How to Get from Manali to Delhi
How to get from Manali to Delhi by bus: AC Volvo and semi-sleeper coaches, overnight travel and tips for the mountain road.
Contents
The road from Manali to Delhi drops out of the Beas valley, past cedar forests and hairpin bends, and onto the wide highways of Haryana. Manali has no railway line and its airport at Bhuntar is 50 km away, so most travellers take the bus.[1]
Manali to Delhi by Bus
Delhi is about 550 km from Manali by road, and deluxe, semi-deluxe, AC and Volvo buses run the route regularly. Booking an AC or Volvo coach ahead is recommended.[1] The state operator, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), has advance-reservation counters at Manali Bus Stand and at ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi.[2] Overnight services take from about 12 hours, and mountain traffic, monsoon landslides or winter snow can add hours.[3]
A/C Semi Sleeper
For most travellers the A/C Semi Sleeper is the best choice: a coach with reclining seats that lets you sleep through the long highway stretch once the mountain bends are behind you. The air conditioning is strong, so keep a jacket within reach.
Non-AC Seater
Non-AC seater buses are the budget option. Expect fixed seats, open windows that let in cold mountain air and later plains dust, and more stops in small towns. They suit shorter stretches or hardy travellers. On booking platforms, seats start at about $6 (October 2026).[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Where you board | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HRTC bus | Manali Bus Stand; the advance-reservation counter is there[2] | State-run services with tickets sold at the bus stand |
| A/C Semi Sleeper | Private operators name the pick-up point on the ticket | Sleeping through the overnight ride |
| Non-AC Seater | Private operators name the pick-up point on the ticket | Tight budgets and short stretches |
Tips for Traveling from Manali to Delhi
- Motion sickness: The first hours are steep and winding. Sit toward the front and take medication before boarding if you are prone to it.
- Book early in the high season: In May and June and around December, buses fill up days ahead.
- Boarding point: HRTC buses leave from Manali Bus Stand. For a private coach, read the pick-up point on your ticket, because some operators board outside the centre to avoid traffic.
- Dress in layers: Delhi is hot, the mountains are cold and the AC is cold too.
Timetable
| Bus Manali - Delhi $ 5.62–60.63 9h 11m – 22h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Manali to Delhi, including current prices and schedules.
Ordinary non-AC seater buses are the cheapest. AC and Volvo coaches cost more but are far more comfortable on a long overnight ride.
Express AC buses with few stops are the quickest road option, from about 12 hours.
Overnight buses take from about 12 hours. Mountain traffic, monsoon landslides or winter snow can make the trip much longer.
Yes, many AC buses travel overnight, which saves a night's accommodation.
Booking AC and Volvo coaches ahead is recommended, especially in the peak seasons of May to June and December.
The route is busy and well travelled. The mountain sections are winding and narrow, so choose a reputable operator.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Himachal Pradesh Tourism: Manali. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Himachal Road Transport Corporation: Booking Counters. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Manali - Delhi. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.