ HRTC & Private Volvo Buses run daily from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate), Chandigarh, and Shimla.
✔ Comfortable overnight Volvo buses are available from Delhi to Solan.
✔ Buses stop at Solan Bus Stand, from where taxis or local transport are available.

c) Self-Drive & Taxi

✔ The Chandigarh–Shimla NH-5 highway offers a smooth and scenic drive.
✔ You can hire a taxi from Chandigarh, Kalka, or Shimla for a direct ride.

 Tip: Avoid night driving in monsoon due to fog and landslides.

Which Option to Choose?

✔ Fastest: Fly to Chandigarh Airport and take a taxi.
✔ Most Scenic: Take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
✔ Most Convenient: Volvo bus or taxi from Delhi/Chandigarh.
✔ Best for Road Trips: Self-drive from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla.

No matter how you travel, the journey to Solan is as beautiful as the destination itself!