Dharamshala to McLeodganj taxi fare — how much does it cost?

Dharamshala and McLeodganj are essentially the same town at different elevations — McLeodganj sits about 9 km uphill from the lower Dharamshala area. The ride is short but the road winds steeply, so here's what to expect:

Private taxi (one-way): ₹300–₹500 (~$3.15–$5.25 USD) for a hatchback or sedan. This is the standard rate from taxi stands at Dharamshala Bus Stand or Kangra Station. Prices quoted online by aggregator apps are often inflated — always ask locally or at your hotel.

Shared cab: ₹15–₹20 per person (~$0.20 USD). Shared cabs run all day from the bus stand and drop you right at McLeodganj Square. This is what most locals use and it's perfectly safe.

Auto-rickshaw: ₹150–₹200 for the lower section of the climb, but they can't make it all the way to upper McLeodganj.

From Kangra Airport: If you've just landed, a private taxi from the airport (about 22 km) to McLeodganj costs ₹1,200–₹1,500 (~$12.60–$15.75 USD) and takes around 45–60 minutes.

From Delhi: If you're planning the full trip from Delhi to McLeodganj (475 km), EZPZ Taxi one-way fares start at ₹4,987 for a hatchback and ₹5,937 for a sedan.

US travellers note: Once you're in McLeodganj, everything is walkable — Namgyal Monastery, the Dalai Lama's temple, Bhagsu Waterfall, and all the cafes are within easy walking distance. You won't need a cab again until you're leaving.