How to Reach Solan from Delhi & Nearby Cities

Solan, a charming hill town in Himachal Pradesh, is widely known as the “Mushroom Capital of India” due to its extensive mushroom farming. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Solan serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Kasauli, and Chail. The town is a perfect mix of scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and rich cultural heritage, With Comprehensive guide for How to reach solan from Delhi making it an excellent destination for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.

Where is Solan Located?

Solan is situated on National Highway 5 (NH5), which connects Chandigarh to Shimla. It lies about 300 km from Delhi and 66 km from Chandigarh, making it an easily accessible destination from major North Indian cities.

Key Attractions in Solan

Solan is home to several historical, spiritual, and natural attractions, including:

Shoolini Mata Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Shoolini, the presiding deity of Solan.
Mohan Meakin Brewery – One of the oldest breweries in India, known for its famous Old Monk rum.
Jatoli Shiv Temple – A majestic Shiva temple, boasting remarkable architecture.
Karol Tibba – A beautiful trekking destination, offering panoramic views of the hills.
Dagshai Jail Museum – A historical site, once used by the British to house prisoners.

This travel guide aims to provide detailed and practical information on how to reach Solan from Delhi and nearby cities, helping travelers choose the best transportation options based on convenience, budget, and preference.

Suggested Itineraries for Himachal Tour:

How to Reach Solan from Delhi

Solan is well-connected to Delhi by road, rail, and air. Travelers can choose from multiple options depending on their time availability, budget, and comfort level.

By Road – The Most Popular and Scenic Option

Traveling to Solan by road is one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to reach the town. The journey takes around 5.5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Delhi to Solan Distance & Route Options

Distance: ~300 km
Travel Time: 5.5 – 7 hours
Best Route (via NH44 & NH5):
- Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Zirakpur → Chandigarh → Kalka → Dharampur → Solan

This highway route is well-maintained and offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik hills as you approach Solan.

Self-Drive Tips and Road Conditions

The roads from Delhi to Chandigarh are smooth and well-paved, making the journey comfortable.
After Kalka, the road becomes hilly, requiring careful driving.
Monsoons (July-August) can make the roads slippery, so avoid traveling during heavy rains.
Several pit stops along the way, such as Haveli (Murthal), McDonald’s (Zirakpur), and Timber Trail (Parwanoo), make the drive more enjoyable.

Bus Services from Delhi to Solan

Buses are one of the most affordable and comfortable ways to reach Solan. Both HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and private operators run regular bus services.

Bus Type	Operator	Departure Point (Delhi)	Travel Time	Fare (Approx.)
HRTC Ordinary	HRTC	ISBT Kashmere Gate	8 hours	₹500 – ₹700
Volvo AC	HRTC/Private	Majnu Ka Tila/ISBT	7 hours	₹1,200 – ₹1,500
Sleeper	Private Operators	Anand Vihar	7.5 – 8 hours	₹1,000 – ₹1,400

Tickets can be booked through RedBus, HRTC’s official website, or private bus websites.

Taxi and Cab Services

For a comfortable and private journey, you can hire a taxi or cab from Delhi to Solan.

Vehicle Type	Fare (Approx.)	Duration
Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios)	₹6,500 – ₹8,000	5.5 – 6 hours
SUV (Innova, Xylo)	₹8,500 – ₹12,000	6 hours

Cab booking platforms like Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, and Savaari offer services from Delhi to Solan.

By Train – The Most Comfortable Option

Solan has its own railway station (Solan Railway Station – SOL), but the major railhead connecting Delhi is Kalka Railway Station (KLK).

Read also: How to Book Train Tickets in India

Best Trains from Delhi to Kalka

Train Name	Train No.	Departure (Delhi)	Arrival (Kalka)	Duration
Kalka Shatabdi	12011	7:40 AM	11:45 AM	4h 5m
Himalayan Queen	14095	5:45 AM	11:10 AM	5h 25m

Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or railway reservation counters.

Kalka to Solan – The Toy Train Experience

For an unforgettable journey, take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage attraction.

Train Name	Departure (Kalka)	Arrival (Solan)	Duration
Shivalik Deluxe Express	5:45 AM	9:15 AM	3h 30m
Himalayan Queen	12:10 PM	3:35 PM	3h 25m

Alternatively, taxis and buses from Kalka to Solan take 1.5 hours.

By Air – The Fastest but Costly Option

The nearest airport to Solan is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), about 66 km away.

Flights from Delhi to Chandigarh

Airline	Frequency	Duration	Fare (Approx.)
IndiGo	6–7 flights daily	1 hour	₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Air India	3 flights daily	1 hour	₹4,000 – ₹7,000

From Chandigarh Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Solan.

Mode	Cost	Duration
Taxi (Private)	₹2,000 – ₹3,000	2 hours
Bus (HRTC)	₹300 – ₹500	2.5 hours

Reaching Solan from Other Nearby Cities

Travel From Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the gateway to many Himachal destinations, including Solan.

Distance and Travel Time: Approximately 60 kilometers, 1.5-2 hours by road

Transportation Options:

By Bus: HRTC operates frequent buses from Chandigarh ISBT Sector 17 to Solan

Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes

Fare: ₹100-150 for ordinary buses, ₹150-250 for deluxe services

By Taxi: Private taxis charge around ₹1,500-2,000

By Train: You can take a train from Chandigarh to Kalka and then the toy train to Solan

From Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is just a short journey from Solan.

Distance and Travel Time: About 45 kilometers, 1-1.5 hours by road

Transportation Options:

By Bus: Frequent HRTC buses operate between Shimla and Solan

Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Fare: ₹80-120

By Taxi: Private taxis charge around ₹1,200-1,500

By Toy Train: The Kalka-Shimla train stops at Solan

Duration: 1-1.5 hours from Shimla

Fare: ₹25-100 depending on the class

From Other Himachal Cities

Kasauli:

Distance: 30 kilometers
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Options: HRTC buses (₹50-70) or taxis (₹800-1,000)

Parwanoo:

Distance: 25 kilometers
Travel Time: 30-40 minutes
Options: Regular buses (₹40-60) or taxis (₹700-900)

Best Time to Visit Solan

Spring (March-April):

Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Perfect time for nature lovers as the region blooms with wildflowers
Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing

Summer (May-June):

Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
Peak tourist season as people escape the heat of the plains
Excellent for exploring all attractions without weather constraints

Monsoon (July-September):

Temperature: 18°C to 27°C
The region turns lush green, but occasional landslides may disrupt travel
Lower hotel rates and fewer tourists, but keep waterproof clothing handy

Autumn (October-November):

Temperature: 12°C to 25°C
Clear skies and pleasant weather make it ideal for photography
Perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures

Winter (December-February):

Temperature: 4°C to 15°C
Occasional snowfall in the higher regions around Solan
Bring warm clothing and expect some tourist spots to have limited access

Accommodation Options in Solan

Solan offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences:

Luxury Hotels:

Starting Range: ₹5,000-10,000 per night
Examples include Maharaja’s Retreat, Destination Villa Solan

Mid-Range Hotels:

Starting Range: ₹2,000-4,000 per night
Examples include Hotel Paragon, Hotel City Heart

Budget Accommodations:

Starting Range: ₹800-1,500 per night
Several guesthouses and small hotels are available

Homestays:

Starting Range: ₹1,200-3,000 per night
Experience local hospitality and home-cooked meals

Booking Tips:

Reserve in advance during peak season (May-June and December)
Look for accommodations near Mall Road for convenience
Many hotels offer special packages including sightseeing

Travel Tips for Your Solan Journey

Packing Suggestions:

Summer: Light cotton clothes, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen
Winter: Warm clothes, thermals, woolen caps, gloves, sturdy footwear
Monsoon: Waterproof jacket, umbrella, quick-dry clothes

Local Transportation in Solan:

Local buses connect major attractions
Auto-rickshaws are available within the town
Taxis can be hired for day trips
Many places are walkable if you enjoy exploring on foot

Network Connectivity:

Most major mobile networks (Jio, Airtel, BSNL) work well in Solan town
Coverage may be limited in remote areas
Download offline maps before your trip

ATM and Banking Facilities:

Several banks and ATMs are available in Solan town
Always carry some cash, especially when visiting remote areas
Major hotels and restaurants accept cards, but smaller establishments prefer cash

Sightseeing Around Solan

While this guide focuses on reaching Solan, here’s a quick list of must-visit attractions to include in your itinerary:

Shoolini Mata Temple: The most revered temple in Solan
Mohan Meakin Brewery: One of Asia’s oldest breweries
Menri Monastery: A significant center for Bon religion
Solan Brewery: Founded in 1855, offers interesting tours
Kuthar Fort: An ancient fort with beautiful architecture
Manjathal Sanctuary: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts
Barog: A scenic spot with stunning views
Karol Tibba: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills

Day Trips from Solan:

Kasauli: A colonial-era hill station (30 km)
Chail: Famous for the world’s highest cricket ground (50 km)
Shimla: The state capital with colonial charm (45 km)
Dagshai: A cantonment town with historical significance (20 km)

Conclusion – Best Way to Reach Solan

For budget travelers: Take an overnight bus.
Comfort seekers: Train to Kalka + Toy Train/Taxi.
The fastest journey: Flight to Chandigarh + Taxi.
For a scenic experience: Self-drive or toy train journey.

Solan is easily accessible and offers a perfect escape from city life. Whether you are planning a short getaway or a long stay, Solan has something for everyone.

If you have any questions about your Solan travel plans, let us know in the comments! Safe travels!

FAQs About Traveling to Solan

Q: Is Solan worth visiting if I’ve already been to Shimla?

Absolutely! Solan offers a more relaxed, less commercialized experience than Shimla. Its unique attractions like the Mohan Meakin Brewery and the surrounding natural beauty make it worth a dedicated visit.

Q: How much time should I allocate for a Solan trip?

A 2-3 day stay is ideal for exploring Solan and its immediate surroundings. If you plan to take day trips to nearby destinations, consider extending your stay to 4-5 days.

Q: Is it possible to do a day trip to Solan from Delhi?

While technically possible, it would be extremely rushed. The journey itself takes 6-7 hours each way, leaving almost no time to explore. I’d recommend at least an overnight stay.

Q: What is the best transportation option for families with children?

For families, hiring a private taxi or driving your own vehicle offers the most comfort and flexibility. You can take breaks as needed and carry all necessary supplies for children.

Q: Do I need permits to visit Solan?

No special permits are required for Indian citizens to visit Solan. Foreign nationals need a valid visa to visit India but no additional permits for Solan specifically.

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Expand Your Knowledge With:

How to Reach Solan, Himachal Pradesh from Delhi or Nearby Cities – A Complete Travel Guide

Where is Solan Located?

Key Attractions in Solan

How to Reach Solan from Delhi