How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar

How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar – Complete Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Manali from Bhubaneswar? Manali, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is one of India’s most popular hill stations. Known for its snow-capped peaks, adventure sports, beautiful valleys, and pleasant weather, it attracts travelers throughout the year.
Since there is no direct flight, train, or bus from Bhubaneswar to Manali, you will need to combine different travel modes such as flights, trains, and road trips. In this blog, we will cover all possible routes, travel tips, and estimated costs to help you plan a smooth journey.
1. How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar Distance Between Bhubaneswar and Manali
The total distance between Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Manali (Himachal Pradesh) is approximately 2,100 – 2,200 km by road. Depending on the route you choose, the travel time may vary.
Mode of Travel | Approx Distance | Travel Time |
---|---|---|
By Flight + Road | 2,100 km | 8 – 12 hours |
By Train + Road | 2,200 km | 36 – 42 hours |
By Bus (Multiple Changes) | 2,200+ km | 48+ hours |
2. How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar by Flight ✈️ (Fastest Way)
The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Manali is by flight. Though Manali does not have its own airport, you can fly to Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar), Chandigarh Airport, or Delhi Airport, and then travel by road.
Steps to Travel by Flight:
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Book a flight from Bhubaneswar (BBI) to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Kullu-Manali.
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Bhubaneswar to Delhi: Daily flights available.
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Bhubaneswar to Chandigarh: Limited flights, usually via Delhi.
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Bhubaneswar to Kullu-Manali: No direct flight; requires connecting flights.
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From the airport, take a taxi, private cab, or bus to Manali.
Airport Option | Nearest Airport Distance to Manali | Road Travel Time |
---|---|---|
Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar) | 50 km | 1.5 – 2 hours |
Chandigarh Airport | 310 km | 7 – 8 hours |
Delhi Airport | 540 km | 12 – 14 hours |
Tip: The most convenient and cost-effective option is Bhubaneswar → Delhi by flight and then Delhi → Manali by overnight Volvo bus or cab.
Approximate Cost:
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Bhubaneswar to Delhi flight: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 (one way)
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Delhi to Manali Volvo bus: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
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Taxi from Delhi to Manali: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
3. How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar by Train 🚆 (Budget-Friendly Option)
There is no direct train to Manali since it’s a hill station. You can take a train from Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) to Chandigarh, Ambala, or Delhi, and then continue the journey by road.
Popular Train Options:
Train Name | From – To | Approx Travel Time |
---|---|---|
Hirakund Express | Bhubaneswar – Amritsar (via Delhi) | 40 – 42 hours |
Utkal Express | Bhubaneswar – Haridwar (via Delhi) | 38 – 40 hours |
Nandankanan Express | Bhubaneswar – Delhi | 34 – 36 hours |
How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar Next Step: Road Journey to Manali
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From Delhi or Chandigarh, take a Volvo AC bus, taxi, or self-drive car to Manali.
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Travel time:
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Chandigarh to Manali – 7 to 8 hours
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Delhi to Manali – 12 to 14 hours
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Approximate Cost:
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Train ticket (Sleeper): ₹800 – ₹1,200
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Train ticket (AC 3-Tier): ₹2,000 – ₹2,800
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Volvo bus: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
4. How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar – Bhubaneswar to Manali by Road 🚗 (For Adventure Lovers)
If you love road trips, you can travel the entire distance by car or bike. However, this is only suitable for experienced drivers as the journey is long and challenging.
Recommended Route:
Bhubaneswar → Cuttack → Raipur → Nagpur → Jhansi → Delhi → Chandigarh → Manali
Segment | Approx Distance | Time |
---|---|---|
Bhubaneswar to Delhi | 1,700 km | 28 – 30 hours |
Delhi to Manali | 540 km | 12 – 14 hours |
Tip: Break the journey into 3–4 days, with halts at major cities like Raipur, Nagpur, and Delhi.
Approximate Fuel Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 (one way)
Toll Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹5,000
5. Bus Travel from Bhubaneswar to Manali 🚌
There is no direct bus service from Bhubaneswar to Manali. However, you can take a bus or train to Delhi, and then continue with a Volvo bus to Manali.
Step | Details |
---|---|
Bhubaneswar → Delhi | Bus or train (35–40 hours) |
Delhi → Manali | Volvo AC bus (12–14 hours) |
Best Volvo Bus Operators:
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HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation)
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HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation)
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Private operators like Zingbus, RedBus, etc.
Cost:
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Bhubaneswar to Delhi Bus: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500
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Delhi to Manali Volvo Bus: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
6. Best Route Recommendation
For most travelers, the best way to reach Manali from Bhubaneswar is:
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Flight from Bhubaneswar to Delhi
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Overnight Volvo bus or taxi from Delhi to Manali
This option saves time and offers a comfortable travel experience.
Step | Cost Range | Time Required |
---|---|---|
Bhubaneswar to Delhi Flight | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 | 2.5 hours |
Delhi to Manali Volvo Bus | ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 | 12 – 14 hours |
Total | ₹5,000 – ₹8,800 | 15 – 17 hours |
7. How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar -Travel Tips for Bhubaneswar to Manali Trip
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Book tickets early, especially during peak tourist seasons like December–January and May–June.
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Check weather updates on ManaliWeather.com before traveling, especially in winter when heavy snowfall can block roads.
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How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar Carry warm clothes even during summer, as Manali’s evenings can be chilly.
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If traveling by road, carry essential medicines, snacks, and cash as ATMs may be limited in some areas.
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For budget travelers, combine train + Volvo bus to save money.
8. How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar Best Time to Visit Manali
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March – June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and adventure sports like paragliding and rafting.
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July – September: Monsoon season; lush green landscapes but frequent landslides.
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October – February: Snowfall season, perfect for honeymooners and snow lovers.
Conclusion
How to Reach Manali from Bhubaneswar – Reaching Manali from Bhubaneswar may seem challenging due to the distance, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth and enjoyable journey. The flight + bus option via Delhi is the most popular and time-saving choice. Whether you prefer speed, budget travel, or adventure, there’s a route for every traveler.
Manali’s breathtaking scenery, adventure activities, and serene vibe make the effort worthwhile. So, plan your trip, pack wisely, and get ready to experience the magic of Manali!
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