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

By train: approximately 19 hrs 41 min. By road: approximately 15 hrs 40 min.

Manali to Varanasi: 956 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Manali to Varanasi?

The aerial distance from Manali to Varanasi is approximately 956 km (594 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 1,279 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 19 hrs 41 min. Buses take about 25 hrs 35 min and are the most affordable.

Manali

Himachal Pradesh

Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

956 km

aerial distance (straight line)

594 miles · Road distance: ~1,279 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

1,279 km

Road distance

15 hrs 40 min

Drive time

956 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Manali to Varanasi

✈

By Flight

2 hrs 1 min

Fly from Kulu (KUU), nearest to Manali

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

19 hrs 41 min

1,279 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

25 hrs 35 min

1,279 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

15 hrs 40 min

1,279 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

956 km (594 mi)

Road distance

~1,279 km

Recommended

Train (19 hrs 41 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Manali to Varanasi distance overview

The straight-line distance from Manali to Varanasi is approximately 956 km (594 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 1,279 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Himachal Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh.

956 kmAerial distance

~1,279 kmBy road

19 hrs 41 minTrain

🚆 By train — Manali to Varanasi

19 hrs 41 min ~1,279 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Manali and Varanasi with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 19 hrs 41 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

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 Varanasi

25 hrs 35 min ~1,279 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Manali to Varanasi route. The journey takes approximately 25 hrs 35 min covering ~1,279 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 Varanasi Buses

🚗 By car — Manali to Varanasi

15 hrs 40 min ~1,279 km

The drive from Manali to Varanasi is a long one — approximately 1,279 km taking around 15 hrs 40 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Manali to Varanasi

📅

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 15 hrs 40 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Varanasi Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Varanasi

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 Varanasi? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Manali to Varanasi is approximately 956 km (594 miles). The road distance is approximately 1,279 km, which takes about 15 hrs 40 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 19 hrs 41 min. Buses take about 25 hrs 35 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Manali to Varanasi? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Manali to Varanasi route. The journey takes approximately 25 hrs 35 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 Varanasi? ▼

The train from Manali to Varanasi takes approximately 19 hrs 41 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Manali to Varanasi travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

Routes from Manali

Manali to Varanasi Distance & How to Reach