How to Reach Manali

Manali is well connected to different parts of India through road, air, and rail. This connectivity makes this town accessible for all kinds of travellers. Depending on your starting location, budget, and travel preferences, you can choose the most suitable mode of transportation.

Below are the options from which you can travel to Manali-

How to reach Manali by Road –

Traveling to Manali via roads is the most popular option that many people choose. The route to Manali is very beautiful. If you have experience of driving over the harsh terrain, then you can take your car and enjoy the scenic beauty of the routes. The most reliable and common route from Delhi is NH 44 to Chandigarh. You must check local conditions before your journey.

Different routes for Manali (from Delhi) are-

NH-44 & NH-3

Path - Delhi → Panipat → Ambala → Chandigarh → Kiratpur → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Distance - 520 km

Time - 10 to 13 hours

Same route but Via Shimla

Path - Delhi → Ambala → Zirakpur → Shimla → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Distance - 580 km

Time - 16 hours

It is important to know that the paths are narrow and have hairpin bends. It’s always a good idea to drive slowly. If you plan to drive beyond Manali to Rohtang Pass, a mandatory Rohtang Pass permit must be secured in advance

For travelling in Manali, there are taxis that are convenient and reliable. You can book the taxi for a specific route or just book the taxi for the entire day.

Distance of major states and cities from Manali-

How to reach Manali by Air -

The nearest airport to Manali is Kullu Manali Airport. It is around 50 km from Manali. It has a short runway, so it handles limited domestic flights. Sometimes, bad weather conditions make landing here difficult. The airport has flights from Delhi, Pathankot and Chandigarh. Most of the tourists prefer flying to Chandigarh and then booking a taxi or an overnight bus to make the scenic, 7-hour drive up to Manali.

After landing at the airport, you can hire a taxi that will take you to Manali.

How to reach Manali by Train -

Manali does not have a direct railway station due to its terrain. The closest railway station is at Chandigarh which is 315km away or Pathankot which is 290km away. And the most preferred option is Chandigarh Railway Station. After reaching Chandigarh's station, travelers take an 8 to 10-hour scenic road journey by bus or taxi to reach Manali.

How to Reach Manali by Bus -

Traveling to Manali by bus is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach the hill station. There are many buses that connect Manali to cities like Ambala, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. The best way to reach Manali via bus is to first travel to Delhi and then take a bus from there. It is a good idea to take an overnight bus so that you leave at night and reach your destination in the morning.

If you prefer a hassle-free journey, choosing a Manali tour packages can help you manage transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing in one well-planned itinerary.