Delhi to Manali is one of the most travelled routes in North India, and most travellers default to the overnight AC Volvo bus - roughly 530 km, 12-14 hours, timed so you sleep through the drive and wake up in the mountains. Self-drive groups usually take the Chandigarh-Mandi highway instead, breaking the journey with an overnight stop.
The faster (and pricier) alternative is flying into Bhuntar airport near Kullu, about 50 minutes from Manali by road, cutting total travel time to under 2 hours in the air plus a short drive. Families with young kids or older travellers often prefer this option specifically to skip the long bus ride, even though it costs more per person.
