Traveling by bus from Shimla to Chamba is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offers a variety of bus services on this route, making it easy for both locals and tourists to travel between these two beautiful hill stations. In this guide, you’ll find all the essential information about the Shimla to Chamba HRTC bus time table for 2025, ticket booking, travel tips, and frequently asked questions.
Note: Bus timings may vary, so it’s advisable to check the official HRTC website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Table of Contents
1. Overview of the Shimla to Chamba Route
The journey from Shimla to Chamba takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Himachal Pradesh, including lush valleys, mountain ranges, and traditional villages. Chamba is a popular destination known for its ancient temples, historical monuments, and cultural festivals. Covering a distance of approximately 350 km, the Shimla to Chamba route offers an affordable and comfortable travel option for those looking to explore Himachal Pradesh by road.

2. Types of Buses Available
HRTC provides different types of buses on the Shimla to Chamba route, catering to various preferences and budgets:
- ORDINARY Buses: Basic and budget-friendly, these buses are ideal for economical travel.

- HIMDHARA 3X2 AC Buses: Air-conditioned and comfortable, these buses are suitable for long-distance travel.

- HIMSUTA AC VOLVO / SCANIA: Premium buses with modern amenities, perfect for those looking for a more luxurious journey.

Each type of bus has its own unique features, giving travelers the flexibility to choose the service that best suits their needs.
3. Distance and Travel Time
The Shimla to Chamba route spans around 350 kilometers, and travel times depend on the type of bus chosen as well as road conditions. On average, travel times for each bus type are as follows:
- ORDINARY Buses: Around 10 to 11 hours
- HIMDHARA 3X2 AC Buses: Approximately 9.5 to 10 hours
- HIMSUTA AC VOLVO / SCANIA: Generally 8.5 to 9 hours
4. Shimla to Chamba HRTC Bus Time Table (2025)
Here is the detailed Shimla to Chamba HRTC bus time table for 2025, which includes departure and arrival times, major stops, and the types of buses available.Below data is based on HRTC Shimla Time Table and HRTC Chamba Time Table.
Shimla to Chamba HRTC Bus Timetable
No. | Bus Type | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Total Time | Route (with Times) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HIMDHARA 3X2 AC | 16:10 | 08:15 | 16 Hrs 5 Mins | Shimla ISBT TUTIKANDI (16:10) → SOLAN (17:40) → PARWANOO (20:00) → CHANDIGARH 43 (21:00) → ROPAR (22:00) → UNA (00:20) → TALWARA PB (01:50) → REHAN (02:41) → DEHRIAN (02:45) → JASSUR (03:00) → PATHANKOT (03:45) → NAINI KHUD (05:15) → BANIKHET (06:30) → Chamba (08:15) |
2 | ORDINARY | 04:30 | 19:50 | 15 Hrs 20 Mins | Shimla ISBT TUTIKANDI (04:30) → DARLAGHAT (06:00) → BHARARIGHAT (06:15) → BRAMPUKHAR (06:40) → NAUNI (07:15) → BILASPUR (07:40) → GHUMARWIN (08:00) → HAMIRPUR (10:00) → NADAUN (11:00) → JAWALA JI (11:20) → RANITAL (11:55) → KANGRA (13:00) → SHAHPUR (14:00) → SIHUNTA (14:30) → BANIKHET (18:00) → Chamba (19:50) |
3 | ORDINARY | 07:00 | 20:00 | 13 Hrs 0 Mins | Shimla ISBT TUTIKANDI (07:00) → BHARARIGHAT (09:15) → BILASPUR (09:40) → GHUMARWIN (10:00) → BHOTA CHOWK (11:10) → HAMIRPUR (11:40) → NADAUN (12:50) → JAWALA JI (13:15) → RANITAL (14:00) → KANGRA (14:15) → SHAHPUR (14:45) → DRAMAN (14:50) → SIHUNTA (15:45) → CHOWARI (16:45) → JOT (17:45) → Chamba (20:00) |
4 | ORDINARY | 14:20 | 05:30 | 15 Hrs 10 Mins | Shimla ISBT TUTIKANDI (14:20) → SOLAN (15:40) → PARWANOO (17:15) → KALKA (18:05) → BADDI (18:35) → NALAGARH (18:55) → UNA (21:30) → TALWARA PB (23:30) → FATEHPUR (00:20) → REHAN (00:30) → JASSUR (01:00) → SULYALI (01:40) → DUNERA (02:00) → BANIKHET (03:30) → Chamba (05:30) |
5 | ORDINARY | 17:00 | 08:30 | 15 Hrs 30 Mins | Shimla ISBT TUTIKANDI (17:00) → BILASPUR (20:30) → GHUMARWIN (21:15) → BHOTA (22:00) → HAMIRPUR (22:30) → NADAUN (00:05) → JAWALA JI (00:25) → KANGRA (01:30) → SIHUNTA (03:30) → LAHROO (04:55) → BANIKHET (06:30) → Chamba (08:30) |
6 | ORDINARY | 18:20 | 10:10 | 15 Hrs 50 Mins | Shimla ISBT TUTIKANDI (18:20) → SHALAGHAT (20:00) → BHARARIGHAT (21:20) → BILASPUR (22:00) → GHUMARWIN (23:00) → BHOTA (00:01) → HAMIRPUR (00:20) → NADAUN (00:35) → AMB (02:20) → JAWALA JI (02:30) → RANITAL (02:45) → DAULATPUR KANGRA (03:00) → KANGRA (03:20) → SHAHPUR (03:45) → DRAMAN (03:50) → SIHUNTA (04:45) → CHOWARI (05:30) → NANIKHAD (07:30) → BANIKHET (08:20) → BATHARI (08:30) → CHAHLA (09:30) → Chamba (10:10) |
5. Ticket Booking and Fare Details
HRTC offers flexible booking options for the Shimla to Chamba route, allowing travelers to book tickets both online and at Shimla ISBT ticket counters. Fares vary depending on the type of bus chosen:
- ORDINARY Buses: Fares generally range from INR 600 to 700.
- HIMDHARA 3X2 AC Buses: Typically priced between INR 800 and 900.
- HIMSUTA AC VOLVO / SCANIA: Premium fare, usually between INR 1000 and 1200.
For exact fare details and booking information, you can visit the HRTC online booking portal.

6. Facilities on HRTC Buses
HRTC provides different facilities on each bus type to make the journey from Shimla to Chamba comfortable and enjoyable:
- ORDINARY Buses: Standard seating, ideal for those who prefer economical travel options.
- HIMDHARA 3X2 AC: Comfortable, air-conditioned seating with adequate legroom and overhead storage for luggage.
- HIMSUTA AC VOLVO / SCANIA: Premium features include reclining seats, air conditioning, mobile charging points, and ample legroom for a relaxing journey.

7. Travel Tips for a Comfortable Journey
To make your journey from Shimla to Chamba pleasant and hassle-free, here are some useful tips:
- Book in Advance: Due to the popularity of this route, it’s advisable to book tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Verify Bus Timings: Timings may change periodically, so checking the schedule on the HRTC website before traveling is recommended.
- Carry Essentials: Though the buses are well-equipped, it’s a good idea to bring water, snacks, and any necessary medications.
- Check Weather Conditions: In mountainous areas, weather conditions can impact road travel, particularly during the monsoon season. Check weather updates before setting out.

8: Related Travel Guides on HRTC Routes

Explore More HRTC Bus Routes:
- Shimla to Katra HRTC Bus Time Table
- Delhi to Dharamshala HRTC Bus Schedule
- Shimla to Manali HRTC Bus Timing
- Chandigarh to Mandi HRTC Bus Timings
- Book HRTC Bus Ticket Online
Popular Routes and Destinations:
- Delhi to Kullu HRTC Bus Time Table
- Delhi to Solan HRTC Bus Schedule
- HRTC Buses for Trekking Destinations
Additional Resources for Your Travel
Recommended External Links:
HRTC Official Online Booking – Book tickets for HRTC buses online directly through the official portal.
RedBus – Shimla to Chamba Route – A comprehensive list of available HRTC buses, amenities, and ticket pricing.
Goibibo – Bus Booking Shimla to Chamba – Find additional bus operators and flexible booking options with exclusive discounts.
Rome2Rio – Route Planning for Shimla to Chamba – View alternative travel routes, including buses, trains, and cars for a well-planned journey.
MakeMyTrip – HRTC Bus Tickets – Access HRTC bus schedules and prices along with seat selection for added convenience.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the earliest departure time for a bus from Shimla to Chamba?
The earliest bus departs from Shimla ISBT Tutikandi at 04:30 AM.
2. Which bus has the shortest travel time from Shimla to Chamba?
The shortest travel time is 13 hours, taken by the Ordinary bus departing at 07:00 AM.
3. Are there any AC buses available on the Shimla to Chamba route?
Yes, the HIMDHARA 3X2 AC bus departs at 16:10 and arrives in Chamba at 08:15, taking about 16 hours and 5 minutes.
4. What is the latest departure time from Shimla to Chamba?
The latest departure time from Shimla ISBT Tutikandi is 18:20, with an Ordinary bus arriving at 10:10 the next morning.
5. Do any buses stop in Kangra before arriving in Chamba?
Yes, multiple buses, including the Ordinary buses departing at 04:30, 07:00, and 17:00, stop in Kangra on their way to Chamba.
6. What is the total travel time for the longest journey from Shimla to Chamba?
The longest travel time is approximately 16 hours and 5 minutes, taken by the HIMDHARA 3X2 AC bus departing at 16:10.
7. What are some major stops on the HIMDHARA AC bus route to Chamba?
Major stops include Shimla ISBT, Solan, Parwanoo, Chandigarh, Ropar, Una, Pathankot, Banikhet, and finally Chamba.
8. Which bus passes through Jawala Ji en route to Chamba?
The Ordinary buses departing at 04:30, 07:00, and 17:00 make stops at Jawala Ji before reaching Chamba.
9. Are there any overnight buses from Shimla to Chamba?
Yes, the Ordinary bus departing at 18:20 travels overnight and reaches Chamba by 10:10 the next morning.
10. How many buses operate daily from Shimla to Chamba?
There are 6 HRTC buses operating daily from Shimla to Chamba.