Planning a winter trip to Manali but worried about the travel cost? You’re in the right place! Manali in winter is magical with snow-covered mountains, exciting adventure activities, and beautiful views. But getting there doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket.
The distance from Delhi to Manali is around 530 kilometers. Many people think traveling in winter is expensive, but that’s not true. There are several budget-friendly ways to reach Manali, and I’ll share all of them with you.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the cheapest travel options, how much each one costs, booking tips, and smart ways to save money on your journey.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: All Travel Options at a Glance
| Travel Option | Cost Per Person | Time Taken | Best For |
| Government Bus | Rs.800-1,200 | 12-14 hours | Solo travelers on tight budget |
| Private Bus | Rs.1,000-2,000 | 10-13 hours | Small groups wanting comfort |
| Shared Taxi | Rs.1,500-2,000 | 10-12 hours | Those who want faster journey |
| Train + Bus | Rs.800-1,500 | 14-16 hours | Ultra budget travelers |
| Self-Drive (Split) | Rs.750-1,000 | 12-14 hours | Groups of 4 or more |
Now let’s look at each option in detail so you can pick the best one for your trip.
1. Government Bus (HRTC/HPTDC) – The Cheapest Option
Cost: Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per person
If you want to spend the least amount of money, government buses are your best friend. These buses are run by HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation).
Where to Book Your Ticket
You can book government bus tickets in two ways:
- Online on the official HRTC website
- At the ticket counter at Kashmere Gate ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) in Delhi
Departure Time and Types
Most buses leave in the evening between 5 PM and 10 PM. This is actually good because you travel at night and reach Manali in the morning. You save on one night’s hotel cost!
Government buses come in three types:
- Ordinary buses: Rs.800-900, basic seats, no AC
- Semi-Deluxe: Rs.1,000-1,100, better seats, slightly more comfortable
- Volvo AC: Rs.1,200-1,300, air-conditioned, most comfortable
Good Things About Government Buses
- Cheapest option available
- Very reliable, buses run on time
- Direct journey to Manali, no changes needed
- Safe and trustworthy
Things to Keep in Mind
- Basic facilities, don’t expect luxury
- Can get crowded during peak season
- Fewer stops for food and bathroom breaks
- Seats can be hard for long journey
Winter Travel Tip
In winter, government buses can be very cold, especially ordinary and semi-deluxe ones. Carry a warm blanket or shawl. Try to book a window seat away from the door because cold air comes in every time the door opens.
2. Private Volvo and Semi-Sleeper Buses
Cost: Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,000 per person
Private buses are a step up from government buses. They offer better comfort and more facilities, but cost a bit more.
Where to Book
You can easily book private buses online through:
- Redbus
- MakeMyTrip
- Goibibo
- Direct operator websites
Types of Seats Available
Private buses offer different seat types:
- Seater: Normal seats, Rs.1,000-1,300
- Semi-sleeper: Seats that recline more, Rs.1,200-1,500
- Sleeper: Bed-like berths, Rs.1,500-2,000
Booking Tips
Book your tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, especially in winter. You can get discounts of Rs.100-300 during weekdays. Avoid booking for Friday and Saturday as prices go up by 30-40%.
Winter Seat Selection
For winter travel, choose:
- Lower berth (warmer than upper berth)
- Middle seats (away from AC vents)
- Window seats on the sunny side
Good Points
- More comfortable than government buses
- Blankets and water provided
- More stops for food
- Better maintained buses
Not So Good Points
- More expensive than government buses
- Quality depends on the operator
- Some operators are not very reliable
3. Train + Bus Combination – The Ultra Budget Hack
Total Cost: Rs.800 to Rs.1,500 per person
Here’s a money-saving trick that many budget travelers use. You take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh or Ambala, then catch a bus to Manali from there.
How It Works
Step 1: Take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh
- Shatabdi Express: Rs.600-800 (fastest, 3.5 hours)
- Jan Shatabdi: Rs.400-600 (good speed, 4 hours)
- Regular trains: Rs.200-400 (slower, 4-5 hours)
Step 2: Take a bus from Chandigarh to Manali
- Government bus: Rs.500-600
- Private bus: Rs.600-800
Total Cost: Train (Rs.300-800) + Bus (Rs.500-700) = Rs.800-1,500
Where to Catch Buses from Chandigarh
Get off at Chandigarh Railway Station and take an auto or local bus to ISBT Sector 43. Buses to Manali leave from here regularly.
Time Factor
This option takes 2-3 hours more than a direct bus because you need to change from train to bus. But you save Rs.200-500, which is good if you’re not in a hurry.
Best For
This option is perfect if:
- You have a flexible schedule
- You want to save maximum money
- You don’t mind changing vehicles
- You want a more comfortable train journey instead of full night bus
Important Tips
- Book morning trains so you reach Chandigarh by afternoon
- Pre-book your Chandigarh to Manali bus ticket online
- Keep at least 2-3 hours gap between train arrival and bus departure
- Carry some snacks as you’ll be traveling the whole day
4. Shared Taxi or Cab
Cost: Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000 per person
Shared taxis are faster than buses and more comfortable. You share a car with 3-5 other people, so the cost is divided.
Where to Find Shared Taxis
- Majnu Ka Tilla area in North Delhi (many taxi operators here)
- Travel agencies near Kashmere Gate
- Facebook groups for Delhi-Manali travelers
- Online platforms like BlaBlaCar
Why Choose Shared Taxi
- Faster journey: Reaches in 10-12 hours (2 hours less than bus)
- More comfortable: Only 4-6 people in car
- Flexible stops: Can request stops for food or bathroom
- Door pickup possible: Some operators pick you from your home
Important Safety Tips
- Always verify the driver’s license and car papers
- Share car details with family
- Join established travel groups, not random people
- Agree on the route and stops before starting
- Avoid sharing with just one other person (safety concern)
Good to Know
Shared taxis usually leave early morning (4-6 AM) to avoid traffic and reach before dark. In winter, roads can be slippery after sunset, so daytime travel is safer.
5. Self-Drive Car – When Does It Make Sense?
Total Cost: Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 (divided among passengers)
Renting a car and driving yourself sounds expensive, but if you have 4 people, it becomes quite cheap per person.
Cost Breakdown
- Car rental: Rs.2,000-2,500 per day
- Fuel (petrol/diesel): Rs.3,500-4,000
- Tolls: Rs.500-700
- Parking: Rs.200-300
- Total: Rs.6,200-7,500
If 4 people share: Rs.1,550-1,875 per person
But wait! You also need to return to Delhi, so add return costs too. Or, you can take a one-way rental which is cheaper.
Rental Options
- Zoomcar (app-based, easy booking)
- Revv (good cars, well maintained)
- Local Delhi car rental agencies (can be cheaper)
Winter Driving Warning
Only choose self-drive if:
- You have experience driving in mountains
- You’ve driven in snow before
- You’re comfortable with narrow roads
- You’re not scared of heights
In winter, roads can have ice and snow. If you’re not experienced, please don’t risk it. A small mistake in mountains can be dangerous.
Benefits of Self-Drive
- Complete freedom to stop anywhere
- You can explore places on the way
- No fixed schedule
- Can carry lots of luggage
- Privacy with your group
Money-Saving Tips for Your Winter Journey
Want to save even more money? Here are some proven tips:
1. Book Early, Save More
Book your bus or taxi at least 10-15 days before your trip. Early bookings are Rs.200-400 cheaper. During weekends and holidays, last-minute prices can be double!
2. Travel on Weekdays
Friday and Saturday buses are 20-30% more expensive. If possible, start your journey on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. You’ll save money and face less traffic too.
3. Carry Your Own Food
Food at highway stops is expensive and not always good. A meal costs Rs.150-250 per person. Instead:
- Pack sandwiches, parathas, or dry snacks
- Carry fruits and dry fruits
- Take a water bottle (very important!)
- Budget tea/coffee at stops: Rs.20-30
You’ll easily save Rs.300-500 by carrying your own food.
4. Avoid Peak Winter Dates
Late December (Christmas) and early January (New Year) are peak season. Everything costs more during this time. If you can travel in mid-January, February, or early March, you’ll get:
- Cheaper bus tickets
- Less crowd
- Snow is still there
- Better deals on hotels in Manali
5. Join Travel Groups
Facebook has many Delhi-Manali travel groups. People share:
- Shared taxi options
- Group bookings for bus seats
- Real-time travel updates
- Weather conditions
- Money-saving tips
Join groups like “Delhi to Himachal Travelers” or “Budget Travel India.”
6. Use Discount Codes
Before booking online, search for coupon codes on Google. Type “Redbus discount code” or “MakeMyTrip promo code.” You can save Rs.100-300 easily.
7. Student and Senior Citizen Benefits
If you’re a student, carry your ID card. Some government buses give 10-20% discount. Senior citizens (above 60 years) also get discounts on government buses.
8. Cash is King
Keep enough cash with you. ATMs are limited on the highway and in Manali. Also, many small shops don’t accept cards. Carry at least Rs.5,000-8,000 in cash.
The Journey Route and What to Expect
All buses and taxis follow the same main route from Delhi to Manali:
Delhi → Karnal → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Journey Experience
The first half (Delhi to Chandigarh) is on highway. It’s smooth and comfortable. After Chandigarh, you enter the mountains. Roads become curvy and narrow. This is where the real journey begins!
Main Stops Along the Way
Most buses stop at these places:
- Karnal or Murthal (2 hours from Delhi): Quick tea/coffee break, Rs.20-40
- Chandigarh (4-5 hours from Delhi): Breakfast/lunch stop, meals cost Rs.100-150
- Sundernagar or Mandi (8-9 hours from Delhi): Lunch/dinner stop, meals Rs.120-180
- Kullu (11-12 hours from Delhi): Last major stop before Manali
Food Costs on the Route
Budget for meals if you’re not carrying your own food:
- Tea/Coffee: Rs.20-40
- Breakfast (poori-sabzi, paratha): Rs.80-120
- Lunch/Dinner (dal-rice, roti-sabzi): Rs.120-180
- Snacks (samosa, pakoda): Rs.30-60
Total food cost for the journey: Rs.300-500 per person
Clean Rest Stops
Look for these clean rest stops:
- Haveli restaurant in Murthal
- Dhaba by Claridges near Chandigarh
- Highway King in Bilaspur
- Rohtang Heights in Kullu
These places have clean washrooms, which is very important for long journeys.
Winter Travel: Important Things to Know
Traveling to Manali in winter is different from summer. Here’s what you should know:
Road Conditions in Winter
- December to February: Roads can have snow and ice, especially early morning
- After heavy snowfall: Roads might close for a few hours for cleaning
- Driving time increases: Can take 2-3 hours extra due to slow driving in snow
Possibility of Road Blocks
Sometimes, heavy snowfall blocks the road near Aut Tunnel or after Kullu. This doesn’t happen often, but you should know about it. If the road is blocked:
- Wait for a few hours
- Roads are usually cleared quickly
- Follow instructions from local police
Essential Items to Carry
For a comfortable winter journey, pack these:
Clothes:
- Warm jacket or coat
- Woolen cap and gloves
- Muffler or scarf
- Warm socks
- Extra sweater
Medicines:
- Motion sickness tablets (mountain roads are curvy!)
- Basic medicine for headache, fever
- Any personal medicines you take regularly
- Lip balm (lips get very dry)
Snacks and Water:
- Dry fruits and nuts
- Biscuits or cookies
- Chocolates (for energy)
- 2 water bottles
Other Important Items:
- Phone charger and power bank
- Torch (in case of power cuts)
- Some cash
- ID proof
- Warm blanket if taking ordinary bus
Check Weather Before You Go
Before booking your ticket, check the weather forecast. If heavy snow is predicted, consider postponing by a day or two. You can check weather on:
- Weather.com
- Google weather
- Himachal Tourism website
Keep a Buffer Day
Always keep one extra day in your plan. If the road is blocked or bus is late due to weather, you won’t miss your important work. Winter travel can be unpredictable.
Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers on your phone:
- HRTC Helpline: 0177-2812828
- Himachal Police: 100 or 0177-2812344
- Manali Police Station: 01902-252009
- Roadside Assistance: 1073
Where to Book Your Tickets
Here’s a complete list of booking platforms and resources:
For Government Buses
- HRTC Official Website: hrtc.gov.in (book directly, no extra charges)
- HPTDC Website: hptdc.nic.in
- Counter booking: Visit Kashmere Gate ISBT Delhi
For Private Buses
- Redbus: www.redbus.in (largest platform, many options)
- MakeMyTrip: www.makemytrip.com
- Goibibo: www.goibibo.com
- Paytm: Offers good cashback sometimes
- Yatra: www.yatra.com
For Trains
- IRCTC Website: www.irctc.co.in (official railway booking)
- Mobile App: IRCTC Rail Connect (easy to use)
For Shared Taxis
- Facebook Groups: Search “Delhi to Manali Shared Taxi”
- BlaBlaCar: App for shared rides
- Whatsapp Groups: Ask in travel communities
For Real-Time Road Updates
- Twitter: Search for #ManaliRoad or follow @hpibans
- Himachal Roads App: Shows road conditions
- Local News: himachaltimes.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Manali in winter?
Yes, it’s completely safe! Thousands of people travel to Manali in winter every year. Roads are maintained well. Just follow these tips:
- Travel during daytime if possible
- Check weather before you go
- Wear warm clothes
- Follow traffic rules
Which is the cheapest month to visit Manali?
January (after New Year) and February are the cheapest months. March is also good. Avoid late December as it’s peak season and everything costs more.
Do buses run daily from Delhi to Manali in winter?
Yes, both government and private buses run daily throughout winter. However, if there’s very heavy snowfall, some buses might get delayed or canceled. This is rare.
What if the road is closed due to snow?
Don’t worry! Roads are rarely closed for long. If there’s a block:
- It’s usually cleared within 2-4 hours
- Your bus will wait
- You won’t be charged extra
- Follow driver’s instructions
If you haven’t started your journey and roads are closed, you can:
- Postpone your ticket (most operators allow this)
- Get a refund
- Wait for roads to open (usually same day)
Is advance booking necessary?
For weekends and holiday season (late December-early January), yes, advance booking is a must. For weekdays and off-season, you can even book 2-3 days before. But I recommend booking at least a week early to get cheaper rates.
What’s the cheapest option for a solo traveler?
For a solo traveler, the government bus (ordinary or semi-deluxe) is the cheapest at Rs.800-1,000. If you want slight comfort, take a private bus seater at Rs.1,200-1,300. Shared taxi is good too but finding one might take time.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my ticket?
- Government buses: Usually no refund if you cancel
- Private buses: Refund depends on when you cancel
- More than 24 hours before: 70-80% refund
- 12-24 hours before: 50% refund
- Less than 12 hours: 0-25% refund
- Always read the cancellation policy before booking
Is the journey comfortable at night?
Night journey is comfortable if you take Volvo or sleeper buses. Ordinary and semi-deluxe buses can be uncomfortable as seats are not that good for sleeping. But the benefit is you save one night’s hotel cost and reach Manali fresh in the morning.
Can I carry luggage in buses?
Yes! All buses have luggage space under the bus. You can carry one big suitcase and one small bag for free. If you have extra luggage, some buses charge Rs.50-100 per extra bag.
Read More – Top 10 Cheapest Places to Visit in India.
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My Final Recommendations about Cheapest Way to Travel from Delhi to Manali in Winter.
After covering all options, here’s what I suggest based on different traveler types:
If You’re a Solo Budget Traveler
Take the government bus (Rs.800-1,000). It’s the cheapest and safest option. Yes, it’s not very comfortable, but you’ll save money for experiences in Manali.
If You’re a Couple or Two Friends
Take a private Volvo or semi-sleeper bus (Rs.1,200-1,500 per person). You get comfort, safety, and good value for money. Book window seats together for a better experience.
If You’re a Family with Kids
Take a private sleeper bus or shared taxi (Rs.1,500-2,000 per person). Kids need more comfort and more frequent stops. These options provide that.
If You’re a Group of 4-5 People
Consider self-drive if experienced, or book a full taxi (Rs.750-1,000 per person when split). You get privacy, flexibility, and can split costs. Make sure someone in the group has mountain driving experience.
If You Want Ultra Budget Travel
Take the train + bus combination (Rs.800-1,500 total). Yes, it takes longer, but you save money and the train journey is comfortable.
Before You Go: Final Checklist
- ✓ Bus/taxi ticket booked and confirmed
- ✓ Weather forecast checked
- ✓ Warm clothes packed
- ✓ Cash withdrawn (Rs.5,000-8,000)
- ✓ Phone fully charged and power bank packed
- ✓ ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Driving License)
- ✓ Medicines and first-aid kit
- ✓ Hotel in Manali booked (if going in peak season)
- ✓ Food and water for journey
- ✓ Emergency contacts saved
- ✓ Family informed about your travel plans
- ✓ Travel insurance (optional but good to have)
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Delhi to Manali doesn’t have to be expensive. With proper planning and smart choices, you can do this journey in just Rs.800-1,200 per person. The key is to book early, travel on weekdays, and choose the right option for your needs.
Winter in Manali is absolutely beautiful. The snow-covered mountains, the cozy weather, and the adventure activities are all worth the 12-hour journey. Don’t let budget worries stop you from experiencing this amazing destination.
Remember, the cheapest option is not always the best option. Choose what works for your comfort level, time, and budget. A slightly more expensive but comfortable journey can make your whole trip better.
Have you traveled from Delhi to Manali before? What mode of transport did you use? Share your experience in the comments below. Your tips can help other travelers!
Safe travels and enjoy the winter wonderland of Manali.