540 km. 12–15 hours overnight. HRTC Volvo Himsuta at ₹1,448. Ordinary bus at ₹804. 244+ daily bus services. Or drive it yourself via NH44 → NH3 through Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi — one of India's great road trips, best in a diesel SUV or CNG car for the mountain stretch.
The Delhi to Manali route is one of India's most-travelled hill station corridors — over 244 bus services operate daily between Delhi and Manali, covering a distance of approximately 540 km in 12–15 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹399 (budget seat) to ₹5,900 (luxury sleeper). The first bus departs at 06:00 and the last at 23:55. HRTC (Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation) operates the most reliable state-run services, including the flagship Himsuta AC Volvo/Scania 2+2 seater at ₹1,448 and ordinary non-AC 3+2 seater buses from ₹804. HRTC bus timings for Volvo services are 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:03 PM, and 9:50 PM from Delhi. Most travellers take an overnight bus departing 7–10 PM, arriving Manali by 8–11 AM — waking up in the mountains. This guide covers every bus option with current 2026 prices, train alternatives, the road trip route, and which car works best for self-drive.
Delhi to Manali bus July 2026: HRTC Himsuta Volvo/Scania AC 2+2 seater — ₹1,448, departs 5:30 PM / 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM / 9:03 PM / 9:50 PM from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, arrives Manali ~8–11 AM. HRTC Ordinary non-AC 3+2 — ₹804–870, departs 6:40 AM / 11:30 AM / 2:00 PM / 4:40 PM. Private Volvo sleeper — ₹1,000–1,700. Luxury coaches — ₹3,000–5,900. Boarding: ISBT Kashmiri Gate (HRTC), Majnu Ka Tila (private operators). Distance: ~540 km. Duration: 12–15 hours. Book via redBus, MakeMyTrip, or hrtchp.com. Best car for self-drive: diesel SUV or CNG for valley, petrol AT for Rohtang Pass stretch.
Delhi to Manali Bus — All Options (July 2026)
| Bus Type | Operator | Price | Departure | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Himsuta Volvo/Scania AC 2+2 | HRTC (govt) | ₹1,448 | 5:30 PM / 7 PM / 8 PM / 9:03 PM / 9:50 PM | 13 hrs | Most reliable, state-run, best comfort-price ratio |
| Ordinary Non-AC 3+2 | HRTC (govt) | ₹804–870 | 6:40 AM / 11:30 AM / 2:00 PM / 4:40 PM | 14–17 hrs | Budget travel, daytime views of hills |
| AC Semi-Sleeper 2+2 | Private (Zingbus, IntrCity) | ₹1,000–1,500 | Multiple 6 PM–11 PM | 13–14 hrs | Flexibility, multiple pickup points |
| Volvo Sleeper 2+1 | Private (various) | ₹1,500–2,500 | Evening / night | 13–14 hrs | Lying-flat comfort, longer journeys |
| Luxury Coach | Private (Hans, Banjara) | ₹3,000–5,900 | Evening | 13 hrs | Premium seats, meals, entertainment included |
Top-rated private operators include Zingbus, IntrCity SmartBus, Banjara Travels, and Hans Travels. Boarding points for private operators: Majnu Ka Tila (North Delhi), Karnal Bypass, Karol Bagh, Dhaula Kuan, Mahipalpur, ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Dropping points in Manali: Mall Road, Govt Bus Stand, Paras Phata, Private Bus Stand.
HRTC Bus Delhi to Manali — Detailed Schedule
| Bus | Departure (Delhi) | Arrival (Manali) | Fare | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRTC Himsuta Volvo | 5:30 PM (ISBT) | ~6:30 AM | ₹1,448 | AC Seater 2+2 |
| HRTC Ordinary | 6:40 AM (ISBT) | ~8:30 PM | ₹835 | Non-AC Seater 3+2 |
| HRTC Himsuta Volvo | 7:00 PM (ISBT) | ~8:00 AM | ₹1,448 | AC Seater 2+2 |
| HRTC Ordinary | 11:30 AM (ISBT) | ~4:00 AM | ₹870 | Non-AC Seater 3+2 |
| HRTC Himsuta Volvo | 8:00 PM (ISBT) | ~9:00 AM | ₹1,448 | AC Seater 2+2 |
| HRTC Ordinary | 2:00 PM (ISBT) | ~6:00 AM | ₹804 | Non-AC Seater 3+2 |
| HRTC Himsuta Volvo | 9:03 PM (ISBT) | ~10:00 AM | ₹1,448 | AC Seater 2+2 |
| HRTC Ordinary | 4:40 PM (ISBT) | ~7:00 AM | ₹820 | Non-AC Seater 3+2 |
| HRTC Himsuta Volvo | 9:50 PM (ISBT) | ~10:50 AM | ₹1,466 | AC Seater 2+2 |
| HRTC Himsuta Volvo | 7:45 AM (ISBT) | ~9:40 PM | ₹1,448 | AC Seater 2+2 (day service) |
HRTC operates 12+ buses daily from Delhi to Manali. First bus leaves at 06:40, last at 22:45. Book at hrtchp.com or redBus. ISBT Kashmiri Gate is the main Delhi boarding point for all HRTC services. Timings may shift during peak season (May–June, October) and can be affected by Rohtang Pass weather. Always confirm on hrtchp.com before travel.
Delhi to Manali by Train
There is no direct train to Manali. The nearest useful train stations are Chandigarh (260 km from Manali) and Pathankot (280 km via Mandi). Recommended train + bus route: Take an overnight train from Delhi to Chandigarh (departs ~10 PM, arrives ~5 AM, ₹300–600 sleeper), then catch the morning HRTC bus from Chandigarh to Manali (₹400–600, ~8–9 hours). Total journey: ~14–16 hours with connection, but you get the advantage of a train sleeper berth for the first leg and mountain views by road from Chandigarh onwards. Trains from Delhi to Chandigarh: Shatabdi Express (fastest, 3.5 hrs, ₹800–1,200), Jan Shatabdi (₹400–700), and multiple overnight options. Book at irctc.co.in.
Delhi to Manali Road Trip — Distance, Route and Best Car
Route: Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Bhuntar → Manali. Total distance approximately 540 km via NH44 and NH3. Standard driving time 12–14 hours non-stop, though most self-drive travellers break the journey at Chandigarh or Mandi for an overnight halt. The road from Delhi to Chandigarh (280 km, ~4–5 hours) is expressway-quality — smooth, well-lit, and fast. After Chandigarh the NH3 through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi enters mountain terrain — curves, narrowing road, and increasing altitude. The final 60 km from Kullu/Bhuntar to Manali is single-lane mountain road that takes 2–3 hours. Key practical facts: Rohtang Pass (beyond Manali to Lahaul/Spiti) requires an e-permit. The Manali approach via Aut Tunnel (2017) has bypassed the old hazardous switchbacks. Check HRTC road condition reports if travelling June (monsoon onset) or September–October (early snowfall).
Best Car for Delhi to Manali Road Trip
| Car | Why It Works | Ground Clearance | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid | 27.97 kmpl on plains, strong low-end torque for mountain grades | 210 mm | Grand Vitara Price |
| Hyundai Creta Diesel AT | 250Nm torque, smooth 6AT for sustained mountain climbing | 190 mm | Creta Price |
| Kia Seltos Diesel MT | 250Nm, highest ground clearance in segment, hill-hold | 211 mm | Seltos Price |
| Tata Nexon Diesel | 5-star safety, 24 kmpl highway mileage, mountain-proven | 190 mm | Nexon Price |
| Grand Vitara AllGrip AWD | AWD for post-Manali terrain (Spiti, Rohtang), best grip | 210 mm | Grand Vitara Price |
Key rule: Avoid CNG for this route — there are no CNG stations beyond Chandigarh. Fill up on petrol or diesel at Chandigarh for the mountain leg. Use the Trip Cost Calculator to estimate your fuel cost Delhi → Manali based on your car's mileage.
Delhi to Manali — Travel Budget Planner
| Category | Budget (₹) | Mid-range (₹) | Premium (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus ticket (one way) | ₹804 (HRTC ordinary) | ₹1,448 (HRTC Volvo) | ₹3,000–5,900 (luxury) |
| Self-drive fuel Delhi→Manali | ₹2,800 (CNG till Chandigarh, petrol after) | ₹3,500 (diesel SUV) | ₹4,500 (petrol SUV) |
| Toll (self-drive, one way) | ₹700–900 total | ||
| Accommodation Manali (per night) | ₹800–1,500 (hostel/budget hotel) | ₹2,500–5,000 (mid hotel) | ₹8,000–20,000 (resort) |
| Food per day Manali | ₹300–500 | ₹700–1,200 | ₹2,000+ |
Use the Trip Cost Calculator for a personalised Delhi to Manali budget based on group size, transport, and hotel preference. For places to visit once you arrive, see our Manali places guide (coming soon).
Delhi to Manali Travel Tips 2026
- Book HRTC Volvo at least 2–3 days ahead in peak season: May–June and September–October are the most-booked periods. The HRTC Himsuta Volvo at ₹1,448 fills up fast — book at hrtchp.com or redBus. If travelling in peak July–August (monsoon), check road conditions — NH3 through Mandi is occasionally blocked by landslides
- Overnight bus is the right call — always: The overnight Volvo departing 7–9 PM from Delhi arrives in Manali by 8–11 AM, giving you a full first day. The daytime bus wastes a full travel day and offers no mileage advantage. The only reason to take a daytime bus is if you want to see the valley views from Mandi to Kullu — which are genuinely beautiful and worth it once if you've done the night bus before
- ISBT Kashmiri Gate for HRTC, Majnu Ka Tila for private operators: Don't confuse the boarding points. All state-run HRTC buses depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate (Metro: Kashmiri Gate on Yellow/Red Line). Private operators typically have pickup from Majnu Ka Tila, Karol Bagh, and Dhaula Kuan — confirm your operator's specific pickup
- Mountain sickness preparation: Manali sits at 2,050 m and Rohtang Pass at 3,978 m. Most visitors feel fine in Manali town but acclimatise for a day before attempting Rohtang or Spiti. Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) if advised by your doctor for high-altitude travel
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable at altitude: UV intensity increases approximately 10% per 1,000 m elevation. At Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), UV exposure is 40% higher than at Delhi sea level. Pack SPF 50+ — see our Pilgrim SPF 50+ guide for the best sunscreens for mountain travel
HRTC Himsuta Volvo at ₹1,448 for Reliability. Ordinary Bus at ₹804 for Budget. Private Sleeper for Comfort. Self-Drive in a Diesel SUV for Freedom.
With 244+ daily services, the Delhi to Manali route is India's most-served hill station bus corridor. The HRTC Himsuta Volvo at ₹1,448 is the recommended choice for most travellers — government-operated, reliable schedule, comfortable 2+2 seating, and overnight timing that maximises your Manali time. Private luxury sleepers (₹3,000–5,900) make sense for those who want full flat berths. For self-drive, the route rewards a diesel SUV with good ground clearance — the Grand Vitara AllGrip (AWD) or Creta Diesel AT are the top picks. Whatever your transport, pack SPF 50+, acclimatise for the first day in Manali, and don't attempt Rohtang Pass without an e-permit.
Delhi to Manali bus ticket price (July 2026): HRTC Ordinary non-AC bus ₹804–870. HRTC Himsuta Volvo/Scania AC 2+2 seater ₹1,448–1,466. Private AC semi-sleeper ₹1,000–1,500. Private Volvo sleeper ₹1,500–2,500. Luxury coaches ₹3,000–5,900. Budget seat available from ₹399 on redBus during off-peak. Total journey distance approximately 540 km, duration 12–15 hours. Book at hrtchp.com (HRTC official), redBus, MakeMyTrip, or Goibibo. ISBT Kashmiri Gate is the main boarding point for HRTC buses. Multiple private operator pickup points available across Delhi (Majnu Ka Tila, Karol Bagh, Dhaula Kuan).
Delhi to Manali bus duration is 12–15 hours depending on the bus type, traffic, and road conditions. HRTC Volvo services typically take 13 hours under normal conditions. Ordinary buses take 14–17 hours. The route covers approximately 540 km via NH44 (Delhi to Chandigarh) and NH3 (Chandigarh to Manali). Journey time can increase significantly during monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and road conditions near Mandi, and in peak season (May–June) due to heavy tourist traffic. The recommended departure is an evening bus (7–9 PM) that arrives in Manali by 8–11 AM, allowing a full first day in the hills.
Delhi to Manali distance by road is approximately 540 km via the standard route: NH44 from Delhi to Chandigarh (~280 km), then NH3 from Chandigarh through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi, Kullu, Bhuntar to Manali (~260 km). Driving time by car: 12–14 hours non-stop, though most travellers break the journey at Chandigarh or Mandi. The Delhi to Chandigarh stretch is expressway-quality (4–5 hours). The Chandigarh to Manali mountain stretch takes 7–9 hours due to winding roads. Total tolls one way: approximately ₹700–900.
The best bus from Delhi to Manali for most travellers is the HRTC Himsuta Volvo/Scania AC 2+2 seater at ₹1,448 — government-operated, punctual schedule, comfortable reclining seats, and overnight timing (5:30 PM / 7 PM / 8 PM / 9 PM departures from ISBT Kashmiri Gate). It is the most reliable option with a consistent track record. For budget travel, the HRTC Ordinary non-AC at ₹804 is the cheapest reliable option. For maximum comfort, private luxury sleeper coaches (₹3,000–5,900) from operators like Banjara Travels, Hans Travels offer full flat berths. For flexibility in boarding points across Delhi, private operators like Zingbus and IntrCity SmartBus offer pick-up from Majnu Ka Tila, Karol Bagh, and other locations at ₹1,000–1,500.
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