Kalka Shimla Toy Train 2025: Timing, Tickets, Route & Booking

Get ready to travel back in time! The Kalka Shimla Toy Train isn’t just a train this is one of India’s most stunning and historic train rides.

The Kalka Shimla Railway was constructed under the British rule in India to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during that time, with the plains. The narrow-gauge track, roughly 96 km long, climbs steep mountains and crosses more than 800 bridges and viaducts. It is so unique it has become one of the 20 best train rides in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as well.

The Kalka Shimla Railway (built as a narrow gauge single track working rail link) was built in the pre-independence period with an altitude of 2211.98 m, to the highland town Simla (7000-8000 ft). 

The Kanoh Bridge, which makes a world record for the highest multi-arch gallery bridge and the Barog Tunnel is one of the best works done by engineering. Its importance has grown in the times of British colonial rule in India (between 1864 and 1936) who established the city as their summer capital, particularly in the days of the Raj, as a retreat from unusually hot summer months.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train History

During the time, when India was under British influence then at that time Shimla (also called as Simla) was announced as the Summer capital of the British Empire. There was no good connectivity for reaching Shimla during those years. Whatever route was available, it was risky, dangerous & used to consume a lot of time.

The Britishers, therefore, decided to build a narrow-gauge train from Kalka To Shimla Town starting in November 1903. The train has run ever since on a daily basis, except for the maintenance breaks in between. 

Lord Curzon had enjoyed that first trip.

In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi had used the toy train to meet Lord Irwin and again in January 1931 he took a ride during his meeting with Lord Willingdon.

Lord Mountbatten traveled by the toy train on his way to give an announcement for the partition of India from Shimla in 1947.

In 1948, Jawaharlal Nehru rode the toy train to reach a conference in Shimla.

Indira Gandhi had traveled by the toy train in 1972 to sign an agreement with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Simla Agreement).

Then in 2010 as well Dalai Lama journeyed Shimla by the toy train.

Kalka To Shimla Toy Train

Location	Kalka to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Price	Varies by class and season (check with Indian Railways) Minimum INR 65/- (2S) Maximum INR 745/- (EV)
Timing	Several daily departures; approximately every 1-2 hours
Best Time To Enjoy	Summer (March to June) Monsoon (July to September, generally not recommended for traveling) Autumn (October to November) Winter (December to February)
What To Buy	Holdsome wooden Handicrafts include woolen garments as well as local jams and preserves
Popular Sites	Iconic Bridge 541, Dharampur Station, Barog Tunnel, Barog Station, Summer Hill.
Suitable For	For Families, History buffs, Railway enthusiasts
When To Visit	All year round except during the monsoon months and severe winters
Highlights	Scenic views, Heritage railway line, UNESCO World heritage site

Kalka Shimla Railway Tracks

The Kalka Shimla Railway has a total of 18 stations along its scenic route, starting from Kalka and ending at Shimla.

• Kalka [0 km] – Entry point from Delhi & other cities.
• Taksal [5.7 km] – Surrounded by a green site of old fashioned area.
• Gumman [10.4 km] – Another peaceful train station with trees on all sides.
• Koti [16.2 km] – A beautiful spot surrounded by pine and oak trees; good for photography.
• Sonwara [26.6 km] – A quiet station with views of the beautiful mountains.
• Dharampur [32.9 km] – Enjoy the view of local villages and their culture, en route to Dharampur.
• Kumarhatti [38.8 km] – Tea canteries & views of the forest.
• Barog [42.1 km] – The well known Barog Tunnel, it is a famous photography point.
• Solan [46.1 km] – Also known as “Mushroom City” ideal for lunch and shopping break.
• Solan Brewery [50.9 km] – Can take a halt on the brewery.
• Salogra [52.7 km] – Quiet forests with beautiful birds watching.
• Kandaghat [58.2 km] – It is linked with local hill roads.
• Kanoh [64.9 km] – This is a small village station that serves as a scenic stop.
• Kethleeghat [72.2 km] – Other peaceful stations in the mountains.
• Shoghi [77.8 km] Known for its Pine forests, a spot for tourists travelling to nearby resorts.
• Taradevi [84.6 km] – Located Near famous Taradevi Temple also a pilgrim halt.
• Jutogh [89.4 km] – Military cantonment area with lovely scenery.
• Summer Hill [92.9 km] – Suburban Shimla with several hill views.
• Shimla [95.6 km] – last point, famous hill station with shops, hotels and tourist attractions.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Booking

Booking Guide

When you book the tickets for Kalka Shimla Toy Train, make sure to do it in advance especially during April, May and June months. On the other hand, Shimla remains crowded with people during Dussehra holidays in October typically. Besides that, a high rush will most probably take place during Christmas and New year. During these times, advance reservation booking is very important for train tickets.

Kalka to Shimla Toy Train Booking Online IRCTC

Follow these simple steps to book the Kalka to Shimla toy train ticket booking:

Step 1 : First visit the official website of irctc.co.in

Step 2: Register yourself.

Step 3 : Plan my travel link. Click on it.

Step 4: Select Railway station, here one will select as Shimla (SML)

Step 5: Enter the needed details such as Date of travel, Type of ticket.

Step 6: Again click on the book ticket.

Step 7: This is how the ticket reservation page will appear where you need to verify whether train numbers etc are the same as selected by you.

Step 8: Make the payment.

Step 9: Once the payment is made, you will get an SMS and or email along with all the ticket details (if you have chosen e-ticket) that needs to be printed out.

Step 10: Ticket has two categories, i-ticket will be delivered on the address you give, e-ticket means another option where by taking a print out of it.

Train Timing, Duration & Fare of Kalka Shimla Railway

Kalka To Shimla

Train No.	Train Name	Dep. Time	Arr. Time
52459	KLK SML EXPRESS	7:00	12:20
52451	SHIVALIK DLX EXP	5:45	10:35
52457	KLK SML EXP	3:30	8:50
52453	KLK SML EXP	6:20	11:05
52455	HIMALAYAN QUEEN	11:55	16:35

Shimla To Kalka

Train No.	Train Name	Dep. Time	Arr. Time
52452	SHIVALIK DLX EXP	17:25	22:15
52456	HIMALAYAN QUEEN	18:40	23:30
52460	SML KLK EXPRESS	15:50	20:50
52454	SML KLK EXP	17:45	22:55
52458	SML KLK EXP	10:55	16:15

Toy Train Shimla

The Kalka Shimla Toy Train journey is a wonderful experience. It is famous for its charm and it becomes more magical with 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and of course 919 curves .

• Tunnels: The second useful part and adventure is found in the 102 tunnels on this railway line. They help the train glide through some of its mountainous rough terrain. 

• The Bridges: The 864 bridges show great engineering skills that span deep gorges and steep valleys. All these bridges offer tourists great views of the valleys, thick forests and white water rivers down below.

• Curves: 102 between Kalka Shimla Curves and gradients Kalka Shimla Toy Train is beautifully built on a narrow gauge as are all Himalayan “toy trains” that zigzag the awesome mountainscape. These help to gradually guide the train uphill and downhill on steep grades with minimal jerking so you have a comfortable journey. 

Together, they characterize Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ride with tunnels, bridges and curves that make the passengers experience the Himalayas great many times. They are called this because they show the amazing old engineering work and also give a beautiful chance to connect with nature. Thus, this historic railway ride is no doubt one amongst must do for any traveler exploring Indian hill stations.

Season by Season Guide

• Spring (March to May): Green meadows, rhododendron flowers, cool climate. It’s one of the loveliest times for clear views and light sweaters.
• Summer (June): Cool retreat from the plains. Book it well in advance, as this is high season.
• Monsoon (July-August): Mist-laden forests, celestial fog, but expect rain-related delays. Super atmospheric if you’re all about moody mountain vibes.
• Autumn (September-November): Cool air, gold foliage and fewer crowds. A great time for photography.
• Winter (December to February): Snow covers the route and you are transported to a white wonderland, a spectacle that makes the route one of the best train journeys in India during the winter.

Toy Train Shimla, When To Visit

• October to February, Winter Season.
• Duration Of Trip: Around 6 hours.

The train is very popular during high season especially in October and November, hence it is advisable to book well in advance. This allows you to take the trip in easy days with tempting stops along the way.

How to Reach Kalka?

There are a number of paths to get to Kalka from both Chandigarh and Delhi. The primary 3 modes of transportation are:

By Train: Delhi to Kalka there are many trains. But the most convenient train is the Shatabdi Express, it departs early in the morning. The total distance covered is 269 km and time taken to reach destination is near about 4 hours.

By Road: You can also hire private car or taxi to reach to Kalka from Delhi as well Chandigarh. You can also chose to travel by Volvo buses which run from Delhi and booking ahead of time is recommended on line.

By air: The nearest airbase to Kalka is the Chandigarh Airport and it connects the town with Delhi and Chandigarh through flight services. So, when you are short of time, it is better if you take up a flight from Delhi. Once there, you can hail a local taxi or a cab.

Image Gallery Of Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Shimla to Kalka Toy Train Services

Details of the three major tourist train services on Kalka Shimla railway route.

1. Shivalik Deluxe Express (52451)
2. Himalayan Queen (52456)
3. SML KLK Express (52460)
4. SML KLK Express (52454)
5. SML KLK Express (52458)

1. The Shivalik Deluxe Express:

• Route: Kalka → Shimla (52452) / Shimla → Kalka (52452)
• Departure: 5.45 AM (Kalka) / 5.25 PM (Shimla)
• Arrival at: 10:15 PM (Kalka) / 10:35 AM (Shimla) 
• Duration: 4h 50mins
• Distance: 94 kms
• Stops: 3 stations Kalka, Barog and Shimla
• Class: First Class
• Booking: Via IRCTC

Note: Top end toy train; no catering; much in demand with tourists.

2. Himalayan Queen

• Route: Kalka – Shimla (52455) / Shimla – Kalka (52456)
• Departure (Kalka → Shimla): 12:10 pm
• Arrival (Shimla): 5:20 – 5:30 PM
• Return (Kalka → Shimla): Departs 10:40 AM, arrives Kalka at 4:10-4:20 PM
• Journey Time: 5 hours
• Distance: 96 kms
• Stops: Multiple stations like Barog, Solan.

Note: It runs during the daytime, offering beautiful views of valleys, tunnels, and pine forests.

3. SML KLK Express (52454)

• Route: Shimla → Kalka
• Departure: 5:45 PM (Shimla)
• Arrival: 10:55 PM (Kalka)
• Duration: 5h 10m
• Distance: 96 kms
• Stops: 14 stations including Summer Hill, Shoghi, Barog, Solan and Dharampur.
• Classes: First Class, AC Chair Car, Vistadome, Second Seating.
• Booking: Via IRCTC

Note: services reinstated after 6 month suspension due to landslide; popular with waiting times.

4. The SML–KLK Express (52460)

• Route: Shimla → Kalka
• Departure: 3:50 PM (Shimla)
• Arrival: 8:50 PM (Kalka)
• Duration: 5 hours
• Distance: 94 kms
• Stops: 3 stations – Shimla, Barog and Kalka.
• Class: Vistadome
• Booking: Via IRCTC

Note: Services back on after stop caused by temporary slide, in high demand and long queues also.

5. SML KLK Express (52458)

• Route: Shimla → Kalka
• Departure: 10:55 AM (Shimla)
• Arrival: 4:15 PM (Kalka)
• Duration: 5h 20m
• Distance: 94 kms
• Stations: 12 (Summer Hill, Shoghi, Barog, Solan, Dharampur etc)
• Classes: FC(1A), CC, GN; Average Speed – 18(km/h), Max 25km/h
• Booking & fare: Tickets through IRCTC; fares vary by class.

Note: Services temporarily halted in Sept 2025 due to landslides; now restored with increase in pax demand.

Extra Holiday Services

Apart from regular trains, special trains operate in India during the peak travel seasons. It’s typically May to July, September and October, December and January.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Route

The toy train route in itself is one of the most beautiful routes ever you would have witnessed. The journey commences from Kalka railway station located at 656 meters above sea level. The toy train travels through 18 stations that add beauty and collection’s value.

Barog:

Barog Railway Station is also home to a tunnel with a story (a legend) connected to it. The station has beautiful valley views and old-styled architecture that brings a colonial feel which means this is the most popular station on the route. It also has a tunnel that legend says is haunted by the ghost of its designer, who killed himself when he misaligned the structure.

Solan:

This is another station on the route since it is famous for growing mushrooms in large quantities, which is why it is also known as “The Mushroom City of India”. The Britishers also set up a brewery in 1855 which still exists.

Kandaghat:

This is famous for the vibrant market selling local handicrafts, fruits, vegetables and savory. It is also near Chail which was once the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.

Shoghi:

It features a calm and peaceful atmosphere, set amidst pine forests and hills. This place is also known for the work of organic products by locals. i.e jams, pickles, juices etc.

Taradevi:

The temple of Goddess Tara, believed to be an incarnation of Kanaka Durga/Kali is the one which has kept this station on the religious map. This temple is located at the top of a hill and hence gives us the panoramic view of Shimla.

Summer Hill:

The essence of the train station lies in it being a historically and an educationally significant station having been a visiting place for one of India’s heritage. The Indian Institute Of Advanced Study was previously known as Viceregal Lodge. It is additionally where Mahatma Gandhi remained amid his Shimla visits.

Shimla:

The final station on the route & capital of Himachal Pradesh. A well known tourist attraction with many other attractions also such as Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church. Jakhu Temple and State Museum etc. are the main places here where you can roam around and enjoy your day at Shimla.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train 2025: Complete YouTube Guide – Route, Fares, Tips & Best Views

Bollywood Movies Shot In Scenic Valley Of Shimla- Kalka

Tamasha (2015)

The movie was shot in Shimla Jakhu Temple, SummerHill and Toy Train Scenes. This movie really inspired lots of people to check out this stunning place.

Bang Bang (2014)

A portion of the film ‘Bang Bang’ directed by Siddharth Anand starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif had a few scenes shot in Shimla. They were all bowled over by the shooting location which had names like Ritz, Mall Road, Kufri and Lakkar Bazar in Shimla. During the winter times, few of such locations in Shimla took place where lots of action-fight scenes from movies were captured.

Jab We Met (2007)

The hit song “Aaoge Tum Jab” from the amazing movie was shot extensively on Mall Road, towards Shimla in Himachal. Director Imtiaz Ali has used the backdrop beautifully to bring together everything about the song.

Quick Travel Tips

• Reserve your seats ahead of time especially during holidays and the summer season as seats are limited.

• Travel light and intelligent because the space in the toy train is less and handling huge bags can be challenging.

• Dress in layers and bring weather essentials: you’ll climb up the mountain and down through various climates and seasons.

• Seat on the right hand side (Kalka toward Shimla) to have the best view towards valleys, forests and villages.

• Include some buffer time in your schedule because mountain weather or delays could impact the train schedule.

Few Interesting Facts about Kalka Shimla Railway

• Shimla Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, formally known as the Kalka-Shimla Railway. On July 8, 2008 UNESCO World Heritage Site Mountain Railways of India.
• The Kalka to Shimla toy made its inaugural journey in November 1903, with Viceroy Lord Curzon on board.
• The train travels 96 kilometres. The route includes 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges, 919 curves, and 20 railway stations.
• The train travels on the world’s thinnest gauge track (762mm), considered an engineering marvel.
• Passing by some of the world’s most beautiful scenery forests of deodar, oak, fig and maple trees.
• The Barog tunnel is the longest on this route and is the world’s straightest tunnel.

Conclusion

The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train isn’t just a way to travel but a ride through history, nature, and more of the many wonders of engineering. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a tribute to British railway engineering of the time and provides passengers with a scenic journey through the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh.

The train leaves in an easy, meandering slow pace climbing up tunnels, going over bridges and running in between the forest and gives a special and nostalgic feel of the colonial Indian and the beautiful Himalayas. An experience of a lifetime Whether you are a student of history, a nature lover or just a tourist, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train is something that stays with you and is indeed a cultural heritage of our motherland.

F&Q’s

Q.1. Which Toy Train is better in Shimla?

Ans: The journey of Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is the most popular choice and the route has 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and 919 curves on route that are full of charm to experience.

Q.2. How many trains are there from Kalka To Shimla?

Ans: There are 5 trains run by Indian Railways from Kalka to Shimla, which will bring you approximately 96 kms. Here some trains are daily and others operate on a weekly basis. Shimla has a number of travelers that come from everywhere and many will choose to get here by coming up on the train.

Q.3. How to book a Kalka Shimla Toy Train?

Ans: Booking a ticket for the Kalka Shimla Toy Train is very simple. You can book it through the IRCTC app or the official IRCTC website. Alternatively, you can also book it at the railway ticket counter but please note that bookings open only 30 days prior to travel.

Q.4. Is food provided on the toy train?

Ans: Yes, some trains on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train in Himachal Pradesh provide food. However, it depends on the class you choose.