How to Reach Manali – Easy travel guide with Road, Train & Air

A complete guide to travelling to Himachal’s favourite hill station, from Delhi and beyond

The journey to Manali is more than just a transfer from one place to another. It’s the moment you begin to slow down, breathe deeply, and watch the plains give way to pine forests, winding river valleys, and cool mountain air. Whether you’re heading for snow in the winter, sunshine and apple blossoms in the spring, or just the freedom of being in the hills, getting to Manali is part of the experience.

Nestled at 2,050 metres above sea level in the Kullu Valley, Manali is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most visited hill stations — a gateway to the Himalayas and an evergreen favourite with everyone from honeymooners to trekkers, families, and slow travellers.

But it’s not a place you fly directly into or zip over to on a fast train. Manali takes a little planning to reach, especially if you want the journey to be as comfortable as the destination is beautiful.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to reach Manali, including all the best routes by road, rail, and air — with special focus on travel from Delhi, the most common launch point.

Understanding Where Manali Is

Manali lies in northern Himachal Pradesh, around 530 km north of Delhi, 300 km from Chandigarh, and 40 km from Kullu. It’s set along the banks of the Beas River and surrounded by towering peaks, apple orchards, and dense deodar forests.

Because of its elevation and terrain, Manali does not have its own airport or railway station. Most travellers arrive by road or use a combination of air or train followed by a car or bus journey. Read also: Adventure Activities in Manali You Must Try

Option 1: By Air – Fastest Route (Via Kullu Airport)

Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar)

Distance to Manali: 50 km (1.5–2 hours by road)
Location: Bhuntar, between Kullu and Manali

The quickest way to reach Manali is to fly into Bhuntar Airport, which is served by a small number of flights — mainly from Delhi.

Airlines & Routes (As of 2025)

IndiGo: Delhi to Bhuntar – daily or near-daily flights
Alliance Air: Regional carrier with occasional service
Private charters: Available but expensive, ideal for luxury travellers

Things to Know

Flight schedules are weather-dependent — cancellations and delays are common, especially in winter and monsoon
The airport is small but functional, with taxis available outside
Pre-booking your taxi to Manali is recommended to avoid waiting or inflated fares

Ideal For: Travellers short on time, families with children, or those wanting to skip a long road journey

Check Manali Itinerary:

Option 2: By Train – Closest Stations and Transfer Routes

Manali does not have a railway station. The nearest railway stations lie in the foothills or outer regions of Himachal Pradesh and require onward road travel. How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Train

Best Railway Station: Chandigarh Railway Station

Distance from Manali: 300 km
Travel time to Manali by road: 8–9 hours
Why it’s ideal: Chandigarh is well-connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, and Kolkata

From Chandigarh, you can hire a private cab or board one of the many Volvo buses operated by Himachal Tourism, HRTC, or private companies.

Other Nearby Railway Options

1. Una Railway Station

Distance: ~250 km from Manali
Well-connected from Delhi and Punjab

2. Joginder Nagar Railway Station

Distance: ~160 km from Manali
Accessible via narrow-gauge train from Pathankot
Scenic but slow; best for adventurous travellers exploring Kangra Valley en route

3. Ambala Cantt Junction

Distance: ~310 km from Manali
Another well-connected station with frequent trains from Delhi

Ideal For: Budget travellers, train enthusiasts, or those combining Manali with other destinations like Chandigarh or Dharamshala

Option 3: By Road – The Most Popular Way to Reach Manali

For many, the road to Manali is part of the charm. It’s the route that slowly lifts you out of the plains and into a world of waterfalls, winding curves, pine forests, and the distant call of the mountains.

Whether you’re self-driving, hiring a cab, or hopping on a Volvo bus, road travel is the most common way to reach Manali — especially from Delhi or Chandigarh.

By Bus: Comfortable and Cost-Effective

Buses to Manali are widely available, ranging from basic overnight coaches to luxury AC Volvos with reclining seats and onboard entertainment.

From Delhi:

Distance: 530 km
Travel Time: 12–14 hours
Departure Points: ISBT Kashmere Gate, RK Ashram, Majnu-ka-Tila
Operators: HPTDC (Himachal Tourism), HRTC, Zingbus, Laxmi Holidays, Swagatam, Snow Region Tours

From Chandigarh:

Distance: 300 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours
Departure Point: Sector 43 ISBT

Bus Fare (Delhi–Manali):

Type of Bus	Fare Range
Non-AC Deluxe	₹700–₹1,000
AC Volvo/Sleeper	₹1,200–₹1,800
Luxury Private Coach	₹2,000+

Best Time to Travel: Overnight journeys let you sleep en route and arrive in Manali by morning.

Ideal For: Solo travellers, budget-conscious groups, and those who prefer not to drive

By Car or Taxi: Flexible and Scenic

Driving to Manali offers freedom and flexibility — especially if you’re planning multiple stops, travelling with family, or just enjoy scenic drives.

Delhi to Manali Road Route:

Delhi → Panipat → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Total Distance: Around 530–550 km
Travel Time: 12 to 14 hours (depending on breaks and traffic)

Road Conditions:

Good 4-lane highways till Bilaspur
From Bilaspur to Manali, the road becomes narrower and more winding
Beautiful river-side stretches near Mandi and Kullu
Occasional bottlenecks near Aut Tunnel or Kullu town in peak season

Taxi Fare (One-Way):

From Delhi: ₹7,000–₹10,000 depending on car type
From Chandigarh: ₹4,000–₹6,000

Ideal For: Families, groups, or travellers wanting control over their stops and schedule

From Delhi to Manali: Best Route Options

If you’re beginning your journey in Delhi, here are your main options:

1. Fly to Bhuntar + Taxi to Manali

Fastest option (~4 hours total)
Recommended if flight timings suit and weather is clear

2. Train to Chandigarh + Bus or Cab to Manali

Ideal mix of comfort and affordability
Breaks journey into manageable legs

3. Overnight Volvo Bus from Delhi

Direct, convenient, cost-effective
Arrive in Manali fresh in the morning

4. Self-drive or hire a private taxi

Full flexibility, scenic, but requires stamina and careful driving, especially in hilly sections

When to Travel and What to Expect

Best Travel Seasons

April to June: Pleasant, green, and ideal for outdoor sightseeing
October to early December: Clear skies, crisp air, post-monsoon beauty
December to February: Snowy, magical, but check road conditions
July to September: Monsoon can bring landslides — travel with caution

Road Travel Considerations

Start early if self-driving
Keep motion sickness medicine handy for winding roads
Avoid driving at night, especially post-Mandi
Fuel up before Bilaspur or Mandi

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Journey for You

There’s no one “best” way to reach Manali — it depends on your pace, preferences, budget, and travel companions. Some will want the ease of a short flight and a car waiting. Others prefer the romance of a long road trip or the rhythm of train travel combined with mountain drives.

However you arrive, the journey is part of the story — one that winds through plains, foothills, river valleys, and finally, to a place where the mountains rise above everything else.

Manali awaits. The only question is: how will you get there?

Explore Now:

How Can we go to Manali – By Road, Train and Air

Understanding Where Manali Is

Option 1: By Air – Fastest Route (Via Kullu Airport)