Jubbal is a quiet, historic town known for its royal palace and its apple orchards, sitting above 6,000 feet in the Himachal hills. The trip from there to Chandigarh follows a familiar pattern for this part of the country — cool mountain valleys giving way to wide highways and city life — but this particular route also runs straight through Himachal’s famous Apple Belt, which makes the drive genuinely scenic even as the first half stays winding and demanding.
This guide covers the best road routes, bus options, train connections, and why flying isn’t really worth considering here.
Distance and Travel Time
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting point | Jubbal, Himachal Pradesh |
| Destination | Chandigarh (Union Territory) |
| Road distance | Approx. 195–260 km depending on route |
| Car/taxi travel time | 6–9 hours depending on route |
| Bus travel time | 8–10 hours |
By Road
There are two real route choices here, and which one makes sense depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are with longer, rougher mountain driving.
Via Kotkhai and Shimla: The Recommended Route
Best for: Families, first-time drivers, fastest travel, reliable amenities
Route: Jubbal → Kharapathar → Kotkhai → Chhaila → Theog → Dhalli (Shimla Bypass) → Shoghi → Solan → Parwanoo → Zirakpur → Chandigarh
- Distance: ~200 km
- Time: 6.5–7.5 hours
Road Conditions
- Jubbal to Theog (≈85 km): Two-lane state highway through apple orchards; recently widened but extremely curvy. Landslides may occur near Kotkhai during monsoon.
- Theog to Chandigarh: Excellent 4-lane NH-5 with smooth driving conditions.
Worth a stop
- Giri Ganga (near Kharapathar): Tea break with mountain views
- Giani Da Dhaba (Dharampur): Popular lunch stop after entering the plains
Verdict: Shortest, safest, and most reliable route
Via Tiuni and Paonta Sahib: The Adventure Route
Best for: Adventure seekers, winter detour when Shimla side is snow-blocked
Route: Jubbal → Hatkoti → Sawra → Tiuni (Uttarakhand border) → Minus → Shillai → Paonta Sahib → Nahan → Kala Amb → Chandigarh
- Distance: ~260 km
- Time: 8–9 hours
Road Reality
- Follows the scenic Tons River
- Narrow, rough stretches between Tiuni and Paonta Sahib
- Minimal roadside facilities
Verdict: Scenic but tiring; only for confident drivers
Route Comparison
| Route | Key waypoints | Distance | Estimated time | Take on it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Shimla | Kharapathar → Kotkhai → Theog → Solan → Zirakpur | ~200 km | 6.5 hrs | The best choice — shortest, fastest, and best supported with amenities |
| Via Paonta Sahib | Hatkoti → Tiuni → Shillai → Paonta Sahib → Nahan | ~260 km | 9 hrs | Worth it for adventure or as a winter detour, but the roads are rough |
Traveling by Bus (HRTC Guide)
Jubbal sits on the Rohru–Shimla highway, so nearly every bus originating in Rohru passes through here on its way to the plains.
Boarding Point
- Jubbal Main Bus Stop (Highway)
- HRTC Bus
Bus Types & Timings
- Volvo / Scania (Himsuta):
- Departs Rohru ~5:00 PM
- Reaches Jubbal ~5:45–6:00 PM
- Ordinary / Express Buses:
- Frequent service from early morning (5:30 AM) till evening
- Abhibus
Fare Estimates
- Ordinary / Express: ₹450–₹550
- Volvo / AC: ₹900–₹1,100
Important Tip:
Volvo buses often fill up at Rohru. Online booking via HRTC website with Jubbal as the boarding point is strongly recommended.
Train Travel via Shimla
There is no railway station in Jubbal.
Nearest Stations
- Narrow Gauge: Shimla (≈90 km)
- Broad Gauge: Kalka or Chandigarh
Possible (But Slow) Strategy
- Jubbal → Shimla by road (3.5–4 hrs)
- Shimla → Kalka via Toy Train (5–6 hrs)
- Kalka → Chandigarh by train
Book Train Tickets Online Here
Verdict: Only for leisure travelers; not practical for direct travel
Flight Connectivity
- Nearest Airport: Shimla (Jubbarhatti) – ~115 km
- Flights are limited, expensive, and weather-dependent
Verdict: Driving directly to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) is faster
Best Travel Options at a Glance
| Option | Approach | Travel time | Approx. cost (one-way) | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal car or taxi | Via Shimla | 6.5–7 hours | Fuel: ~₹2,000 / Taxi: ₹4,500–₹6,000 | Families wanting the most comfortable door-to-door option |
| Volvo bus | Catching the passing Rohru bus | 8–9 hours | ₹900–₹1,100 | Comfort, if booked in advance |
| Ordinary bus | HRTC express service | 9–10 hours | ₹450–₹550 | Budget travelers, though it’s a tiring ride on the curves |
| Alternative drive | Via Tiuni/Paonta Sahib | ~9 hours | Fuel: ~₹2,800 | Travelers wanting to see the Uttarakhand border area |
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- The Kharapathar stretch can surprise you. Even in summer, this short 15 km section near Jubbal can turn cold and foggy, particularly at night, regardless of what the weather’s doing elsewhere on the route. Low visibility here is common enough that it’s worth slowing down and taking it seriously.
- Motion sickness is a real consideration. The Jubbal to Theog stretch involves continuous curves, so it’s worth taking precautions beforehand if you or your travel companions are prone to it.
- Timing your trip around apple season adds something. September through November brings the apple harvest and particularly good views along this route, on top of generally pleasant travel conditions.
The Route That Makes Sense
For most travelers, the Kotkhai–Shimla route is the clear choice — shorter, safer, and better supported with food and fuel stops along the way. The Paonta Sahib route is worth keeping in mind as a scenic alternative or a winter workaround, but it’s better suited to explorers than to anyone simply trying to get to Chandigarh efficiently.
Common Questions About Jubbal to Chandigarh
1. What is the distance between Jubbal and Chandigarh?
The distance from Jubbal to Chandigarh is approximately 195 to 260 kilometers, depending on the route taken.
2. How long does it take to travel from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
- By car or taxi: 6 to 7 hours via Kotkhai and Shimla
- By bus: 8 to 10 hours
- Via Paonta Sahib route: Around 9 hours
Travel time may vary due to traffic near Shimla, weather, and road conditions.
3. Which is the best route from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
The Kotkhai–Theog–Shimla route is the best and fastest option. It is shorter, better maintained, and offers more amenities along the way.
4. Is the Paonta Sahib route better than the Shimla route?
The Paonta Sahib route is more scenic and adventurous, but it is longer and has rough stretches. It is best suited for experienced drivers or when the Shimla route is blocked due to snow.
5. Are buses available from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
Yes. HRTC buses from Rohru pass through Jubbal regularly, including Ordinary, Express, and Volvo (Himsuta) services.
6. Is there a Volvo or AC bus from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
Yes. HRTC operates a daily Volvo/Scania bus from Rohru that reaches Jubbal in the evening. Advance online booking is strongly recommended.
7. What is the bus fare from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
- Ordinary / Express buses: ₹450–₹550
- Volvo / AC buses: ₹900–₹1,100
Fares may vary slightly based on season and availability.
8. Is there a direct train from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
No. There is no direct train from Jubbal. The nearest railway stations are Shimla (narrow gauge) and Kalka/Chandigarh (broad gauge).
9. Can I travel from Jubbal to Chandigarh by flight?
Flying is not recommended. The nearest airport is Shimla, which is far from Jubbal and has limited, weather-dependent flights.
10. Is the Jubbal to Chandigarh road safe?
Yes, the route is generally safe. However:
- Expect sharp curves between Jubbal and Theog
- Watch for fog near Kharapathar
- Drive cautiously during monsoon and winter seasons
11. Is this route suitable for first-time mountain drivers?
Yes, but first-time drivers should:
- Travel during daylight hours
- Prefer the Kotkhai–Shimla route
- Drive slowly on curves and narrow sections
12. What is the best time to travel from Jubbal to Chandigarh?
- March to June: Pleasant weather and clear roads
- September to November: Apple season with scenic views
- January to February: Possible snow near Kharapathar and Kotkhai
13. Are there good food stops on the way?
Yes. Popular food stops are available at:
- Solan
- Dharampur
- Parwanoo
Good restaurants become more frequent after joining NH-5.
14. Is motion sickness common on this route?
Yes. The Jubbal to Theog stretch has continuous curves. Travelers prone to motion sickness should take precautions before starting the journey.
15. Is Jubbal to Chandigarh a good road trip?
Absolutely. It is a scenic Himachal road trip, especially during apple season and post-monsoon months.
Travel Information Disclaimer
The travel information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and may change without notice. Road conditions, travel times, fares, weather, transport availability, fuel access, and local regulations can vary due to traffic, maintenance, landslides, snowfall, or other unexpected events, so travelers should verify current details before departure. The publisher is not responsible for delays, losses, injuries, damages, or other issues arising from reliance on this information. Travel at your own risk and use appropriate caution, especially in mountain or remote areas.