Delhi to Manali by Car: Distance, Routes & Travel Time
Planning a Delhi to Manali road trip? Here’s the ultimate travel guide with distance, routes, travel time, safety tips, best cars, and rental charges.
A Delhi to Manali road trip by car is one of India’s most loved hill-station journeys. With thrilling mountain views, smooth highways, and multiple sightseeing points, thousands of travellers choose to rent a car or hire a Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Manali for a comfortable and flexible experience.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, adventure trip, snow tour, corporate travel, or a honeymoon drive, this guide covers everything you need:
- Delhi to Manali distance by road
- Best route from Delhi to Manali by car
- Travel time
- Night travel safety
- Car rental charges
- Best SUVs & Tempo Travellers
- Must-visit stopovers
- Driving tips for Himalayan roads
Why Choose a Car Rental for Delhi to Manali Trip?
Driving from Delhi to Manali gives you unmatched freedom and comfort:
- Doorstep pickup anywhere in Delhi NCR
- Flexibility in halts and sightseeing
- Complete privacy (perfect for couples & families)
- Safer hill driving with expert chauffeurs
- Cheaper than multiple flight/train tickets when travelling in groups
- Ideal for Kullu, Manali, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, and Kasol trips
Looking for a vehicle on rent?
Delhi to Manali Distance, Routes & Travel Time
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 530–560 km (depending on route) |
| Travel Time | 12–14 hours (longer in snowfall) |
| Best Route | Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali |
| Highway | NH-44 + NH-3 |
| Best Time to Travel | Early morning (4–6 AM) |
| Ideal Season | March–July, October–January (snowfall season) |
Best Routes for Delhi to Manali Drive
1. NH-44 + NH-3 (Fastest & Most Preferred Route)
Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Why choose this route?
- Smooth 6-lane highway
- Best for Sedans & SUVs
- Plenty of dhabas, fuel stations, and food courts
- Safe for night driving until Kiratpur Sahib
2. Route via Shimla (Scenic Route)
Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla → Kinnaur → Manali
Ideal for travellers who want a scenic Himalayan drive, but adds 4–5 extra hours.
Best Cars to Hire for Delhi to Manali Road Trip
Different terrain requires the right vehicle. Here are the top choices:
Delhi to Manali Car Rental Charges
(Approx. prices; may vary by season & route)
| Vehicle | Price (₹ per km) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire | ₹12–14/km | Couples & Small Budget Trips |
| Innova Crysta | ₹18–20/km | Family & Premium Travel |
| SUV (Creta/Scorpio) | ₹20–24/km | Hill Driving & Snow Trips |
| Fortuner | ₹28–32/km | Luxury Road Trips |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹22–30/km | Group Travel |
Top Stopovers Between Delhi and Manali
🍽️ Popular Food Stops
- Amrik Sukhdev (Murthal)
- Haveli (Karnal)
- McDonald’s, Dominos (Chandigarh highway)
📍 Scenic Stop Points
- Sundernagar Lake
- Pandoh Dam
- Kullu Market
- Hanogi Mata Temple
These are perfect for stretching, refreshments, and photography.
Delhi to Manali Driving Tips (Beginner + Expert Tips)
- Start early to avoid Delhi–Karnal traffic.
- Keep FASTag + cash for tolls.
- Maintain low gears on hill climbs.
- Avoid night driving between Mandi → Kullu → Manali.
- Keep winter essentials during snowfall (chains, warm clothes, thermos).
- For snow season, choose SUV or 4×4.
Best Time to Travel from Delhi to Manali by Car
Summer (March–June)
Best for outdoor activities & road stability.
Monsoon (July–September)
Avoid if possible—risk of landslides.
Winter (October–January)
Perfect for snowfall trips & Atal Tunnel sightseeing.
Book Your Delhi to Manali Car Rental Now
For a comfortable, safe & hassle-free journey:
📲 Call / WhatsApp: +91-9354672570
📧 Email: info@tempotravelleronline.com
