Manali has no airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (Kullu), about 50 kilometres south, with flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, taxis to Manali take around 90 minutes.
Most visitors arrive by bus. Government (HRTC) and private buses run overnight from Delhi (12–14 hours), Chandigarh (8–10 hours), and Shimla (8–9 hours). Volvo sleeper buses are the most comfortable option for the overnight run from Delhi. Buses also connect Manali with Dharamshala and, in summer, with Leh over the Rohtang Pass (the Leh route is usually open June to October).
The bus stand is in the centre of town. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from there to Old Manali, Vashisht, and other nearby areas.