How to Reach Manali From Delhi

How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Train, Bus, Flight, Car & Road (Complete Guide)

Manali, nestled in the beautiful Himachal Pradesh mountains, is one of the most loved hill stations in India. Known for its snow-capped peaks, adventure activities, and breathtaking valleys, it attracts travelers all year round. If you are planning a trip and wondering how to reach Manali from Delhi, this complete guide will help you choose the best travel option—whether by train, bus, flight, car, or road.

For additional details about Manali, you can also check out this complete Manali travel guide

Best Time to Visit Manali

Before planning your journey, it’s good to know the best time to visit Manali:

• Summer (March – June): Pleasant weather with temperatures between 10°C to 25°C, ideal for trekking, paragliding, and sightseeing.
• Winter (October – February): Perfect for snow lovers. The valley turns into a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain vibes.
• Monsoon (July – September): Avoid heavy rains as landslides are common, but the greenery is mesmerizing.

How to Reach Manali from Delhi

Traveling from Delhi to Manali is an adventure in itself. The distance is around 540 km, and depending on your choice of transport, it may take 1.5 hours to 14 hours. Let’s explore all possible options:

How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Bus

One of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to reach Manali is by bus.

• Duration: 12 – 14 hours
• Starting Point: Kashmere Gate ISBT or Majnu Ka Tila in Delhi
• Options:
  • Volvo Buses (Luxury): Comfortable, air-conditioned, with push-back seats.
  • HRTC and HPTDC Buses: Government-run, reliable, with both deluxe and semi-deluxe options.
  • Private Operators: Offer sleeper, semi-sleeper, and luxury buses.

Tip: Overnight buses are very convenient as they save one night’s stay and drop you in Manali early morning.

How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Train

There is no direct train to Manali, but you can reach nearby stations and then continue by road.

• Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar (165 km away)
  • From Joginder Nagar, taxis and buses take about 5–6 hours to reach Manali.
• Alternative: Chandigarh Railway Station (310 km away)
  • Better train connectivity from Delhi. From Chandigarh, buses and taxis are easily available, taking around 8–9 hours to Manali.

So, if you are searching for ‘how to reach Manali from Delhi by train’ or ‘how to reach Manali from Delhi via train’, remember you need to combine train + road travel.

How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Flight / By Air

If time is short, flying is the fastest option.

• Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 50 km from Manali.
• Flight Duration: 1.5 hours (Delhi → Bhuntar)
• Further Travel:
  • Taxi from Bhuntar to Manali takes 1.5–2 hours.
  • Buses are also available for budget travelers.

Note: Weather conditions often affect flights, so always check the schedule in advance.

This option is best if you want a quick and comfortable journey. So if you are asking, “How to reach Manali from Delhi by flight or air?”—this is the most suitable choice.

How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Car / By Road

For road trip lovers, driving from Delhi to Manali is an unforgettable experience.

• Distance: 540 km
• Duration: 12 – 14 hours (depending on traffic and breaks)
• Route Options:
  1. Delhi – Chandigarh – Mandi – Kullu – Manali
  2. Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Bilaspur – Manali

The drive offers scenic views of mountains, rivers, and valleys. Many travelers prefer to stop at Chandigarh or Kullu for a break before continuing.

Pro Tip: Start early morning to avoid traffic and reach Manali safely before night.

Local Transportation in Manali

Once you reach Manali, getting around is easy and exciting:

• Taxis & Auto-rickshaws: Convenient for local sightseeing.
• Bikes & Scooters on Rent: Perfect for adventure-loving travelers.
• Himachal Pradesh Tourism Buses: Affordable option for nearby attractions like Kullu, Naggar, and Vashisht.

Packing Essentials for Manali

Before you head out, here’s a quick checklist:

• Luggage & Bags: Durable suitcase, small daypack, waterproof bag cover.
• Clothing: Layered clothes, thermals in winter, trekking gear, raincoat/umbrella in monsoon.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes and trekking shoes.
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, first aid kit, personal medications, camera, and travel documents.

Which Travel Option is Best?

• Budget Travelers: Overnight bus from Delhi.
• Quick Trip: Flight from Delhi to Bhuntar + taxi.
• Adventure Seekers: Self-drive or road trip.
• Railway Lovers: Train to Chandigarh/Joginder Nagar + bus/taxi.

Each option has its charm, so choose based on your comfort, time, and budget.

How to Reach Manali from Delhi – FAQs

1. Is there a direct train from Delhi to Manali?

No, there is no direct train from Delhi to Manali. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar (165 km away). Alternatively, travelers often take a train to Chandigarh (310 km) and then continue by taxi or bus.

2. What is the fastest way to reach Manali from Delhi?

The fastest way is to take a flight from Delhi to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), which takes about 1.5 hours. From Bhuntar, you can reach Manali in another 1.5–2 hours by taxi.

3. How long does it take to reach Manali from Delhi by bus?

By bus, the journey usually takes 12–14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Overnight Volvo buses are a popular and comfortable option.

4. Can I drive from Delhi to Manali by car?

Yes, you can. The distance is around 540 km, and it takes 12–14 hours to drive, depending on breaks. The route via Delhi – Chandigarh – Kullu – Manali is scenic and widely used.

5. How to reach Manali from Delhi by flight?

Take a flight from Delhi to Bhuntar Airport. From Bhuntar, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali in about 1.5–2 hours.

6. Which bus is best from Delhi to Manali?

Luxury Volvo buses operated by HRTC, HPTDC, and private companies are the best options. They offer push-back seats, air conditioning, and comfortable overnight journeys.

7. How to reach Manali from Delhi by road?

You can either drive your own car or hire a taxi. The journey takes 12–14 hours, with routes passing through Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu.

8. How far is Manali from Delhi?

The distance between Delhi and Manali is approximately 540 km by road.

9. Is it safe to travel from Delhi to Manali by road at night?

While many buses operate overnight, self-driving at night is not recommended due to hilly terrain, sharp curves, and fog in winters. If driving, start early morning instead.

10. Which is the nearest airport to Manali?

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), located about 50 km from Manali. From there, taxis and buses are available to reach Manali.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know exactly how to reach Manali from Delhi, you can plan your trip hassle-free. Whether you love long road trips, scenic train journeys, quick flights, or overnight buses, Manali is always worth the effort.

For more details about attractions, activities, and best travel tips, visit the full Manali travel guide here.

Pack your bags, get your camera ready, and head to the mountains—the beauty of Manali is waiting for you!