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

By train: approximately 7 hrs 47 min. By road: approximately 5 hrs 56 min.

Manali to Leh Ladakh: 218 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Manali to Leh Ladakh?

The aerial distance from Manali to Leh Ladakh is approximately 218 km (135 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 428 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 7 hrs 47 min. Buses take about 9 hrs 31 min and are the most affordable.

Manali

Himachal Pradesh

Leh Ladakh

Ladakh

218 km

aerial distance (straight line)

135 miles · Road distance: ~428 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

428 km

Road distance

5 hrs 56 min

Drive time

218 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Manali to Leh Ladakh

🚆

By Train

7 hrs 47 min

428 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

9 hrs 31 min

428 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

5 hrs 56 min

428 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

218 km (135 mi)

Road distance

~428 km

Recommended

Train (7 hrs 47 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Manali to Leh Ladakh distance overview

The straight-line distance from Manali to Leh Ladakh is approximately 218 km (135 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 428 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh.

218 kmAerial distance

~428 kmBy road

7 hrs 47 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Leh Ladakh by air

No direct airport

Leh Ladakh does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Leh (IXL). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Manali to Leh Ladakh

7 hrs 47 min ~428 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Manali and Leh Ladakh with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 7 hrs 47 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 Ladakh

9 hrs 31 min ~428 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Manali to Leh Ladakh route. The journey takes approximately 9 hrs 31 min covering ~428 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 Ladakh Buses

🚗 By car — Manali to Leh Ladakh

5 hrs 56 min ~428 km

A road trip from Manali to Leh Ladakh covers approximately 428 km and takes around 5 hrs 56 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Manali to Leh Ladakh

📅

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 56 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

🅞️ Weather in Leh Ladakh

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 Ladakh? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Manali to Leh Ladakh is approximately 218 km (135 miles). The road distance is approximately 428 km, which takes about 5 hrs 56 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 7 hrs 47 min. Buses take about 9 hrs 31 min and are the most affordable. Leh Ladakh doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Leh (IXL).

Are there buses from Manali to Leh Ladakh? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Manali to Leh Ladakh route. The journey takes approximately 9 hrs 31 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 Ladakh? ▼

The train from Manali to Leh Ladakh takes approximately 7 hrs 47 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Manali to Leh Ladakh travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Manali

Manali to Leh Ladakh Distance & How to Reach