How to Go to Manali from Mumbai
How to Go to Manali from Mumbai – Complete Travel Guide
Manali is one of India’s most loved hill stations, known for its snow-covered mountains, adventure sports, and scenic valleys. If you are in Mumbai and planning a trip to Manali, you might be wondering about the best ways to reach Manali from Mumbai.
Since Manali doesn’t have its own airport or railway station, you need to combine different modes of transportation like flights, trains, and road travel. This guide will help you plan your journey easily, whether you’re traveling for a vacation, honeymoon, or adventure trip.
1.How to Go to Manali from Mumbai- Distance Between Mumbai and Manali
How to Go to Manali from Mumbai- The distance between Mumbai and Manali is approximately 1,950 km by road. Traveling directly by car or bus would take 30-35 hours, which is quite exhausting.
The most common and fastest way is to take a flight or train to Delhi or Chandigarh, and then travel to Manali by bus or taxi.
| Mode of Travel | Approx. Distance | Travel Time | Budget (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Road | 1,950 km | 8-10 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Train + Road | 1,950 km | 30-35 hours | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Bus (Direct) | 1,950 km | 32-36 hours | ₹4,000 – ₹6,500 |
| Car (Self-drive) | 1,950 km | 30-35 hours | Varies |
2. How to Reach Manali by Flight (Fastest Way)
How to Go to Manali from Mumbai The fastest way to reach Manali from Mumbai is by flight. While Manali has no airport, the nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu), located around 50 km from Manali.
However, there are very limited flights to Bhuntar, so most travelers prefer flying to Delhi or Chandigarh and then taking a bus or taxi.
Steps to travel via flight:
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Book a flight from Mumbai (BOM) to Delhi (DEL) or Chandigarh (IXC).
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From Delhi or Chandigarh, book a Volvo bus, taxi, or private cab to Manali.
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The road journey from Delhi to Manali takes 12-14 hours, while from Chandigarh it takes 7-8 hours.
| Route | Flight Duration | Road Duration | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai → Delhi → Manali | 2 hrs 30 min | 12-14 hrs | 15-17 hrs |
| Mumbai → Chandigarh → Manali | 2 hrs 40 min | 7-8 hrs | 10-11 hrs |
Cost:
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Flight ticket: ₹3,500 – ₹7,000 (one way)
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Bus/Taxi fare: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
Tip: Book flights and buses one month in advance to get cheaper rates, especially during peak tourist seasons like May-June and December-January.
3. How to Reach Manali by Train
Manali does not have a railway station, but you can take a train from Mumbai to Chandigarh or Ambala Cantt, which are the nearest major railway stations. From there, continue your journey by bus or taxi.
Popular Trains from Mumbai to Chandigarh:
| Train Name | Departure (Mumbai) | Arrival (Chandigarh) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paschim Express (12925) | 11:35 AM | 12:30 PM (next day) | 25 hrs |
| Swaraj Express (12471) | 11:00 AM | 12:20 PM (next day) | 25 hrs 20 min |
| Golden Temple Mail (12903) | 9:30 PM | 10:55 PM (next day) | 25 hrs 25 min |
Once you reach Chandigarh, you can take:
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Volvo Bus: ₹800 – ₹1,200 (7-8 hours)
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Private Taxi: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000
Total travel time by train + road: 32-36 hours
Budget-friendly option for backpackers and group travelers.
4. Mumbai to Manali by Road (Bus or Car)
If you love long drives or road trips, traveling from Mumbai to Manali by road can be an adventure. However, this is the longest and most tiring option.
By Bus:
There is no direct bus from Mumbai to Manali, but you can:
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Take a bus from Mumbai to Delhi (20-22 hours),
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Then board a Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali (12-14 hours).
This option takes around 32-36 hours total and costs ₹4,000 – ₹6,500.
By Car:
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Route: Mumbai → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Manali
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Distance: 1,950 km
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Travel time: 30-35 hours (with breaks)
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Best for: Road trip lovers traveling in a group.
5. Best Route Recommendation
For most travelers, the best and fastest route is:
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Flight from Mumbai to Chandigarh (2 hrs 40 min)
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Taxi or Volvo bus from Chandigarh to Manali (7-8 hrs)
This combination saves time and keeps the journey comfortable.
6. Best Time to Visit Manali
The best time to visit Manali depends on the experience you want:
| Season | Months | Weather | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | March – June | Pleasant, 10°C – 25°C | Sightseeing, adventure sports |
| Monsoon | July – September | Heavy rainfall | Lush greenery, peaceful stay |
| Winter | October – February | Snowfall, -2°C – 10°C | Honeymoon, snow activities |
Tip: For snow lovers, visit between December and February.
For pleasant weather and adventure sports, March to June is ideal.
7. Travel Tips for Mumbai to Manali Trip
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Book flights and buses in advance during peak season.
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If traveling by road, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
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Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as Manali evenings can be chilly.
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Keep some cash handy, as card payments may not work in remote areas.
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Check weather updates on ManaliWeather.com before planning activities.
Summary
How to Go to Manali from Mumbai- Reaching Manali from Mumbai may seem complicated at first, but with proper planning, it’s simple and fun.
The fastest way is flight to Chandigarh or Delhi + road trip to Manali, while the most budget-friendly way is train to Chandigarh + bus to Manali.
Whether you want to experience snowfall, adventure sports, or a relaxing holiday, Manali is worth every effort to reach.
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