How to Go Manali from Kolkata
How to Go Manali from Kolkata – Complete Travel Guide
Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India, known for its snow-capped mountains, adventure activities, and beautiful landscapes. If you live in Kolkata and are planning a trip to Manali, you might be wondering about the best ways to travel, including trains, flights, and buses.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to reach Manali from Kolkata, including travel routes, transportation options, travel time, costs, and tips to make your journey comfortable.
How to Go Manali from Kolkata – Distance Between Kolkata and Manali
How to Go Manali from Kolkata- The distance between Kolkata and Manali is approximately 1,950 – 2,000 km, depending on the route you take. Since Manali does not have its own railway station or airport, you’ll need to travel via a nearby city like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Kullu and then take a road trip or bus to Manali How to Go Manali from Kolkata.
| Travel Mode | Approx Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Flight + Road Trip | 1,950 km | 8-12 hours |
| Train + Road Trip | 1,950 km | 36-40 hours |
| Bus (Multiple Changes) | 1,950 km | 40-45 hours |
| Car (Self-Drive) | 1,950 km | 36-40 hours |
1. Kolkata to Manali by Flight – Fastest Way
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Kolkata to Manali is by flight. Since there is no direct airport in Manali, you can book a flight to Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar) or Chandigarh Airport, and then travel by road.
Step-by-Step Flight Journey
-
Step 1: Take a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Kullu-Manali Airport.
-
Step 2: From the airport, hire a taxi or take a volvo bus to reach Manali.
| Route | Flight Time | Road Time to Manali |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata → Kullu (Bhuntar) | 4 hrs (1 stop) | 1-1.5 hrs by taxi |
| Kolkata → Chandigarh | 2.5 hrs | 7-8 hrs by bus/taxi |
| Kolkata → Delhi | 2.5 hrs | 12-14 hrs by bus/taxi |
Approx Cost:
-
Kolkata → Kullu flight: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 (one way)
-
Kolkata → Delhi/Chandigarh flight: ₹4,500 – ₹8,000 (one way)
-
Taxi from Bhuntar to Manali: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
-
Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person
Travel Tip:
Book your flight at least 30-45 days in advance to get cheaper fares, especially during Manali peak season (April to June and December to February).
2. How to Go Manali from Kolkata – Kolkata to Manali by Train – Budget-Friendly Option
If you want to travel on a budget, you can take a train from Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh, and then continue by road to Manali. There is no direct train to Manali, as the nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, which is not easily accessible from Kolkata.
Popular Train Routes:
-
Kolkata → Delhi → Manali
-
Kolkata → Chandigarh → Manali
| Train Route | Travel Time | Approx Fare (Sleeper Class) |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata → Delhi | 18-22 hrs | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Kolkata → Chandigarh | 20-24 hrs | ₹600 – ₹1,800 |
Next Step – Road Journey
After reaching Delhi or Chandigarh, you can book:
-
Volvo AC Bus to Manali – Comfortable and affordable.
-
Private Taxi – Ideal for families or groups.
| From | By Bus | By Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Manali | 12-14 hrs | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
| Chandigarh to Manali | 7-8 hrs | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
Travel Tip:
Try to book Himalayan Queen Express or Kolkata Rajdhani Express to Delhi for faster travel and better comfort.
3. Kolkata to Manali by Bus – Long Journey
How to Go Manali from Kolkata Traveling entirely by bus is possible but not recommended due to the long distance. You’ll need to:
-
Take a bus from Kolkata to Delhi (or Chandigarh).
-
From Delhi/Chandigarh, board a Volvo or state transport bus to Manali.
| Route | Travel Time | Approx Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata → Delhi | 36-38 hrs | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Delhi → Manali | 12-14 hrs | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
This option is best for backpackers or solo travelers on a very tight budget.
4. Kolkata to Manali by Road (Self-Drive or Cab)
How to Go Manali from Kolkata, If you love road trips, you can drive from Kolkata to Manali, but keep in mind it is a long journey of around 36-40 hours of driving. You’ll pass through several states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
-
Best Route: Kolkata → Varanasi → Lucknow → Delhi → Chandigarh → Manali
-
Total Distance: ~1,950 km
-
Ideal Stopovers: Varanasi, Lucknow, Chandigarh
Travel Tip:
Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced, and keep extra fuel, snacks, and emergency supplies handy. Traveling with two drivers is recommended for safety and comfort.
Best Way to Travel – Quick Comparison
| Mode | Travel Time | Comfort | Approx Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | 8-12 hrs | ★★★★★ | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | Families, short trips |
| Train + Bus | 36-40 hrs | ★★★☆☆ | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | Budget travelers |
| Bus Only | 40-45 hrs | ★★☆☆☆ | ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 | Backpackers |
| Road Trip | 36-40 hrs | ★★★★☆ | ₹10,000+ (fuel & tolls) | Adventure lovers |
Best Time to Visit Manali
Your mode of travel may also depend on when you’re visiting Manali, as weather conditions can impact road travel.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March – June | Pleasant weather, sightseeing, adventure sports |
| Monsoon | July – September | Lush greenery, but heavy rains can cause landslides |
| Winter | October – February | Snowfall, skiing, honeymoon trips |
Pro Tip:
If you are planning a snowfall trip, visit between December and February, but choose flight + taxi for safety as roads may be slippery.
How to Go Manali from Kolkata – Final Tips for Travelers
-
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
-
Carry motion sickness medicines if you’re traveling by road or bus.
-
Always check Manali weather updates before starting your journey.
-
For comfortable travel, prefer overnight Volvo buses from Delhi or Chandigarh.
-
Pack warm clothes even in summer, as Manali evenings can get chilly.
Conclusion
Traveling from Kolkata to Manali may seem like a long journey, but with proper planning, it can be smooth and enjoyable.
-
If you want speed and comfort, book a flight + taxi.
-
If you are on a budget, choose train + Volvo bus.
-
For adventure lovers, a road trip is an unforgettable experience.
No matter which travel mode you choose, Manali’s breathtaking beauty will make every effort worth it!
How to Go to Manali from Mumbai | Is It Safe to Visit Manali in December
About The Author
