Manali is a beautiful hill station located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic mountains and adventure activities. Vijayawada, on the other hand, is a bustling city in Andhra Pradesh, situated in southern India. Traveling from Vijayawada to Manali is a popular route for those seeking a cool mountain retreat from the plains.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options between Vijayawada and Manali, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Vijayawada to Manali – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for long-distance journeys in India. However, there is no direct train connecting Vijayawada and Manali, so you will need to combine train travel with other transport modes.

• You can take a train from Vijayawada Junction (BZA) to Chandigarh Junction (CDG) or Ambala Cantt (UMB), which are major railway hubs near Manali. The journey takes around 36 to 42 hours depending on the train, with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹2500 in sleeper and AC classes.

• From Chandigarh or Ambala, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, which is about 300 to 320 km away and takes 8 to 10 hours by road through NH 205 and NH 3.

• Trains from Vijayawada run frequently, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays.

• Be prepared for long travel times and possible delays during monsoon season due to fog and landslides in northern India.

• Food options on trains vary; it is advisable to carry some snacks and water, as station stops may be brief and crowded.

Bus

Bus travel offers a direct road connection but is less common for this long route. You may need to break the journey into segments using state transport buses and private operators.

• From Vijayawada, you can take a bus to Delhi or Chandigarh via Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and other state buses, covering around 1800 km in 30 to 36 hours.

• From Chandigarh or Delhi, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs regular Volvo and deluxe buses to Manali, taking about 8 to 10 hours on hilly roads.

• Bus fares vary widely, with long-distance APSRTC buses costing ₹1000 to ₹1500 and HRTC buses from Chandigarh to Manali around ₹400 to ₹700.

• Bus travel can be tiring due to multiple changes and long hours; night buses are available but may be crowded during peak seasons.

• Road conditions on NH 44 and NH 3 are generally good, but expect slowdowns near toll plazas and during foggy winter mornings.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vijayawada to Manali is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The distance is approximately 2100 km and takes around 38 to 42 hours of driving time.

• The main route follows NH 44 from Vijayawada to Delhi, then NH 205 and NH 3 to Manali, passing through major cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, and Chandigarh.

• Expect multiple toll plazas en route, with toll charges totaling around ₹1500 to ₹2000 for the entire journey.

• Plan for rest stops every 3 to 4 hours at highway dhabas or restaurants, especially near Nagpur and Ludhiana, which have good food and fuel options.

• Driving through the Himalayan foothills requires caution, especially during monsoon and winter due to landslides and icy roads.

• Self-drive car rentals with GPS and driver assistance are available in Vijayawada, but ensure the vehicle is well-maintained for long-distance travel.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Vijayawada to Manali, as Manali does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, about 50 km from Manali.

• You can fly from Vijayawada Airport (VGA) to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

• From Delhi, you can take a connecting flight to Bhuntar Airport (KUU), but flights are limited and seasonal, mostly operating in summer months.

• Alternatively, from Delhi airport, you can hire a taxi or take a Volvo bus to Manali, which takes 10 to 12 hours by road.

• Flight fares from Vijayawada to Delhi range from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on booking time and airline, while Delhi to Bhuntar flights cost ₹2000 to ₹4000.

• Pre-book flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as seats fill quickly and prices rise.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Vijayawada to Manali. It covers key steps to prepare and execute your trip smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets early using IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and preferred travel dates, avoiding last-minute price surges.

• Pack appropriate clothing for Manali’s cooler climate, including woolens and rain gear, as temperatures can drop significantly compared to Vijayawada.

• Arrange local transport from your arrival point, such as pre-paid taxis or Ola/Uber cabs, especially if arriving at Chandigarh or Delhi for onward travel.

• If traveling by road, plan your route with Google Maps and check for toll plazas, rest stops, and fuel stations along NH 44 and NH 3 to avoid surprises.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for long journeys, and keep your mobile phone charged with a power bank for navigation and communication.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times for safety and assistance if needed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use official pre-paid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber at railway stations and airports to avoid overcharging and scams.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to prevent stomach issues, especially when traveling through multiple states.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance during summer and winter holidays, as these are peak seasons for Manali tourism and seats fill quickly.

• Carry light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as you may need to transfer between different transport modes and walk short distances at stations.

• Be cautious of weather changes; monsoon can cause roadblocks and delays, while winter fog may reduce visibility on highways.

• Try local food at highway dhabas but avoid street food in unfamiliar areas to prevent foodborne illnesses during your trip.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Vijayawada to Manali depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. Summer months offer pleasant weather in Manali, while winters attract snow lovers.

Monsoon season (July to September) can cause road disruptions due to landslides, so plan accordingly. Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and reach destinations before dark.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when roads and trains are crowded and prices surge.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and icy roads on NH 3, causing slower travel and occasional delays.

• Summer (April to June) is ideal for clear roads and comfortable weather in Manali, but book tickets early due to tourist influx.

• Depart Vijayawada early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach connecting hubs like Delhi or Chandigarh by evening.

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 stands are near the town center.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cabs. Prepaid taxis are available at bus stands, and app-based cabs like Ola operate in the town but may have limited availability.

Popular areas to stay include Old Manali for a relaxed vibe and Mall Road for shopping and easy access to restaurants. Walking is common within the town, but taxis are recommended for nearby sightseeing.

Conclusion

Traveling from Vijayawada to Manali involves covering a long distance with multiple transport options. The most efficient way combines a flight to Delhi followed by a bus or taxi to Manali, saving time and offering comfort. Train travel is economical but requires additional road travel from nearby railway hubs.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for road travel in hilly terrain will make your journey smoother. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable trip from the southern plains of Vijayawada to the cool mountains of Manali confidently and comfortably.