How long does it take to travel from Manali to Leh?

By train: approximately 7 hrs 46 min. By road: approximately 5 hrs 53 min.

Manali to Leh — 217 km | Bus, Train & Flights

Q: What is the distance from Manali to Leh?

The aerial distance from Manali to Leh is approximately 217 km (135 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 427 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Manali to Leh?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 7 hrs 46 min. Buses take about 9 hrs 29 min and are the most affordable.

Manali

Himachal Pradesh

Leh

Ladakh

217 km

aerial distance (straight line)

135 miles · Road distance: ~427 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

427 km

Road distance

5 hrs 53 min

Drive time

217 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Manali to Leh

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 2 min

Fly from Kulu (KUU), nearest to Manali

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

7 hrs 46 min

427 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

9 hrs 29 min

427 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

5 hrs 53 min

427 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

217 km (135 mi)

Road distance

~427 km

Recommended

Train (7 hrs 46 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Manali to Leh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Manali to Leh is approximately 217 km (135 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 427 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh.

217 kmAerial distance

~427 kmBy road

7 hrs 46 minTrain

🚆 By train — Manali to Leh

7 hrs 46 min ~427 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Manali and Leh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 7 hrs 46 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Manali to Leh

9 hrs 29 min ~427 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Manali to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 9 hrs 29 min covering ~427 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Manali to Leh Buses

🚗 By car — Manali to Leh

5 hrs 53 min ~427 km

A road trip from Manali to Leh covers approximately 427 km and takes around 5 hrs 53 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Manali to Leh

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 5 hrs 53 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Leh

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Leh Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Leh

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Manali to Leh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Manali to Leh is approximately 217 km (135 miles). The road distance is approximately 427 km, which takes about 5 hrs 53 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Manali to Leh? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 7 hrs 46 min. Buses take about 9 hrs 29 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Manali to Leh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Manali to Leh route. The journey takes approximately 9 hrs 29 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Manali to Leh? ▼

The train from Manali to Leh takes approximately 7 hrs 46 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Manali to Leh travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Manali to Leh route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Manali

Manali to Leh Distance & How to Reach