How to Reach Manali: Nearest Railway Station, Airport & Best Travel Routes

Nearest Railway Station to Manali 

Since Manali does not have a railway station, the closest broad-gauge option is Chandigarh Railway Station (CDG). Chandigarh is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai and serves as a convenient transit point.

The nearest railway station near Manali is Joginder Nagar railway station, which is a narrow gauge station. That means it is not a time-effective alternative, as narrow gauge stations can take a lot of time to cover the distance from one place to another. So, it is advisable to travel till Chandigarh Railway station and take a bus or flight to Manali from there.

How to reach Manali from Chandigarh Railway Station: 

Bus: From Chandigarh ISBT, take a direct HRTC or private bus to Manali. The journey takes around 8-10 hours. Book your bus ticket in advance from Adani OneApp in a few simple steps to secure a comfortable seat. The best way to travel is to take an overnight bus from Chandigarh and reach Manali early in the morning. This will also save you time, and you will not waste a day on the journey. 
 
Taxi: Private taxis are available outside the railway station or the airport. The fare ranges between ?4,000-?6,000 depending on the type of car. Alternatively, you can also book your taxi from online travel portals or popular online taxi service apps. 
 
Flight: The fastest way is to take a cheap flight ticket from Chandigarh Airport to Bhuntar, the nearest airport to Manali. You can book your air ticket via Adani OneApp at competitive rates. 

Nearest Airport to Manali 

The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), located about 50 km away. This small domestic airport connects via direct flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. You can also fly to Chandigarh or Kangra Airport and travel via road in case Kullu Airport tickets are not available.

How to reach Manali from Bhuntar Airport: 

Taxi: A cab ride from Bhuntar to Manali takes around 2 hours and costs between ?2,000-?3,500. 
 
Bus: If you're looking for an affordable option, HRTC buses run from Bhuntar to Manali at regular intervals. 

Reaching Manali by Road 

Road travel is the most preferred way to reach Manali, thanks to its well-connected highways and scenic routes. You can opt for: 
 
1. Bus: 
 
HRTC and private operators run luxury and Volvo buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. 
 
The Delhi-Manali overnight bus takes around 12-14 hours. 
 
Book your bus ticket early, especially during peak seasons. 
 
2. Self-Drive or Taxi:

 
If you're up for an adventure, driving to Manali via NH3 is a fantastic experience. The route offers stunning landscapes, but be prepared for steep climbs and hairpin bends. 
 
You can also book a taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla for a hassle-free ride. 

Best Time to Visit Manali 

Manali is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you're looking for:

 
 
What is Manali Famous For? 

Manali is a paradise for travellers with diverse interests. Here’s what makes it special: 
 
Adventure Activities: Paragliding, river rafting, trekking, and skiing. 
 
Scenic Spots: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, and Hadimba Temple. 
 
Cafés & Local Food: Manali’s Old Town is packed with cosy cafés serving Himachali and international cuisine. 
 
Shopping: Mall Road is the best place to pick up woollens, handicrafts, and souvenirs. 

Accommodation in Manali 

Manali offers everything from luxury resorts to budget homestays. Whether you're looking for a riverside cottage, a boutique hotel, or a backpacker’s hostel, you can book your stay online for the best deals. 

Quick Tip- Looking for a great discount on hotels? Check Adani OneApp for its great offers on hotels, which promise a steal deal. 

Travel Tips for Visiting Manali

1. You wish to travel with kids or elderly? Pack properly, warm clothes are a must and so is a sleeping bag. The temperatures drop at night, even during summer.

2. Manali is a traveller’s delight, therefore we recommend you plan in advance and book your tickets beforehand. Doing so saves you money on hotels, flights and trains, and allows you to spend more on experiences.

3. Connectivity Issues: some areas do have poor network, thus, offline maps would work efficiently for you.

4. For those who are unfamiliar with Manali, be sure to have some cash handy as digital payments won’t work with taxis or local shops.

5. Remember to check the weather conditions during your travels. Winter visits may hampered with snow fall that lead to blocked roads.

Traveling to Manali is a journey unto its own- whether you’re hopping onto a bus from Delhi, taking a train to Chandigarh or boarding a flight from Bhuntar. Make sure you plan ahead of time so your trip is smooth.

No matter what means of transportation you will choose, one thing is guaranteed: The memories you make in Manali will leave you spellbound. So sitting at work procrastinating? Go buy your tickets to India’s mystical paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is the train route to reach Manali?
Ans. There is no railway station in Manali. The closest broad-gauge station is Chandigarh Railway Station. You can reach Chandigarh and then travel to Manali by cab or a private Volvo bus or HRTC roadways bus. However it is advisable to book your tickets beforehand

Q. Which city is closer to Manali?
Ans. The nearest major cities to Manali are Kullu, Kasol, Naggar, and Palampur.

Q. What is Manali famous for?
Ans. Manali is not just a hill station; it is an adventurous paradise for trekking and nature walk. There are temples and charming cafes with stunning views of snow in the winter. Popular attractions include Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass and Manikaran. 

Q. Which is the best time to visit Manali?
Ans. Summer (March-June): Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Winter (October-February): Good for snow lovers andnewlyweds.