Traveling from Nainital to Manali takes you across the Himalayan foothills into Himachal Pradesh’s valley country. Here are the main options, distances, travel times, sample fares, and key tips for making this journey convenient and smooth.
Nainital to Manali Distance
- By Road: 650–830km (route-dependent)
- Typical Road Travel Time: 11–16 hours (private car, taxi)
- Aerial/As-the-crow-flies: 385km
Main Travel Options
1. By Taxi or Private Car (Fastest, Door-to-Door)
- Distance: 650–830km (actual route may vary)
- Journey Duration: Around 11–16 hours (without overnight stops)
- Usual Route: Nainital → Haldwani → Rudrapur → Chandigarh → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
- Sample Taxi Fare:
- Booking: Online taxi aggregators, travel portals, or local operators available in Nainital
2. By Bus (Budget-Friendly, Overnight)
- No direct Nainital–Manali bus.
- Combined Itinerary:
- Step 1: Take a bus from Nainital to Delhi or Chandigarh (overnight, 7–10 hours)
- Step 2: Board a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali (11–13 hours)
- Total Bus Travel Time: 18–23 hours (including layover/transfer time)
- Sample Total Bus Fare: ₹1,600–₹3,300
- Booking: Major bus platforms (RedBus, GoIbibo, Paytm) and bus counters in Nainital/Delhi/Chandigarh
3. By Train (Scenic & Cheap, But Multiple Transfers)
- Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam (34km from Nainital by road)
- Step 1: Bus/taxi from Nainital to Kathgodam (~1.5 hours)
- Step 2: Train from Kathgodam to Chandigarh/Delhi (6–8 hours)
- Step 3: Train or bus from Chandigarh/Delhi to Manali (nearest railway to Manali is Jogindernagar, but not recommended; use bus for last leg)
- Total Duration: 15–20 hours (not counting transfer wait times)
- Fare: From ₹1,300–₹7,000 depending on class/segment
4. By Flight (Fastest, Indirect)
- Step 1: Taxi to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) or Delhi
- Step 2: Fly from Pantnagar/Delhi to Kullu (Bhuntar) or Chandigarh
- No direct flight Nainital–Manali; most connect via Delhi or Chandigarh
- Step 3: Taxi or bus from Kullu/Chandigarh to Manali (2.5–8 hours depending on airport chosen and connection)
- Total Flight + Road Time: 8–12 hours (excluding layovers)
- Fares: ₹8,000–₹37,000 (Pantnagar–Chandigarh); ₹9,000–₹45,000 (Delhi–Kullu in season)
Quick Comparison Table
Route Suggestions & Tips
- Taxi/Car: Best for comfort, families, groups, and those with flexible budgets. Overnight stop midway is recommended for comfort.
- Bus: Best for solo or budget travelers. Always confirm timings and availability, and plan for transfers at Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Train: Only for those seeking budget or scenic rail segments—be ready for multiple changes.
- Flight: Useful if saving time is critical, though flights to Kullu are few and fares are high; Pantnagar/Delhi–Chandigarh route is most common.
Practical Advice
- Early booking (tickets/cabs) is essential in holiday and summer seasons.
- Overnight journeys (bus/train) are common—carry snacks, water, and warm layers.
- Monsoon and winter: Road travel can be affected by landslides or snow—check forecasts and advisories.
- Car route: Preferred is via Haldwani, Rampur, Rudrapur, Bilaspur, Chandigarh, Mandi, and Kullu, then up to Manali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to reach Manali from Nainital?
A: Taxi or cab via Chandigarh or Dehradun (about 11–16 hours), or flight to Kullu (via Delhi/Chandigarh), then taxi to Manali.
Q: Cheapest way to reach Manali from Nainital?
A: Multiple buses via Delhi or Chandigarh, total journey 18–23 hours.
Q: Is there a direct bus from Nainital to Manali?
A: No, you must change at Delhi or Chandigarh.
Q: Can I drive myself?
A: Yes, the roads are good but long—split the journey for comfort if possible.
With early planning and the right route, you can reach Manali from Nainital easily by taxi, bus, combined train-bus, or flight connections. Choose according to your budget, travel style, and comfort preferences.
