How to Reach Manali from Delhi
How to Reach Manali from Delhi – Complete Travel Guide
Manali, a beautiful hill station nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners. Located in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is famous for its snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, apple orchards, and thrilling activities like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking.
If you’re planning a trip, one of the most common questions is, “How do I reach Manali from Delhi?”
Delhi, being a major metro city, is well-connected to Manali by road, bus, flight, and train. In this guide, we’ll explain all possible travel options, their costs, travel time, and tips to make your journey smooth.
1. Distance Between Delhi and Manali
How to Reach Manali from Delhi
The distance between Delhi and Manali is approximately 540 km.
Depending on the mode of travel, it can take anywhere from 10 to 14 hours to reach Manali. The most common and budget-friendly way is to travel by bus or car via NH44 and NH3.
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Distance by Road: 540 – 560 km
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Travel Time by Road: 10 – 12 hours (non-stop)
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Nearest Airport to Manali: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu (50 km away)
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Nearest Railway Station to Manali: Joginder Nagar (160 km away)
2. How to Reach Manali by Road (Car or Taxi)
How to Reach Manali from Delhi Traveling by road from Delhi to Manali is the most scenic and flexible option. You can either self-drive or hire a private taxi. The route takes you through Panipat, Kurukshetra, Chandigarh, Mandi, and Kullu, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Best Route from Delhi to Manali:
Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
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Total Distance: ~540 km
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Travel Time: 10-12 hours (depending on traffic and breaks)
Cost of Traveling by Taxi:
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Sedan: ₹9 – ₹12 per km (approx. ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 one way)
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SUV: ₹12 – ₹15 per km (approx. ₹7,500 – ₹8,500 one way)
Tips for Road Trip:
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Start early in the morning to avoid Delhi traffic.
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Keep snacks and water handy as food options become limited after Mandi.
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Drive cautiously on mountain roads, especially at night.
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Check road conditions in monsoon due to landslides.
3. How to Reach Manali by Bus
How to Reach Manali from Delhi Taking a Delhi to Manali bus is the most popular and budget-friendly way to travel. There are regular buses run by HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation), Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HPTDC), and private operators like Volvo, Himachal Travels, and Zingbus.
Types of Buses:
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Ordinary / Non-AC Bus – ₹600 – ₹800
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Semi-Deluxe / Deluxe Bus – ₹800 – ₹1,000
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Volvo / Luxury Sleeper Bus – ₹1,200 – ₹1,800
Travel Time:
12 – 14 hours (overnight journey recommended)
Boarding Points in Delhi:
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ISBT Kashmiri Gate
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Majnu Ka Tila
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RK Ashram Metro Station
Why Choose a Volvo Bus?
Volvo buses are comfortable, safe, and ideal for overnight travel. They usually have reclining seats, charging ports, and blankets for a cozy journey.
4. How to Reach Manali by Flight
Manali does not have its own airport, but the nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, located 50 km from Manali.
You can take a direct or connecting flight to Bhuntar from Delhi and then hire a taxi or take a local bus to Manali.
Popular Airlines Flying Delhi to Bhuntar:
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IndiGo
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Air India
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SpiceJet
Travel Details:
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Flight Duration: 1.5 hours (Delhi to Bhuntar)
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Taxi from Bhuntar to Manali: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
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Total Travel Time: 4 – 5 hours (including airport transfer)
Pros & Cons of Flying:
Pros: Saves time, very comfortable
Cons: Flight tickets are expensive, weather can cause delays or cancellations, especially in winter.
5. How to Reach Manali by Train
Manali does not have a direct railway station, but you can take a train to a nearby station and continue your journey by road.
Nearest Railway Stations to Manali:
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Joginder Nagar Railway Station – 160 km from Manali
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Chandigarh Railway Station – 310 km from Manali
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Ambala Cantt Railway Station – 350 km from Manali
After reaching any of these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.
Tip: Chandigarh is the most convenient railway station as there are frequent buses and taxis to Manali.
6. Delhi to Manali Travel Comparison
| Mode of Travel | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car / Taxi | 10 – 12 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹8,500 | Family & Flexible Travel |
| Bus (Volvo) | 12 – 14 hours | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | Budget Travelers |
| Flight | 4 – 5 hours | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 | Quick Travel |
| Train + Taxi | 10 – 12 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | Scenic Journey |
7. Best Time to Travel from Delhi to Manali
Manali has different charms each season, so your travel experience depends on when you go:
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Summer (March – June): Best for sightseeing and adventure sports.
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Monsoon (July – September): Beautiful but risky due to landslides.
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Winter (October – February): Ideal for snowfall lovers and honeymooners.
Pro Tip: Book tickets and hotels in advance during peak season (May-June & Dec-Jan).
8. Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
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Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as nights can be chilly.
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If traveling by road, carry medicines for motion sickness.
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Keep cash handy, as some areas have poor internet connectivity for UPI payments.
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Check weather updates on ManaliWeather.com before your trip.
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If you want to witness snowfall, plan your trip between December and February.
Conclusion
Reaching Manali from Delhi is easy and exciting, with multiple travel options to suit every budget and preference.
Whether you choose a scenic road trip, a comfortable Volvo bus, a quick flight, or a train journey combined with a road trip, the breathtaking views of Himachal Pradesh make the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to explore the magical beauty of Manali!
Where is Manali Located | Packers and Movers in Manali
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