The journey from the hills of Manali to the planned city of Chandigarh is a journey that draws the interest of tourists, students, and business travelers. Be it an end to a holiday or the start of a travelling, knowing the distance between Manali and Chandigarh, the time taken to travel and the rate chart will help you plan better.
In this blog, I will talk about the distance in kilometers, the best options of travel, the time taken to travel and the estimated total cost.
Distance of Manali from Chandigarh
Distance from Manali to Chandigarh is Approx. 300 to 320 kilometers. This depends on the road you choose to travel.
The most popular road used by buses and private vehicles is:
Manali → Kullu → Mandi → Bilaspur → Rupnagar ( Ropar ) → Chandigarh
Time Taken to travel from Manali to Chandigarh
Time taken on this journey is anywhere between 7 and 9 hours on average.
- The reasons that affect this include :
- The amount of traffic present
- The prevailing weather (especially in the winter and monsoon seasons)
- Road work or landslides
- The nature of the vehicle used.
Traffic is usually heaviest is in the afternoon, so for faster traveling, leaving in the morning is ideal.
Best Ways to Travel from Manali to Chandigarh
Both cities offer different travel techniques. Here is a breakdown.
- Through Bus (Most Common)
Traveling through bus is more common.
Different Types of Buses:
- Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses
- Volvo and AC buses of a different standard
- Sleeper and semi-sleeper coaches
Travel Duration:
About 8 to 9 hours.
Ticket Pricing:
Ordinary buses: ₹600 – ₹900
Volvo or AC buses: ₹900 – ₹1,500
Pros:
- Cost-efficient
- Comfortable Volvo available.
- Availability is a daily occurrence.
This is a better option for students and solo travelers.
- Through Car (Self-Drive or Taxi)
Traveling by a car is more flexible and better.
Distance:
Around 310 km.
Time Estimate:
7 to 8 hours, this all depends on whether there are any stops.
Estimated Taxi Pricing:
- Around ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
- An SUV taxi may cost around ₹8,000 – ₹12,000.
Estimated Fuel (for Self-Drive):
- If you drive your own car, the estimated fuel cost may be around ₹2,500 – ₹3,500. This all depends on the mileage and the fuel price.
Pros: You can have more flexibility and there may be awesome views.
This option is better for a big group, or family.
- Through Train (Indirect Travel)
There is no travel from Manali to any other place directly. This is because there is no train station in Manali.
There are two railway stations at equal distance from Manali.
- Joginder Nagar (which is of narrow gauge)
- Chandigarh Railway Station (which is a major station)
So, most of the travellers first go to Chandigarh by road, and then take a train to other destinations.
Therefore, train travel is not a direct option between Manali and Chandigarh.
- By flight (which is not direct)
There is no major airport in Manali. The closest one is:
(Bhuntar Airport) Kullu-Manali Airport.
There are limited and expensive flights from Bhuntar to Chandigarh.
Cost of flights: ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 (depending on the season)
The duration of the flight is 1 hour, but including airport transfer and waiting, total duration is 4 – 5 hours.
This option is good if you are looking to save some time.
Road Conditions and Travel Experience
The road journey from Chandigarh to Manali is quite scenic.
You will pass through the:
- River Beas
- Mountain valleys
- Tunnels
- Winding roads
Some sections of the road in Mandi and Bilaspur have construction, and you may face some delays.
There might be delays during the rainy season due to landslides, and during the winter the fog may limit your visibility.
Checking the weather is a good idea before you leave.
Budget Planning for Manali to Chandigarh Travel
Here is a simple estimated budget guide:
| Travel Mode | Approximate Cost (One Way) |
| Ordinary Bus | ₹600 – ₹900 |
| Volvo Bus | ₹900 – ₹1,500 |
| Shared Taxi | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Private Taxi | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Self-Drive (Fuel Only) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
| Flight | ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 |
Extra Expenses Could Include:
- A food and snack budget of around ₹300 – ₹800 is required.
- If you’re traveling by car, there’s an expected toll fee of around ₹200 – ₹500.
- In case of emergencies or extra stops.
Your level of comfort and the type of transport you choose will determine the total travel budget.
Time Frame for Traveling
The ideal time frame for traveling is between March and June here the weather is mild, pleasant, and favorable for traveling. , and between September and November when the rain is light or not present for an easier travel experience.
Try to travel around heavy snow months, January, and heavy rain months, July and August.
In case of an emergency, have an extra carry.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
Here are a few tips to help you achieve this goal:
- Be sure to get an early start.
- You may wish to take some snacks and a large bottle of water.
- Carry warm clothing for the winter season.
- Be sure to check your car or vehicle before departure.
- In case you are traveling by bus, you may wish to purchase your tickets before leaving.
Make sure to plan your trip, as it will help ensure its comfort and ease
Why do most people travel this route?
The route is quite simple and travel to the distance is quite reasonable. This is a very popular route in the northern region of India. Tourists generally travel to Chandigarh after going to Manali as they catch trains or flights to various cities from Chandigarh.
Chandigarh is a place where a lot of people do business, and a lot of students travel this route. This is where they travel for education as it is the city where they pursue their education.
Conclusion
Traveling from Manali to Chandigarh is roughly 300 to 320 kilometers, taking about 7 to 9 hours by road. Travelers have options for buses, taxis, self-driving, or even flying. Depending on the mode of transport, the budget can be anywhere from ₹600 to ₹12,000. Overall, planning your trip and considering weather along with pre-booked tickets will all ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. We appreciate your queries about travel guides, business insights and helpful information.
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