Manali is a beautiful hill station located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. New Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Manali. This route is popular among tourists seeking a quick escape from city life to the mountains.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from New Delhi to Manali. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from New Delhi to Manali – Main Options

Train

There is no direct train to Manali, but you can travel part of the way by train and then switch to road transport. This option suits travelers who prefer train comfort for part of the journey.

• The nearest major railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, about 165 km away, but trains here are limited and slow, so most travelers stop at Chandigarh or Ambala instead.

• From New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin, you can take trains to Chandigarh, which is around 3-5 hours away depending on the train type and fare ranges from ₹200 to ₹800 in sleeper or AC classes.

• After reaching Chandigarh, you must take a bus or taxi to Manali, which is approximately 310 km and takes around 8-10 hours by road, with fares ranging from ₹400 to ₹1200 depending on the bus type.

• Train travel is comfortable and reliable but requires planning for the connecting road journey, which can be affected by mountain weather and traffic, especially during holidays.

Bus

Buses are the most popular and economical way to reach Manali from New Delhi. Many state-run and private buses operate daily on this route.

• Major bus depots in New Delhi include ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar, where you can find direct Volvo and deluxe buses to Manali.

• The journey covers about 540 km via NH44 and NH3, taking 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹1500 for Volvo AC buses.

• Buses run frequently, especially in the tourist season, but can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance via MSRTC or private operators is recommended.

• Night buses are common, allowing you to save daytime for sightseeing, but be prepared for winding mountain roads and occasional delays due to landslides or road repairs during monsoon.

• Rest stops with food and washrooms are available at major towns like Karnal and Mandi, but carrying water and snacks is advisable for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from New Delhi to Manali is a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and to enjoy scenic views at their own pace.

• The distance is approximately 540 km via NH44 and NH3, and the drive usually takes 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You can rent a self-drive car from Delhi or hire a private taxi with experienced drivers familiar with mountain roads, with fares ranging from ₹4000 to ₹7000 one way.

• Driving yourself requires caution, especially on narrow mountain stretches near Manali, and it is advisable to start early morning to avoid city traffic and reach before dark.

• There are several toll plazas on the route, and fuel stations are available along the highway; plan refueling stops near Karnal or Ambala.

• During winter, some roads may be closed due to snow, so check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Flight

While Manali does not have its own airport, flying is an option for part of the journey combined with road travel.

• The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, about 50 km away, with limited flights from Delhi operated by small airlines.

• Flight time from Delhi to Bhuntar is around 1 hour, but flights are infrequent and often affected by weather, especially in winter and monsoon seasons.

• From Bhuntar Airport, you can hire taxis or take local buses to Manali, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on hilly roads.

• Booking flights well in advance is necessary due to limited seats and seasonal demand, with fares typically ranging from ₹2500 to ₹6000 one way.

• This option is suitable for travelers who want to save time and avoid long road journeys but be prepared for last-mile travel on winding mountain roads.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from New Delhi to Manali. It covers essential actions to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

• Book your tickets early, especially for buses and flights, using official websites like IRCTC for trains or MSRTC for buses, to avoid last-minute rush and higher prices.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, as Manali’s weather can be cold even in summer, and carry basic medicines for motion sickness due to mountain roads.

• If traveling by bus or car, start your journey early in the morning to avoid Delhi’s heavy traffic and reach Manali before nightfall for safety.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the road, but also plan to stop at known rest points like Karnal or Mandi for meals and breaks.

• On arrival, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel to your hotel, as bargaining with street taxis can be confusing for new visitors.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas around Manali.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photo ID and booking confirmations, as bus and taxi drivers often check documents, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey and in Manali to avoid stomach issues common among travelers in hill stations.

• Book your bus or flight tickets at least a week in advance during holidays or peak seasons like summer and winter to secure your seat and better prices.

• Use local shared taxis or buses for short distances in Manali to save money and experience local travel, but avoid overcrowded vehicles for comfort.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, especially when using public transport, as crowded buses and stations can attract pickpockets.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, as heavy rains or snowfall can cause roadblocks or delays, and plan alternate routes if necessary.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from New Delhi to Manali depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels. Summer months offer pleasant weather, while winter attracts snow lovers.

Monsoon season can cause landslides and road closures, making travel risky and slower. Planning your trip outside heavy rain months ensures a safer and smoother journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or New Year when roads and buses are crowded, and prices rise sharply.

• Winter months from December to February bring snow, which can block roads but also provide beautiful scenery for those prepared for cold weather.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Manali with daylight, improving safety on mountain roads.

• Summer months from April to June are peak tourist season with good weather but expect busy roads and higher accommodation rates.

Arrival at Manali & What to Expect

When you arrive in Manali, you will find a small but busy town with several transport options to reach your accommodation. The main bus stand and taxi points are near the town center.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at bus stands and the airport, offering fixed fares to popular hotels and nearby attractions. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Manali but may have limited availability in remote areas.

Local buses and shared taxis run frequently to nearby places like Old Manali, Solang Valley, and Naggar. Many hotels offer pickup services if informed in advance. Walking is also a good way to explore the town center, which is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

Conclusion

Traveling from New Delhi to Manali is a rewarding journey that offers a mix of city and mountain experiences. The most efficient option depends on your budget and time, with buses being economical and frequent, while flights save time but require careful planning.

Booking tickets early, starting your journey early in the day, and preparing for mountain road conditions will help you have a safe and comfortable trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your travel and enjoy the scenic beauty and cool climate of Manali.