Traveling from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to Nainital (Uttarakhand) involves a long but rewarding journey across North India’s scenic hills. You have several practical options by road, bus, train, and flight-taxi combinations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to distance, travel modes, fares, and essential travel tips.
Manali to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 650–830km (route-dependent; via Chandigarh and Dehradun are common)
- By Air (via Kullu, Chandigarh or Dehradun): Not direct; combine flight with road
- Aerial Distance: 385km (straight-line)
- Usual Driving Time: 11–16 hours (depending on mode, stops, and route).
Main Travel Options
1. By Road (Taxi/Private Car/Self-Drive)
- Route: Manali → Mandi → Bilaspur → Chandigarh → Haridwar/Dehradun → Nainital
- Distance: 650–830km
- Travel Time: 11–16 hours (nonstop; longer with breaks)
- Cab Fare: ₹8,500–₹12,000 for a standard sedan/SUV one-way; rates vary by season, car type, and operator.
- Booking: Private cabs (GoIbibo, Bazar Taxi, etc.), local operators, or at taxi stands.
Advantages:
- Door-to-door comfort, flexible stops, possibility to sightsee (Chandigarh, Haridwar).
- Good for families/groups.
Tips:
- Start early; plan for hill traffic and rest/fuel stops.
2. By Bus
- Bus Route: Manali → Chandigarh → Dehradun/Haldwani → Nainital (with transfers)
- Total Duration: 15–21 hours (including connections).
- Fare: ₹1,600–₹3,300 (for all segments)
- Booking: Online bus ticketing platforms (RedBus, Paytm, GoIbibo)
- Notes: No direct Manali–Nainital bus—must change at Chandigarh, Delhi, or Dehradun.
3. By Train (via Chandigarh or Delhi)
- Step 1: Bus/taxi from Manali to Chandigarh (8–10 hours)
- Step 2: Train from Chandigarh to Kathgodam (nearest railhead to Nainital) or Ramnagar
- Example: Take a train to Ramnagar (nearest to Nainital and Corbett)
- Step 3: Taxi/bus from Kathgodam/Ramnagar to Nainital (34–65km, 1–2 hours).
- Total Time: 15–18 hours (including transfers)
- Fare: ₹1,600–₹7,000 (varies by train class and transfer options)
4. By Flight (Fastest, Not Direct)
- Step 1: Taxi from Manali to Kullu (Bhuntar Airport) or Chandigarh
- Step 2: Fly to Pantnagar (closest to Nainital, but only from Delhi) or to Dehradun/Delhi
- Step 3: Taxi from airport to Nainital (1.5–2 hours from Pantnagar; 7–8 hours from Delhi)
- Minimum Time: 8–12 hours (including layovers, road transfers).
- Airfare: ₹6,500–₹45,000+ (varies greatly by route, booking time, and seats).
- Notes: Pantnagar flights are limited; more frequent via Delhi.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Route | Time (hrs) | Fare (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Car | Direct Manali–Nainital | 11–16 | 8,500–12,000 | Fast, comfortable |
| Bus | Manali–Chandigarh/Dehradun–Nainital | 15–21 | 1,600–3,300 | Change bus en route |
| Train | Manali–Chandigarh–Kathgodam/Nainital | 15–18 | 1,600–7,000 | 1–2 transfers; last mile taxi |
| Flight+Taxi | Manali–Kullu/Chandigarh–Delhi/Pantnagar–Nainital | 8–12 | 6,500–45,000+ | Fastest, indirect, more costly |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book early: For cabs, trains, and flights—especially in summer and holidays.
- Travel light: Smoother for bus/train transfers.
- Overnight journeys: Buses and trains often run overnight; carry snacks, water, and a light blanket.
- Weather: Check hill road and flight advisories during monsoon (July–Sept) or winter.
- Fare negotiation: Always confirm taxi fare in advance, especially for long hills drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the fastest way to reach Nainital from Manali?
A: By taxi or by flight to Pantnagar (via Delhi, if available) and then by taxi.
Q: What’s the cheapest way?
A: By combination of bus and train, transferring at Chandigarh/Delhi and Kathgodam.
Q: Can I get a direct bus?
A: No; all options require at least one change (Chandigarh, Delhi, or Dehradun).
Q: Are taxi/cab bookings available for Nainital from Manali?
A: Yes, easily bookable online and offline, with a variety of cars and packages.
Traveling from Manali to Nainital is easiest by direct taxi for comfort—or by combining bus, train, and a last-mile taxi for affordability. Whichever you choose, you’ll experience some of North India’s best mountain scenery along the way.
