“Discover the Easiest Routes to Reach Manali”

By Harsh Choudhary
Last Updated : April 2025

Manali is a beautiful destination for tourists and adventurers alike. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Manali, you have a few different options when it comes to travel routes. You can reach Manali by air, by train, and by bus. This article will cover the best and easiest routes available for reaching Manali so that you can plan your journey with ease.

By Air

Reaching Manali, one of the most popular hill stations in India, has never been easier. With the advent of air travel, reaching this picturesque destination in the Himalayas is now just a few hours away. So whether you are looking to escape the summer heat or enjoy snow-capped mountains during winters, flying to Manali is an option.

Kullu-Manali Airport

Kullu-Manali Airport, also known as Bhuntar Airport, is the primary airport serving the Kullu Valley and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. Located about 10 km south of Kullu and 50 km north of Manali, the airport is situated in the midst of scenic surroundings that offer stunning views for visitors. This airport serves as a gateway to some of the most popular tourist destinations in India like Kasol and Tirthan Valley.

The airport has a single terminal building that handles domestic flights. The terminal building is equipped with all basic facilities like baggage handling systems, security check-in counters, food outlets and souvenir shops. The airport operates daily flights connecting it to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc.

By Train

Manali is a picturesque hill station located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, adventure sports, and cultural heritage. The best way to reach Manali by train is to get a train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station

Joginder Nagar Railway Station

Nestled in the lap of nature, Joginder Nagar Railway Station is a picturesque location that offers breathtaking views to tourists. It is located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh and is one of the most beautiful railway stations in India. The station was built in 1929 and has been operational ever since.

The unique feature of Joginder Nagar Railway Station is its narrow gauge railway track, which connects it to Pathankot. This train journey through the hills is a thrilling experience for tourists who get to witness panoramic views of lush greenery, winding rivers and cascading waterfalls along the way. The journey takes around 8 hours to complete and passes through several tunnels, bridges and quaint villages.

Apart from its scenic beauty, Joginder Nagar Railway Station also holds historical significance as it played a crucial role during India’s freedom struggle.

By Bus

Manali attracts tourists from all over the world. Manali, known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys, is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. If you are planning to visit this paradise on earth, there are several ways you can reach here. However, if you want a budget-friendly option with scenic views along the way, taking a bus to reach Manali is your best bet.

Manali Bus Depot

Manali Bus Depot is one of the busiest bus depots in India. Located in the heart of Manali, it is a hub for tourists and locals alike. The depot has a range of buses that cater to different destinations across Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states.

The depot is well-organized with clear signboards indicating the arrival and departure timings of each bus. The staff at the depot are courteous and always willing to help passengers with their queries. From luxury coaches to local buses, there are plenty of options available for travellers depending on their budget and preferences.

How to reach manali from nearby big cities

People know Manali for its scenic beauty, adventure sports, and pleasant weather throughout the year.If you are planning to visit Manali from nearby big cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, kasol or Shimla, it is important to know the different modes of transportation available.

Delhi to manali

Distance between Manali and Delhi is 550 Kms by Road. If you’re planning a trip to Manali from Delhi, here are the best ways to reach this charming town.<,p>

The fastest way to get to Manali from Delhi is by air. You can fly directly from Delhi to Kullu-Manali airport which is approximately 50 km away from Manali or you can take a connecting flight via Chandigarh airport. However, other modes of transportation could be cheaper than air travel.

If you want an affordable option, then reaching Manali by bus could be your best bet. There are regular buses that run between Delhi and Manali every day with comfortable seating arrangements and scenic views on offer during the journey.

Chandigarh to manali

While there are several ways to get to Manali from Chandigarh, the most convenient mode of transportation depends on your preference and budget. Here are two best options for reaching Manali from Chandigarh.

The easiest way to reach Manali from Chandigarh is by air. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, which is approximately 50 km away. Several airlines operate daily flights between Chandigarh and Bhuntar, making it an ideal option for travellers who are short on time or looking for a hassle-free journey. Once you reach Bhuntar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to get to Manali.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to reach Manali, taking a bus from Chandigarh is a budget-friendly option. The distance between Chandigarh and Manali is 307 Km by road. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours depending on the traffic conditions and route taken by the driver. There are various options when it comes to buses such as Volvo, deluxe or semi-deluxe buses that come with different amenities such as air conditioning or comfortable seats.

Kasol to manali

If you’re planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, then you cannot miss visiting the breathtakingly beautiful hill stations of Manali and Kasol. Both these destinations are popular among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. However, if you’re wondering about the best way to reach Manali from Kasol, then keep reading!

There are several ways to travel from Kasol to Manali, but the most convenient and comfortable option is by road. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus from Kasol to Manali. The distance between the two places is only around 70 km, which can be covered in approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions.

If you prefer a more adventurous mode of transport, then you can also rent a bike or scooter from Kasol and ride all the way up to Manali through winding roads amidst lush greenery and scenic views of the mountains.

shimla to manali

Shimla and Manali are two of the most beautiful hill stations in India. They attract a lot of tourists every year due to their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and adventure activities. However, many tourists find it confusing to reach Manali from Shimla since the two are located around 250 km apart.

The most popular way to reach Manali is by road. There are several buses that run between Shimla and Manali on a daily basis. The journey takes around 7-8 hours and the roads offer breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. If you want to travel in comfort, you can also hire a taxi or self-drive car for the trip. You will have more freedom to stop wherever you want and enjoy the scenery along the way.

In conclusion, Manali is a wonderful tourist destination located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s an ideal holiday spot for those looking to experience natural beauty and a wide range of activities. While getting to Manali can be time-consuming, there are several easy routes that travellers can take to reach their destination. By taking the bus or train, or even by flying into Bhuntar Airport nearby, you can easily get to Manali without too much hassle. Click here for Manali tourism official website.

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