Delhi to Manali Distance – By Road, Train, Flight, Route Map & Travel Time 2025
Introduction
Manali is an almost dream destination location to every Indian traveler considering snow-capped mountains, green valleys and an ideal way-out of urban life. The most popular way is the trip between Manali and Delhi in case you are located in the capital.
The fact of the matter is that the most frequent query that is liable to arise in arranging this getaway is: What is the Manali-Delhi distance and how many hours will the trip take? We have discussed all you should know about the distance, mode of transport, duration and few tips which you can use during your adventure in the Himalayas.
The Real Distance between Delhi and Manali
The distance covered majorly relies on the way of transport that you take and the course taken. The most popular and frequently used method of getting the hills is the road trip.
The distance of Delhi Manali by road measures somewhere about 530 to 550 kilometers. The measurement may list down a notch depending on the point of entry in Delhi and the path taken.
Mode of Travel | Approximate Distance | Approximate Travel Time | Notes |
By Road (Car/Bus) | 530 - 550 km | 12 - 14 hours | Time varies with the traffic, stops, road conditions. |
By Air (to Bhuntar Airport) | 400 - 450 km (Aerial) | 1 hour 20 mins (Air Travel) + 1.5 - 2 hrs (Road to Manali) | Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) is a nearby airport of Manali. |
By Train (via Chandigarh) | 540 km | 3 - 5 hrs (Train to Chandigarh) + 8 - 10 hrs (Road to Manali) | Manali does not have its own railway station. |
By Roadway: Manali to Delhi
By taking up the road, this is, by all means, the most common mode of traveling between Delhi to Manali. The travel experience is picturesque particularly after passing Chandigarh and reaching the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh.
Whatever mode of transport you are using, either by driving yourself or using a bus, you are starting your adventure at the highway.
The Delhi to Manali Route is the Most Popular One
The quickest and most frequented one is long National Highway 44 (NH44) and National Highway 154 (NH154).
It is a road traversing Delhi to Panipat to Karnal to Ambala to Chandigarh to Bilaspur to Mandi to Kullu to Manali.
- Distance: Approximately 538 km
- Time Taken: About 12 to 14 hours
This is a fairly good road until Chandigarh. Subsequently, the roads become hill-exclusive and include turns. The highway has numerous well known dhabas, particularly around Murthal, where one can have a good breakfast break.
Delhi to Manali by Car
Operating your own vehicle, you have a freedom to discontinue at any place you desire.
- Start Early: Start early in the day preferably before sunrise to avoid traffic in the city and to cover as much of the plains region as possible.
- Have everything in good condition with your vehicle including the tire and brakes in good condition as the mountainous aspect of the trip will happen.
- The final days and nights are on the road or driving in the hills hence it is better to employ an experienced driver in case you are not conversant with mountain driving.
Delhi to Manali Bus Services
The bus is also the cheapest mode of transportation in order to complete the Delhi Manali distance in case of spending a budget.
There are both private and HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses which operate on a day-to-day basis.
Varieties are standard or semi-sleeper and luxurious Volvo and Scania buses.
- Departure Points: ISBT Kashmere gate and Majnu Ka Tilla in Delhi.
- Travel Time: 12-16 hours, usually, that is, based on the type of bus and bus stops.
Here are some pro tips that I recommend you to follow and that will guarantee you an awesome stay in the Himalayas- find a way to have one of the late evening busses and gently fall asleep in that cozye bed.
Delhi Manali Flight: Fastest Way
Flying will be your best choice in case you do not want to make a long road trip. Not all direct flights go to Manali though.
Manali is closest to Kullu -Manali Airport (BPN) in Bhuntar.
- Flight Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes from Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport).
- Airport to Manali Distance: Bhuntar air travel is 50km near Manali.
This will require a taxi or a local bus ride, 1.5 to 2 hrs. depending on the time of the day. - Bhuntar is an irregular service that depends frequently on the weather conditions of the flights because the airport is situated in the valley.
Delhi Manali by Train: A Mixed Tour
The Manali railway station is not located in Manali thus the train travel is a two part travel plan.
The nearest big stations are Chandigarh (CDG) and Kalka (KLK).
Train Journey Steps
- Delhi to Chandigarh/Kalka: Delhi (e.g., Shatabdi Express)- approx. 3-5 hours.
- Kalka/Chandigarh to Manali: At the station, a cab or a bus can be used to complete the rest of the journey.
- Driving distances: Chandigarh to Manali ~310 km (8-10 hours by road); Kalka to Manali ~285 km (8-9 hours by road).
This alternative is less comfortable compared to traveling by a direct bus or airplane but it is a different experience, particularly in case you have a liking to the toy train that runs between Kalka and Shimla (a bypass) then proceed to Manali.
Snack Packed Road Trip Tips on Delhi to Manali Road
A trip across the Delhi to Manali route will be enjoyable only with some planning. The following are some of the fast tips to a hassle free trip:
- Check Traffic Conditions: Instruct to query about current road situation on road before starting and particularly at monsoons (July -August) and peak winter (December-February). Blockages and delays can be brought about by landslides or heavy snowfall.
- Fuel and Food Stops: There are numerous stops at the first highway stretch. After you get in the hills beyond Mandi, choices become limited hence get your tanks and bellies full first.
- Night Driving: Although the major highways are equipped with sufficient lighting, hours of night driving can be dangerous on hill roads because of the lack of visibility and turns. Attempt to cross the hilly part in the day.
- Carry Medicines: When you are likely to get motion sickness, carry some medicine that you need, and you definitely do not need to find your way through the winding mountain roads.
Conclusion
The trip between Delhi and Manali is in itself an experience changing the plains with the serene Himalayas. Although there are approximately 530-550km between Delhi and Manali by road, it is still very justified to take that 12-14 hours drive up to get the awesome sight that will come your way. Be it the rate of a flight, the affordability of a bus or the adventure of a self-driven, the beauty of Manali will offer an experience to write home about.
Delhi to Manali Distance FAQs
It takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by plane between Delhi and Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport then a taxi of one and a half to two hours to Manali which is the fastest. The approximate duration taken during the entire travelling is about 4 hours.
Yes, it is generally safe. Highway is very good, however, between Mandi, you have to be wary when ascending on the mountainous turns that are extremely sharp. Do not drive at night up and down the hills.
The cost of Volvo bus between Delhi and Manali usually varies between ₹1,200 and ₹2,000 per way according to the operator and time of the year. It is always advisable to book in advance, particularly using semi sleeper or sleeper option.
