Looking to travel from Delhi to Manali? It will take you 9h 43m hrs journey to reach Manali. The distance from Delhi to Manali is 510 km via road transport.
Distance Between Delhi to Manali
| Category | Details |
| Distance between Delhi to Manali by Road | 510 km |
| Distance between Delhi to Manali by Flight | 260 km (via Indira Gandhi International Airport to Bhuntar Airport) |
| Travel Time from Delhi to Manali by Road | 9h 43m |
| Travel Time from Delhi to Manali by Train | No direct train available (nearest railhead Chandigarh or Ambala, then road journey) |
| Travel Time from Delhi to Manali by Flight | 1h 20m flight time to Bhuntar (plus 50 km road journey to Manali) |
| Nearest Bus Stop in Delhi | ISBT Kashmeri Gate, Majnu Ka Tilla, Shalimar Bagh, Rohini Sector 22 |
| Nearest Bus Stop in Manali | zingbus Lounge Manali, Private Bus Stand Aleo, Mall Road area, Naggar Road Junction |
| Nearest Airport in Delhi | Indira Gandhi International Airport (15 km from city center) |
| Nearest Airport in Manali | Kullu Manali Airport Bhuntar (50 km from Manali town) |
| Nearest Train Station in Delhi | New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) 1 km from city center |
| Nearest Train Station near Manali | Joginder Nagar (165 km from Manali) and Chandigarh Junction (310 km from Manali) |
Popular Pickup and Drop Points in Delhi and Manali
Delhi Pickup Points:
- ISBT Kashmeri Gate offers the most convenient boarding with metro connectivity and established facilities.
- Majnu Ka Tilla serves north Delhi residents with easy access from the GT Karnal Road corridor and nearby residential areas.
- Shalimar Bagh provides a well connected pickup location for travellers coming from northwest Delhi and Outer Ring Road areas.
- Rohini Sector 22 offers accessible boarding for passengers travelling from western and northern Delhi zones.
- Dhaula Kuan area presents a convenient alternative for those coming from south and southwest Delhi with direct access to the NH 44 corridor.
Manali Drop Points:
- zingbus Lounge Manali operates as the primary terminus with a comfortable waiting area and local transport accessibility.
- Private Bus Stand Aleo serves as the main bus terminal located approximately 1.5 km from Mall Road with auto rickshaw availability.
- Mall Road area allows convenient drop off near hotels, restaurants, and the central commercial zone of Manali town.
- Naggar Road Junction provides early drop off for travellers heading towards Naggar Castle and the left bank villages of Kullu Valley.
- Kullu town serves as an en route drop point for passengers whose final destination lies in the Kullu region before Manali.
Types of Buses from Delhi to Manali
| Bus Service | Amenities |
| zingbus Plus | AC, Water Bottle, Blanket, Charging Point, Live Tracking, Medical Kit, Air Freshener |
| zingbus Maxx | AC, Water Bottle, Blanket, Charging Point, Live Tracking, Personal Entertainment, Air Freshener |
Note: The distance follows the official zingbus route and may vary based on operating conditions such as weather, traffic patterns, and road conditions. Actual journey duration may differ from scheduled time due to seasonal factors, mountain road conditions, and highway traffic.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
- Without zingprime: 0 to 12 hrs (0% refund), 12 to 24 hrs (20%), 24 to 48 hrs (50%), 48 to 72 hrs (70%), Before 72+ hrs (85%)
- With zingprime: 0 to 24 hrs (80% refund), 24 to 72+ hrs (100% refund)
“For detailed information, visit our Cancellation Policy.”
How to Reach Manali from Delhi
Travelling from Delhi to Manali provides multiple transport options suited to your comfort level, budget, and time constraints. Whether you prefer the affordability of buses or the adventure of a road trip, the journey is scenic and accessible. Here are the most practical ways to complete your travel:
- Bus Travel: The most economical option, offering decent comfort, smooth highways until Chandigarh, and breathtaking mountain views through the Kullu Valley throughout your nine to ten hour overnight journey at the lowest ticket prices available.
- Flight Plus Road Transfer: Fly to Bhuntar Airport near Kullu in approximately one hour and twenty minutes, then complete the remaining 50 km to Manali by taxi or local bus in about one and a half hours.
- Self Drive Or Rental Car: Complete flexibility to travel at your pace, take breaks at scenic spots along the Beas River, and explore places like Mandi and Kullu along the route as per your preference.
- Train Plus Road Transfer: Take a train to Chandigarh Junction or Ambala Cantonment and then travel to Manali by road, breaking up your journey into a comfortable rail segment followed by a scenic mountain drive.
- Shared Taxi Or Cab Service: Affordable group travel option with multiple boarding points, ideal for families wanting a balance between cost and comfort with the flexibility of stopping at points of interest along the way.
Alternate Ways to Reach Manali
If you are planning to explore more of Himachal Pradesh during your journey from Delhi, consider these alternative routes that allow you to experience additional destinations and attractions while travelling.
- Via Chandigarh And Mandi Route: The most popular highway route passing through Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi before entering the Kullu Valley, offering multiple rest stops and scenic mountain transitions.
- Via Shimla And Kullu: A longer but more scenic alternative that passes through Shimla, allowing you to explore the colonial hill station before continuing to Kullu and then Manali through the apple orchard belt.
- Combined Transport Using Flight To Bhuntar: Fly to Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar and then travel the remaining 50 km to Manali by road, reducing overall travel time significantly for those with tighter schedules.
- Road Trip With Overnight Stop At Chandigarh Or Mandi: Break your journey into two comfortable segments by staying overnight at Chandigarh or Mandi, exploring local attractions, and then completing the mountain stretch the following morning.
Best Spots to Stay in Manali
Manali offers diverse accommodation options catering to every budget and travel style, ranging from budget friendly guesthouses and backpacker hostels to premium resorts and heritage properties. Most lodging options cluster near Mall Road and Old Manali for convenient access to attractions and restaurants.
Accommodation near the main tourist areas provides convenient access to cafes, adventure activity operators, and popular sightseeing spots without needing additional transport.
- Budget options offer clean rooms and basic facilities ideal for backpackers and solo travellers prioritising experience over luxury, especially in the Old Manali area.
- Mid range hotels provide comfortable rooms with air conditioning, hot water, and on site dining, making them suitable for families and couples on holiday.
- Premium properties and resorts offer additional amenities including wellness services, multi cuisine restaurants, river facing rooms, and mountain view balconies reflecting the natural beauty of the Kullu Valley.
- Seasonal availability reduces significantly during summer (April to June) and the New Year week (December to January), so advance booking is strongly recommended during these peak tourism periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the exact distance between Delhi and Manali?
A: The road distance between Delhi and Manali via the official zingbus route is 510 km. This represents the highway travel route measured along NH 44 through Chandigarh and then via Mandi and the Kullu Valley connecting both cities.
Q: How long does the bus journey from Delhi to Manali take?
A: The journey typically takes 9 hours and 43 minutes by road according to official distance calculations. However, actual travel time usually ranges between 10 to 13 hours depending on traffic conditions, weather, time of day, mountain road conditions, and seasonal factors on the Mandi to Manali stretch.
Q: How many buses operate daily between Delhi and Manali?
A: Multiple bus services operate throughout the evening and night, with approximately 18 buses offering departures from late afternoon until late night hours. Frequency is higher during peak summer season (April to June) and holiday periods.
Q: Is the Delhi to Manali road open throughout the year?
A: Yes, the highway to Manali town operates year round. However, expect possible delays on the Mandi to Manali stretch during heavy snowfall between November and February. The route remains accessible but travel time may increase during winter months due to weather conditions.
Q: What are the advantages of travelling by bus compared to flight?
A: Bus travel offers significantly lower ticket prices, more flexible departure times, and direct door to door transportation without the need for connecting transfers from Bhuntar Airport. Modern buses provide comfortable seating, air conditioning, charging ports, and amenities, making the overnight journey convenient and economical while also offering stunning mountain views.
Q: Is the Delhi to Manali bus journey safe during monsoon?
A: The route is generally operational during monsoon season. However, the Mandi to Kullu stretch is prone to landslides in July and August, so it is advisable to check road conditions before travelling. zingbus monitors route conditions and communicates updates to passengers in real time.
Q: When is the best time to visit Manali for sightseeing and adventure?
A: April to June offers the most pleasant weather, with temperatures between 10 to 25 degrees ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventure activities. September to October provides clear skies and fewer crowds during apple harvest season. November to March brings snowfall, ideal for winter sports at Solang Valley, though Rohtang Pass remains closed during this period.
Q: What are the major attractions I must visit in Manali?
A: Hidimba Devi Temple set inside a dense deodar forest is the most iconic landmark and a must visit. Old Manali offers cobblestone lanes, backpacker cafes, and apple orchards. Solang Valley serves as the adventure hub for paragliding, skiing, and zorbing. Rohtang Pass at 3,978 metres offers surreal high altitude landscapes. Naggar Castle and Manikaran Sahib complete the essential Manali sightseeing circuit.
Q: Is it possible to do a day trip from Delhi to Manali?
A: A day trip is not recommended due to the nine to ten hour journey time each way. The overnight bus journey means you arrive early morning, leaving very limited time for sightseeing before needing to return. A minimum stay of 3 to 4 days allows proper time to explore the valley, attempt Rohtang Pass, and visit surrounding attractions without rushing.
Q: What documents do I need to carry while travelling by bus from Delhi to Manali?
A: Standard identification proof accepted by most buses includes Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, or passport. Children under 5 years typically travel free without separate seat booking. Seniors and persons with disabilities may qualify for concessions depending on the operator’s policy and advance notification.
Q: Does Rohtang Pass require a separate permit to visit?
A: Yes, Rohtang Pass requires a prior permit issued by the Himachal Pradesh government. Permits are available through the official government portal and must be booked at least one day in advance as same day slots fill up fast. The pass is open roughly from May to November depending on snowfall conditions each year.
For the latest bus schedules, real time bookings, and special offers, visit the Delhi to Manali Bus page. For details on cancellation procedures and refund policies, refer to our Cancellation Policy.