10 Best Weekend Trips from Ludhiana | Cab Fare & Travel Guide
Ludhiana is the best gateway to beautiful hill stations and adventure spots. You are just a comfortable road trip away from some of North India’s famous places. From Shimla’s Mall Road to the calm riverside stays of Tirthan Valley, these weekend trips from Ludhiana are the best escapes from the daily busy life. Just a reliable outstation taxi and two to three days in hand are enough to explore every inch of these picturesque destinations. Here, you will get everything that you need to know to plan a perfect weekend getaway trip—distance, best time, routes, and practical transportation estimates.
Why Weekend Trips from Ludhiana are Perfect for a Quick Gateway
Best Time to Travel
The best time to visit and explore hill stations near Ludhiana is between March and June. The weather during this time is pleasant, making it ideal for family trips and sightseeing in Shimla, Kasauli, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie.
Between September and early December is also a good time for planning a trip. You will be greeted with clear post-monsoon skies, an excellent time for treks like Triund near McLeodganj and riverside stays in Tirthan Valley.
Mid-July to August is not recommended for travelling to hill stations as there are high chances of landslides and heavy traffic jams on Himachal routes.
Another popular time for weekend trips from Ludhiana is Late December to February. You can enjoy snow in Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie and Khajjiar. The only problem is that you may encounter icy patches and slow traffic.
Benefits of Taking an Outstation Taxi
Outstation taxi services offer a reliable and comfortable travel experience for weekend gateway excursions. Instead of juggling between trains, buses and local transport, an outstation taxi would be far better. Tour operators like Chiku Cab offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off services, as well as flexible rides with the ability to add custom stops such as dhabas or viewpoints. With a reliable outstation cab, you also don’t have to worry about bags, as they generally have extra space for them. Enjoy safer travels with professional drivers even during late-night or early-morning rides.
Estimated Taxi Fare
Taxi service providers like Chiku Cab offer:
Sedan (Dzire / Etios / Xcent) – Best for groups of 3-4 passengers with light luggage; typical outstation rate ranges between ₹10.5–₹11/km.
SUV (Ertiga / Innova) – Offers extra leg space and seating space, good for 5–6 people or snow trips. Usually starts from ₹14/km.
Tempo Traveller (9–20 seater) – Ideal for corporate groups or big families going to Manali or Dharamshala, with per-km pricing and 24×7 support
Top 10 Weekend Trips – With Fare
1. Ludhiana to Shimla Weekend Trip
Shimla, a popular hill station near Ludhiana, is renowned for its picturesque and British-era style architecture. This hill station is ideal for families, couples, and more. In Shimla, you get a perfect mixture of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation.
Distance: The distance from Ludhiana to Shimla is approximately 210-220 km. You can reach there in 4-5 hours easily in normal traffic.
Road Map: Ludhiana – Ropar – Kiratpur – Swarghat – Solan – Shimla (via NH 205 & NH 5).
Places to Visit in Shimla:
There are plenty of places worth exploring. Must-visit spots include:
- Mall Road & The Ridge – Cafés, shopping and evening walks with views of the hills.
- Christ Church – One of North India’s oldest churches, a landmark on the Ridge.
- Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) – Stunning colonial architecture and manicured gardens.
- Kufri – A short drive for snow (in winter), yak rides and viewpoints.
Travel tip: You can park/get dropped off near Lift / Cart Road and explore Mall Road on foot, as local traffic is restricted.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan Fare (approx. round trip): 4,500–₹5,500 for a 2-day weekend, including 450–500 km usage and driver allowance.
- SUV Fare: ₹6,500–₹7,500 for 2 days, suitable for 5–6 passengers and extra luggage.
2. Ludhiana to Manali Weekend Trip
Manali is also called the adventure capital of Himachal. Here, you will find snow-clapped mountains, thrilling adventure sports, and vibrant cafés. People visit Manali to enjoy Paragliding, skiing, river rafting, and trekking.
Distance: Manali is about 295-305 km away from Ludhiana by road. Under normal traffic conditions, you can reach there within 6-7 hours.
Road Map: Ludhiana – Ropar – Kiratpur – Sundernagar – Mandi – Kullu – Manali (NH 205/NH 3).
Places to Visit in Manali:
- Stroll along Old Manali and the Beas River.
- Visit Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple and Club House.
- Take a day trip towards Solang Valley or Atal Tunnel (Rohtang side) for snow (seasonal).
Travel tip: Start your sightseeing tour before dawn to avoid traffic in Manali and Kullu, especially during the summer season when tourist visits spike.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹7,000–₹9,000 for a 2-night trip (around 650–700 km with local sightseeing).
- SUV: ₹9,500–₹12,000 depending on days and snow detours.
3. Ludhiana to Rishikesh Trip
Rishikesh offers you a spiritual experience along the Ganges. It is famous for river rafting, yoga retreats, and meditation centres. Apart from temples and ashrams, this place also intrigues adventure seekers with its camping and cliff-jumping opportunities.
Distance: It’s around 300-305 km away from Ludhiana and easily accessible by road. Ideally, it would take you 5-7 hours to get there.
Road Map: Ludhiana – Ambala – Yamunanagar – Saharanpur – Haridwar – Rishikesh.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹6,500–₹7,500 for a 2-day trip (around 600–650 km including local runs).
- SUV: ₹8,500–₹10,000 for groups.
4. Ludhiana to McLeodganj
You will surely love the Tibetan culture of McLeodganj, which is complemented by various monasteries and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. It’s a unique weekend destination and a favourite among trekkers.
Distance: The journey would be around 5-6 hours under normal traffic conditions, covering the distance of roughly 190-200 km via Una and Kangra.
Places to Visit in McLeodganj:
- Dalai Lama Temple complex
- Bhagsu Waterfall & temple
- Cafés around Bhagsu and Dharamkot
- Triund Trek – a popular 1-night trek with Dhauladhar views.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹5,000–₹6,000 for a weekend.
- SUV: ₹7,000–₹8,500 with extra boot space for trekking gear.
5. Ludhiana to Dharamshala
Dharamshala offers a quieter alternative to McLeodganj with better road access and scenic views. There are beautiful tea gardens spread over hundreds of acres. The town is situated against the mighty Dhauladhar mountain range and is ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Distance: Dharamshala is 190-195 km from Ludhiana and just a short drive away from McLeodganj. From Ludhiana, it would take around 5-6 hours.
Places to Visit in Dharamshala:
- Cricket Stadium (HPCA) – scenic stadium with snow peaks in the background.
- War Memorial, tea gardens and local markets.
- McLeodganj is just a short uphill drive if you want the best of both worlds.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹4,800–₹5,800 for a 2-day trip.
- SUV: ₹6,800–₹8,000.
6. Ludhiana to Dalhousie Weekend Trip
Dalhousie is a peaceful little hill station where you can explore old churches, pine forests, and panoramic viewpoints. You won’t find much crowd here compared to Shimla and Manali, making it great for a calm and relaxing trip.
Distance: The trip will be 245-250 km long from Ludhiana. You can reach there in about 5-6 hours under normal conditions.
Places to Visit in Dalhousie:
- Subhash Baoli & Gandhi Chowk – relaxed walks and sunset views.
- Panchpula – waterfalls and short hikes.
- Local Tibetan markets for winter wear.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹6,000–₹7,000 for a weekend.
- SUV: ₹8,000–₹9,500.
7. Ludhiana to Khajjar Trip
Khajjar is a beautiful meadow surrounded by dense deodar forests and rolling hills. The open grassland and small lake make it ideal for photography and family picnics. You can visit here along with Dalhousie for a relaxing hill experience.
Distance: The distance from Ludhiana to Khajjar is approximately 260-270 km. You can reach there in 5-6 hours under normal traffic conditions.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹6,500–₹7,500 for a Dalhousie+Khajjiar weekend.
- SUV: ₹8,500–₹10,000.
8. Ludhiana to Chail
From Chail, you can witness the panoramic views of the nearby Himalayan mountain range. This place is famous for its dense forests and beautiful viewpoints. If you prefer peaceful hill towns without the rush of tourists, this place is for you.
Distance: The journey from Ludhiana to Chail will be approximately 205-220 km long. You can reach there in 5-6 hours under minimal traffic via Solan.
Places to Visit in Chail:
- Chail Palace & gardens
- \Kali Ka Tibba – hilltop temple with panoramic views
- Quiet forest trails, ideal if you find Shimla too crowded.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ~5,000–₹6,000 for 2 days.
- SUV: ₹7,000–₹8,500.
9. Ludhiana to Kasauli Road Trip
Closest to Ludhiana, it is popular for its colonial-era churches, peaceful areas where you can explore on foot, and stunning valley viewpoints. It is an ideal short trip destination from Ludhiana.
Distance: Just 160-170 km from Ludhiana. A short drive of 4-5 hours will take you to Kasauli under normal traffic and breaks.
Places to Visit in Kasauli:
- Mall Road & Christ Church – small but charming colonial-era town centre.
- Monkey Point – Air Force-controlled viewpoint with valley panoramas.
- Easy walks through pine forests and peaceful homestays.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: starting around ₹3,000–₹4,000 for a short 2-day trip.
- SUV: approx. ₹4,500–₹6,000.
10. Ludhiana to Tirthan Valley
You will love this place if you enjoy riverside stays, forest walks, and mountain views. Tirthan Valley is a beautiful natural paradise located near the Great Himalayan National Park.
Distance: Tirthan Valley is around 260-295 km away from Ludhiana. It will take you 6-8 hours to reach Tirthan Valley under regular traffic via NH 205.
Places to Visit in Tirthan Valley:
- Riverside stays near the Tirthan River
- Short hikes inside the Great Himalayan National Park
- Trout fishing, village walks and bonfire nights.
Estimated Fare:
- Sedan: ₹7,000–₹8,500 for a 2-night trip.
- SUV: ₹9,500–₹12,000.
Tips to Save Money on Weekend Taxi Trips
Early Booking: It is always recommended to book your rides in advance to secure better deals and ensure on-time availability.
Avoid Peak Dates: During the New Year, Christmas, summer vacation, and other such peak times, you will experience heavy traffic and higher hotel prices in Manali, Shimla, Kasauli and Tirthan. It is best to plan your 2-day trips near Ludhiana on regular weekends or mid-weeks.
Choose Round-Trip Packages: One-way rides are typically less expensive. But for the genuinely cheapest outstation cab service in Ludhiana, a round-trip package often works out better. Tour operators like Chiku Cab offer competitive round-trip pricing for sedans, SUVs, and tempo travellers across Punjab-Himachal routes.
Why Chiku Cab can be a Reliable option for a Weekend Trip from Ludhiana?
- They are a trusted cab service provider, operating on the Punjab-Himachal routes since 2018. They are experienced on this route and plan the trip efficiently, taking into account current travel conditions.
- Their drivers are experienced and regularly navigate these hilly routes, and are familiar with snow chains, steep climbs and safe overtaking zones. The drivers are all background-checked and police-verified.
- They offer a range of vehicle options, from compact hatchbacks to spacious tempo travellers. The vehicles are equipped with various safety features and comforting amenities as well.
- Chiku Cab’s billing system is completely transparent, ensuring fair pricing with no hidden fees. You don’t have to face any last-minute charges. A complete fare breakdown is mentioned upfront on their website.
FAQs About Weekend Trips from Ludhiana
Q. Which is the best weekend destination from Ludhiana?
A. There are many places that you can explore from Ludhiana’s outstation gateway. Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, McLeodganj and Kasauli are among the best weekend destinations from Ludhiana.
Q. What is the taxi fare from Ludhiana to Shimla?
A. The taxi fare for Ludhiana to Shimla starts from ₹4,500-₹5-500 for a sedan and ₹6,500-₹7,500 for an SUV for a 2-day round-trip.
Q. Which hill stations are closest to Ludhiana?
A. Kasauli, Chail and Shimla are the closest hill stations to Ludhiana, within 170-220 km. They are great short-trip destinations from Ludhiana.
Q. Are outstation taxis safe for the Himachal trip?
A. Yes, outstation taxis of Chiku Cab are very safe and reliable. They provide licensed vehicles, verified drivers, and GPS-enabled cabs.
Q. How early should I book a taxi for weekend travel?
A. If you are visiting any popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, try to book at least 2-4 days in advance to ensure affordable accommodation and vehicle availability.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
