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

By train: approximately 12 hrs 43 min. By road: approximately 10 hrs 34 min.

Manali to Nainital: 383 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Manali to Nainital?

The aerial distance from Manali to Nainital is approximately 383 km (238 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 699 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 12 hrs 43 min. Buses take about 15 hrs 32 min and are the most affordable.

Manali

Himachal Pradesh

Nainital

Uttarakhand

383 km

aerial distance (straight line)

238 miles · Road distance: ~699 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

699 km

Road distance

10 hrs 34 min

Drive time

383 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Manali to Nainital

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 16 min

Kulu (KUU) → Dehra Dun (DED) (nearest airports)

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

12 hrs 43 min

699 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

15 hrs 32 min

699 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

10 hrs 34 min

699 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

383 km (238 mi)

Road distance

~699 km

Recommended

Train (12 hrs 43 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Manali to Nainital distance overview

The straight-line distance from Manali to Nainital is approximately 383 km (238 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 699 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand.

383 kmAerial distance

~699 kmBy road

12 hrs 43 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Nainital by air

No direct airport

Nainital does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Dehra Dun (DED). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Manali to Nainital

12 hrs 43 min ~699 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Manali and Nainital with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 12 hrs 43 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 Nainital

15 hrs 32 min ~699 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Manali to Nainital route. The journey takes approximately 15 hrs 32 min covering ~699 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 Nainital Buses

🚗 By car — Manali to Nainital

10 hrs 34 min ~699 km

A road trip from Manali to Nainital covers approximately 699 km and takes around 10 hrs 34 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Manali to Nainital

📅

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 10 hrs 34 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Nainital

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Nainital Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Nainital

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 Nainital? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Manali to Nainital is approximately 383 km (238 miles). The road distance is approximately 699 km, which takes about 10 hrs 34 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 12 hrs 43 min. Buses take about 15 hrs 32 min and are the most affordable. Nainital doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Dehra Dun (DED).

Are there buses from Manali to Nainital? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Manali to Nainital route. The journey takes approximately 15 hrs 32 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 Nainital? ▼

The train from Manali to Nainital takes approximately 12 hrs 43 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Manali to Nainital travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Manali

Manali to Nainital Distance & How to Reach