🚂 How to Book Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla

🚞 What Is the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train?

The Kalka–Shimla Toy Train is a small, slow-moving train that runs between Kalka and Shimla through the mountains. Its purpose is not just to transport passengers, but to make the journey enjoyable and memorable.

As soon as the journey begins, the train slowly starts climbing the hills. Along the way, passengers get to see dense forests, deep valleys, tunnels, and bridges. That is why tourists do not use this toy train only for travel—they choose it for a unique experience, which the toy train delivers perfectly.

● UNESCO World Heritage Status

This is the reason the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. It is a very special railway line that is more than 100 years old and is still operating today. When it was built, there were no modern machines available. Instead of cutting through the mountains, engineers designed the track to move around the hills by creating curves and tunnels.

For UNESCO, this railway is not just an old station or track—it is a living heritage that is still actively used.

● Route Distance and Engineering Features

The total distance of the route is 96 kilometers, which may sound short but is actually very challenging. Because of this, the train runs at a slow speed. The route climbs from the lower altitude of Kalka to the higher altitude of Shimla and includes:

• More than 100 tunnels
• Over 800 bridges
• More than 900 curves

Due to these features, the train’s speed remains around 20–25 km/h, and it takes 5–6 hours to complete the journey.

● Scenic Experience During the Journey

However, these hours are not boring at all. The journey is extremely engaging, with pine and deodar forests on both sides, deep valleys below, mountains above, small hill villages, and old British-era stations. Sometimes, clouds come so close that they appear to touch the train, creating a beautiful experience for travelers.

● Barog Tunnel: History and Story

The longest tunnel on this route is the Barog Tunnel. When the train enters this tunnel, darkness surrounds it for a few moments. This tunnel also has an interesting and tragic history.

The construction was assigned to Engineer Colonel Barog, but due to an alignment error, digging was done incorrectly from both sides. When the mistake was discovered, British officers publicly punished him and fined him one rupee. Unable to bear the humiliation, Colonel Barog committed suicide.

Later, the tunnel was completed by another engineer, but it was named Barog Tunnel in his memory.

● Why the Toy Train Is Different From Normal Trains

What makes the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train different from a normal train is its purpose. Its goal is not to reach the destination quickly, but to make the journey unforgettable.

Normal trains take straight routes and run fast to cover distance in less time. In contrast, the toy train moves along with the mountains, which is why it is slow—and this slowness gives passengers the chance to enjoy scenic views, take beautiful photos, and truly experience the journey.

● Why the British Built This Railway

Many tourists wonder why the British built this railway. The answer is simple: earlier, it took 2–3 days to reach Shimla. British officers needed a comfortable and efficient way to travel, as Shimla was an important administrative center.

After the railway was built, the journey was reduced to just a few hours.

● Trains Running on the Kalka–Shimla Route

Today, several trains operate on this route, including:

• Shivalik Deluxe Express (luxury with glass windows)
• Himalayan Queen
• Rail Motor
• Normal passenger toy trains

Travelers can choose an option based on their budget and comfort preferences.

🚃 Types of Toy Trains on the Kalka–Shimla Route

On the Kalka–Shimla route, mainly three types of toy trains operate.

● Shivalik Deluxe Express

This is a premium train. If you want to travel with comfortable seats, a peaceful journey, and beautiful views, then the Shivalik Express is the best option.

● Himalayan Queen

The Himalayan Queen train is very popular among tourists. The reason is that this train is neither too expensive nor too cheap. It offers a good balance of comfort, views, and budget-friendly facilities, which is why most people prefer traveling by this train.

● Rail Motor / Passenger Toy Train

This train is best for budget travelers. Its look is simple, it runs a bit slow, and it provides only basic facilities.

● Shivalik Deluxe Express – Detailed Explanation

The Shivalik Deluxe train is for those who want to reach Shimla comfortably, peacefully, and while enjoying beautiful views.

This train has only chair car coaches (no sleeper). It has large glass windows, due to which you can enjoy the outside views properly. In some coaches, the seats can rotate towards the valley side to enjoy the scenery better.

The coach interiors have carpets, and during the journey, the crowd is limited, making the journey calm and peaceful. This train is specially operated keeping tourists in mind, so that their travel experience is not spoiled.

The journey from Kalka to Shimla takes around 5–6 hours, which passes easily while enjoying the views.

Reality Check

It is comfortable, but not luxury like Vande Bharat. Seats are comfortable but do not feel like sofas. Food is decent, but not like hotel-quality food.

● Himalayan Queen – Detailed Explanation

This train is for people who want comfort, budget, and a real toy train experience together. That is why it is the most frequently used train on this route.

The Himalayan Queen runs daily, starts from Kalka in the morning, and reaches Shimla by afternoon. It has both chair car and general coaches.

The windows are quite large (but slightly smaller than Shivalik Deluxe). Seats are reasonably comfortable. The train stops at many places, so you can see small villages and local life closely.

It is popular among tourists because it does not waste much time, offers decent comfort, tickets are easily available, and the ticket price is reasonable.

Reality Check

During peak season, there can be crowding. It is always better to choose chair car and avoid general class. The Himalayan Queen is not as peaceful as the Shivalik Deluxe.

● Rail Motor / Passenger Toy Train – Detailed Explanation

The Rail Motor / Passenger toy train is best for people who want to save money and give more importance to experience than comfort.

This train has old-style rail coaches, and the seats are very basic. Mostly local people travel on this train. Even when seats in other trains are full, there are still chances of getting seats in this train.

This is the slowest train on this route, and it takes 6–7 hours, sometimes even more. It stops at almost every small station.

Reality Check

Seats can be hard and uncomfortable. During school and office hours, the crowd becomes heavy.

Link: Himachal Pradesh Full Guide

🌉How to Book Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla

To book the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, the official government website IRCTC (irctc.co.in) or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app is the best option. Many times, tickets are not available through offline agents or railway counters, so online booking is the safest and most reliable method.

● Popular Toy Trains from Kalka to Shimla

Some popular trains running from Kalka to Shimla are:

• Shivalik Deluxe Express (52451)
• Himalayan Queen (52455)
• Rail Motor / Passenger Train (72452 / 52457)

● Advance Booking Timeline

If you want to book a Kalka to Shimla toy train ticket, it is better to book at least 2 months in advance, because toy train booking opens 60 days before the travel date. Tickets are usually not available if you try to book just a few days before the journey.

● Best Time to Book Tickets

As soon as booking opens, the best time to book tickets is between 8:00 AM and 8:10 AM. This is very important because during the summer season (April–June) or on weekends, even a delay of 1–2 hours can result in tickets getting fully booked or going into the waiting list.

● Tatkal Booking Timing

If you want to book Tatkal tickets, the best time is:

• AC / Chair Car: 10:00 AM, one day before the journey
• Non-AC: 11:00 AM, one day before the journey

However, during peak season, weekends, holidays, or for the Shivalik Deluxe Express, Tatkal booking often does not work or tickets sell out very quickly.

Therefore, booking tickets in advance is always the best option for a smooth Kalka–Shimla toy train journey.

📸 Ticket Prices and Classes Explained

● Shivalik Deluxe Toy Train – Ticket Price & Facilities

The Shivalik Deluxe Express has only one class (Chair Car). The one-way ticket price usually ranges between ₹500 and ₹550. During the tourist season, prices may vary slightly.

In this price, you get the following services and facilities:

• Soft and comfortable seats
• Large glass windows for clear mountain views
• Meal and snacks served inside the train
• Less crowd, making the journey peaceful and smooth
• Clean and well-maintained washrooms

This train is best for couples, families, and travelers who want to enjoy the journey calmly and comfortably.

● Himalayan Queen Toy Train – Ticket Price & Facilities

The Himalayan Queen offers two classes:

• Chair Car (CC): ₹400–₹450 (one way)
• Second Sitting (2S): ₹200–₹250 (one way)

Prices may change slightly during the peak season.

Facilities include:

• Comfortable but simple seating
• Decent-sized windows
• Average cleanliness
• Food is not included, but many vendors are available at stations

The Himalayan Queen is a perfect balance of budget and comfort, which is why it is very popular among tourists.

● Passenger / Rail Motor Toy Train – Ticket Price & Facilities

The Passenger / Rail Motor train is the cheapest option, with ticket prices between ₹100 and ₹150 (one way).

Key points:

• Seats are hard and basic
• Very limited comfort
• No food service available
• Usually crowded

This train is best suited for students, local travelers, and budget travelers who want the lowest-cost option.

You can choose the Kalka–Shimla toy train based on your travel budget, comfort preference, and journey experience.

🏛️ Waiting List, Cancellation & Refund Rules

If you book a ticket from Kalka to Shimla and it remains on the waiting list, the chances of confirmation are quite low. This is especially true for Shivalik Deluxe and Himalayan Queen during the summer season (April–June), on weekends, and during holidays.

If the ticket is not confirmed by the time the chart is prepared, it is automatically cancelled, and the refund is processed automatically.

● Cancellation Charges for Confirmed Tickets

For confirmed tickets, cancellation charges apply, which means the full amount is not refunded:

• If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before departure, ₹240 per passenger is deducted.
• If cancelled 12–48 hours before departure, 25% of the ticket fare is deducted.
• If cancelled 4–12 hours before departure, 50% of the ticket fare is deducted.
• If a confirmed ticket is cancelled less than 4 hours before departure, no refund is provided.

● Tatkal Ticket Refund Rules

For Tatkal tickets:

• Confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable.
• However, if a Tatkal ticket remains unconfirmed (waiting list) and is not confirmed by chart preparation, a full refund is issued.

● Refund Processing Time

Refund processing may take some time depending on the payment method:

• UPI: 2–4 working days
• Debit/Credit Card: 5–7 working days
• Net Banking: 3–5 working days
• Wallet: 1–3 days

There is no need to apply for a refund manually. IRCTC processes the refund automatically; it may just take a few days.

● Important Booking Advice

It is advisable to book hotels and other arrangements only after your ticket is confirmed.

🎒 Practical Tips Before Boarding the Toy Train

● Reporting Time and Coach Check

It is best to reach Kalka railway station 30–45 minutes before the train’s departure. Once you reach the platform, check your coach number carefully before boarding, as toy train coaches are small. If you board the wrong coach or take the wrong seat, changing seats later can be quite difficult.

● Photography and Scenic Views

Always be ready for photography, because the mountain views start right from Kalka station.

● Luggage Rules and Space Limitations

Since toy train cabins are small, luggage space is limited. If you carry too much luggage, you may have to use paid luggage storage. Therefore, it is better to travel with one small or medium-sized bag for the journey.

● Food and Snacks Information

In trains like Shivalik Deluxe, meals or snacks are included in the fare. In normal toy trains, meal or snack services are not available, so you can purchase food from station vendors before boarding.

❓ Shimla Travel FAQs

Conclusion

The toy train journey offers not only travel but also a beautiful, lifelong experience. Always book your ticket carefully, and do not rely on the hope that a waiting list ticket will get confirmed. If your ticket gets cancelled, travelling to Shimla by bus or taxi is the best alternative option.