The 5 Best Delhi to Manali Bus Services for a Reliable Journey

We’ve done the legwork for you and narrowed the list to five of the best Delhi to Manali bus services you can trust for a reliable journey.

Planning a trip to the stunning hill station of Manali from Delhi? Well, you’re in for a treat!

With its breathtaking vistas, serene ambiance, and countless adventure opportunities, Manali has rightfully earned its place as one of India’s most sought-after destinations.

And when it comes to getting there, Delhi to Manali bus services are the go-to choice for many travelers.

Now, here’s the thing – as one of India’s most popular bus routes, there are hundreds of bus services between Delhi and Manali daily.

In fact, RedBus alone lists approximately 120 buses operating on the Delhi to Manali route on any given day.

Now, it’s important to keep in mind that not all of these buses are equally reliable.

And especially if you’re a first-time traveler, sifting through such a vast array of options can feel like a daunting task.

But here’s where we come in to save the day!

We’ve done the legwork for you and narrowed the list to five of the best Delhi to Manali bus services you can trust for a reliable journey.

In this article, we’ll highlight five trusted bus operators you can rely on for a safe, reliable, and hassle-free journey from Delhi to Manali.

Why Choosing the Best Delhi to Manali Bus Services Matter

The distance between the two destinations spans around 600 kilometers, including approximately 200 kilometers of serpentine mountainous roads.

The average time taken on the Delhi to Manali bus journey is around 13 to 14 hours.

For a 14-hour journey, you must book the right bus for a pleasant journey.

Opting for reputable operators ensures reliability, safety, and peace of mind throughout the trip, especially during the challenging mountainous stretches.

Additionally, top-tier bus services often offer enhanced amenities and superior onboard facilities, contributing to a more comfortable travel experience on these long-haul routes.

Choosing reliable bus services can also lead to significant time and cost savings, with efficient scheduling and streamlined operations minimizing delays and inconveniences.

Informed decision-making based on service reliability and customer reviews empowers travelers to tailor their journey according to their preferences, ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and memorable travel experience.

Factors Considered for Curating this List

We leveraged our active involvement in Delhi’s bustling bus scene to meticulously curate this list of the best Delhi to Manali bus services so that you can have a happy journey.

We thoroughly each bus service for reputation, reliability, punctuality, and customer experience.

We also considered RedBus ratings and feedback from past passengers.

Lastly, we assessed the vehicle quality of each operator, prioritizing those with well-maintained buses equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable journey.

By meticulously considering these factors, we present a curated selection of the top Delhi to Manali bus services, guaranteeing a reliable and enjoyable travel experience.

List of the 5 Best Delhi to Manali Bus Services

1. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC)
2. Laxmi Holidays
3. IntrCity SmartBus
4. ZingBus
5. Deltin Travels

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC)

Himachal Road Transport Corporation, also referred to as HRTC, is the Himachal state-owned road transport corporation.

As a government-owned transport corporation, HRTC buses offer the most punctual and reliable Delhi to Manali buses.

HRTC operates approximately 15 buses on the Delhi to Manali route daily, comprising Ordinary 3+2 Non-AC Seater buses alongside the renowned HRTC Himsuta 2+2 semi-sleeper AC buses.

For a comfortable journey, we recommend opting for the HRTC Himsuta service, known for its luxurious Volvos and Scania buses.

HRTC Delhi to Manali bus ticket prices start from Rs 330 for ordinary services and Rs 1,450 for Himsuta buses.

Laxmi Holidays

Laxmi Holidays is among the top contenders for offering the best Delhi to Manali bus services, following HRTC.

Established in 2010, they are committed to ensuring on-time guarantee bus services for passengers.

Operating approximately 12 Delhi to Manali bus services daily, Laxmi Holidays offers a wide range of luxury buses including Scania Multi-Axle, Volvo, and Bharat Benz.

All their buses are equipped with 2+2 semi-sleeper seating and air conditioning for passenger comfort.

Laxmi holiday buses offer various amenities onboard, including charging points, blankets, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, a dedicated lounge, pillows, and complimentary water bottles.

Additionally, passengers can benefit from live tracking and round-the-clock customer support services provided by Laxmi Holidays.

IntrCity SmartBus

IntrCity Smartbus is among India’s leading bus operators, boasting an impressive 98.4% on-time record for inter-city travel journeys.

IntrCity SmartBus offers safe boarding points and comfortable lounges for passengers to wait and board the bus securely.

With its live tracking feature, travelers can monitor the bus’s location both before and during the trip, providing peace of mind and convenience.

Additionally, the presence of a dedicated Bus Captain facilitates smooth check-ins and ensures passenger comfort throughout the trip, enhancing the overall travel experience.

IntrCity Smartbus offers three premium Delhi to Manali bus services daily, providing travelers with luxurious Volvo 9600 buses equipped with comfortable 2+2 semi-sleeper AC seating.

ZingBus

Zingbus is a prominent bus operator on the Delhi to Manali route, with 8 daily services featuring air-conditioned Volvo and Scania Multi Axle buses offering comfortable 2+2 semi-sleeper seating.

With an impressive average rating of 4.6 from over 3000 passengers, ZingBus is often counted among the best bus services between Delhi and Manali.

Their buses are equipped with various amenities, including live tracking, mobile charging facilities, and an on-time arrival and departure guarantee.

Deltin Travels

Deltin Travels is another Delhi to Manali bus operator committed to providing unparalleled comfort and convenience to its passengers.

Operating 6 daily bus services on the Delhi to Manali route, Deltin Travels boasts a fleet comprising luxury Volvo 9600 buses and Scania Multi-Axle buses, each offering spacious 2+2 semi-sleeper seating arrangements.

With an average rating of 4.3 on RedBus, Deltin Travels is hailed as one of the best bus services between Delhi and Manali, solidifying its reputation for reliability and excellence in service delivery.

With 24/7 customer service, travelers can rest assured that assistance is always at hand.

The live bus tracking feature allows passengers to monitor the location of their bus in real-time, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.

Additionally, Deltin Travels provides dedicated boarding lounges, further enhancing the boarding experience for passengers.

How to Choose the Right Bus and Seats for Your Delhi to Manali Journey?

Selecting the right type of bus and seats can greatly enhance your travel experience from Delhi to Manali.

For long-haul journeys like this, opting for buses equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard entertainment can ensure a pleasant trip.

Here are our recommendations to keep in mind while booking your next Delhi to Manali bus journey:

Selecting the Right Bus

Since it is a 14 hour journey, comfort is paramount.

Keeping this in mind, we reccomend that you opt for Volvo or Scania buses that offer unmatched comfort.

Due to the mountainous terrain, renowned Indian Sleeper buses are not operational on this route.

Choose Semi-Sleeper Seats

Consider choosing semi-sleeper seating in 2+2 layout. For a journey of this duration, semi-sleeper seats provide a significant advantage.

Compared to standard seater options, semi-sleeper seats offer calf support and greater recline and legroom, allowing you to stretch out and relax to a greater extent.

This can significantly contribute to a more comfortable and restful journey.

Check Amenities Provided

Now that you have selected the best Delhi to Manali bus services, you can rest assured that their buses are equipped with all essential amenities.

However, for your convenience, we have compiled a list of amenities that you can expect when choosing your Delhi to Manali bus.

The Best Time for Departure

The ideal departure time from Delhi depends on your individual preferences and desired arrival time in Manali.

However, aiming for a departure time between 7:30 to 8:30 PM is generally recommended.

This allows you to arrive in Manali comfortably by 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, potentially coinciding with the check-in time at most hotels (typically around noon).

This approach allows you to maximize your first day in Manali by having ample time to settle in and explore the town before the sun sets.

Delhi to Manali Bus Online Booking

Online bus booking is a breeze in India.

There are numerous online platforms where you can book your Delhi to Manali bus tickets.

Simply select your departure and arrival dates, choose your preferred bus service/operator and bus type, and filter by price, timing, and amenities.

You can select a booking platform from our list of the best online bus booking platforms in India.

To have a seamless experience, ensure to:

• Check Bus Photos: Check the photos of the bus you are booking to gauge the overall condition of the bus.
• Check Amenities: Check all amenities provided like air-conditioning, charging ports, infotainment systems, Wi-Fi, washroom facilities, etc., to ensure that the bus meets your specific travel requirements and preferences.
• Boarding and Dropping points: Ensure that they are convenient and accessible, minimizing travel hassles and ensuring a smoother journey from start to finish.