Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is located in eastern India, while Manali is a popular hill station nestled in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Many travelers journey from Bhubaneswar to Manali to enjoy the cool mountain climate and scenic beauty.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bhubaneswar to Manali. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical tips to plan your trip efficiently and comfortably.

Getting from Bhubaneswar to Manali – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option, though it requires multiple changes due to the long distance. Trains connect Bhubaneswar to northern cities close to Manali, from where you can continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Manali are Chandigarh and Pathankot, both well connected by trains from Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS). The journey takes around 36 to 42 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Bhubaneswar–Chandigarh Superfast Express and Bhubaneswar–Amritsar Express, offering weekly or bi-weekly services with sleeper and AC classes.

• Train fares range from ₹800 to ₹2500 depending on class and train type. Booking through IRCTC is recommended 2-3 weeks in advance to secure confirmed seats, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals and summer holidays, so plan accordingly. Food options on trains vary; carrying snacks is advisable for the long journey.

• From Chandigarh or Pathankot, you can hire taxis or take buses to Manali, which is about 270 to 310 km away, requiring 7 to 9 hours by road.

Bus

Direct bus services from Bhubaneswar to Manali are rare due to the long distance and terrain. However, you can combine buses and taxis for a budget-friendly journey.

• Start by taking a bus from Bhubaneswar to Delhi or Chandigarh via state transport or private operators. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private Volvo buses operate on these routes.

• The bus journey from Bhubaneswar to Delhi takes approximately 30 to 36 hours, covering around 1700 km, with fares between ₹1000 and ₹2000 depending on the bus type.

• From Delhi or Chandigarh, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses run frequent Volvo and deluxe services to Manali, taking 8 to 10 hours and costing ₹600 to ₹1200.

• Bus travel can be tiring and less comfortable for such long distances. Night buses are common but may be crowded during holidays and weekends.

• Booking tickets online via official state transport websites or trusted portals is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure seat availability.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bhubaneswar to Manali is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The distance is about 2200 km and takes around 40 to 45 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH16 to Delhi, then NH44 and NH3 through Chandigarh to Manali. This route passes through major cities like Raipur, Nagpur, and Delhi.

• Expect toll plazas on national highways, with toll charges totaling around ₹1500 to ₹2000. Fuel costs will depend on your vehicle’s mileage but expect around ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 for the entire trip.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, or Delhi to rest. Road conditions are generally good on national highways but can be challenging near Manali, especially in winter due to snow and landslides.

• Self-drive allows you to explore en route attractions and travel at your own pace. Carry a physical map or GPS device, as mobile signals may be weak in hilly areas.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced before the trip. Carry essential documents, a first-aid kit, and emergency supplies, especially for mountain driving.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to cover the long distance between Bhubaneswar and Manali, though Manali does not have its own airport. You will need to combine flights with road travel.

• The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 50 km from Manali. Flights to Bhuntar are limited and mostly connect from Delhi.

• From Bhubaneswar, you can take direct flights to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which take around 3.5 to 4 hours. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate multiple daily flights.

• Flight fares from Bhubaneswar to Delhi typically range from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on the season and how early you book.

• From Delhi, you can take a connecting flight to Bhuntar, which takes about 1 hour. These flights are less frequent and may require advance booking.

• Alternatively, from Delhi, you can hire a taxi or take a Volvo bus to Manali, which takes 12 to 14 hours by road. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Delhi airport for onward travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bhubaneswar to Manali, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to get confirmed seats and better prices, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Chandigarh or Pathankot stations and pre-book a taxi or bus to Manali to avoid last-minute transport issues in hilly terrain.

• For bus travel, check schedules on official state transport websites and book tickets online to secure seats on long-distance buses from Bhubaneswar to Delhi or Chandigarh.

• If driving, plan your route carefully using GPS and schedule overnight stops in major cities to rest and refuel, ensuring your vehicle is in good condition for mountain roads.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, especially if traveling in winter, and carry snacks and water for long stretches without food stops, particularly on road journeys.

• Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy. Inform family or friends about your travel plan and expected arrival times for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar or passport when traveling by train or flight, as it is mandatory for ticket verification and security checks in India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, and try local food at trusted eateries during stops to enjoy regional cuisine safely.

• Use official websites or apps like IRCTC for train bookings and MSRTC or HRTC portals for bus tickets to avoid scams and ensure confirmed reservations.

• In cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent local travel to and from stations and airports.

• Carry your luggage securely and avoid overpacking, as you may need to handle it multiple times during transfers between trains, buses, and taxis.

• During monsoon and winter, check weather and road conditions before traveling, as landslides or fog can cause delays, especially on the hilly roads approaching Manali.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bhubaneswar to Manali depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels. Summer months offer pleasant weather in Manali, while winters bring snow but can be challenging for travel.

Monsoon season can cause roadblocks and delays due to landslides in Himachal Pradesh, so extra caution is needed if traveling between July and September.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are heavily booked and roads are crowded.

• Winter months (December to February) bring snow and fog, which may delay flights and cause slippery roads; plan extra travel time during this period.

• Early morning departures from Bhubaneswar are recommended to avoid city traffic and to reach connecting points like Delhi or Chandigarh on time.

• Summer (April to June) is peak tourist season in Manali, so book accommodations and transport well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Arrival at Manali & What to Expect

When you arrive in Manali, you will find a small town with limited public transport options but good connectivity through taxis and shared cabs. The main entry points are via bus stands or taxi drop-off points.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws for short distances. Many travelers prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for convenience and safety. Popular areas to stay are Old Manali and Mall Road, both easily accessible from arrival points.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bhubaneswar to Manali involves covering a long distance across diverse terrains. The most efficient option is to fly from Bhubaneswar to Delhi, then take a connecting flight or road transport to Manali. This saves time and reduces travel fatigue.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for mountain travel will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With the right information and preparation, you can confidently make this trip and enjoy the beautiful hill station of Manali.