How to reach Kullu? Transport options?
1 Answer
Since you're coming from Delhi/Noida, here are all practical options:
Flight (Fastest — ~2 hrs)
Bhuntar Airport (KUU), also known as Kullu-Manali Airport, is located about 10 km from Kullu town. Regular flights operate from Delhi and Chandigarh.
- Delhi → Bhuntar: ~1.5 hr flight, ₹3,500–₹9,000 depending on season
- Airlines: Air India Regional is the primary operator
- From airport: Local bus (₹30–50) or taxi (₹500–800) to Kullu town
Heads up: Flight tickets have to be booked in advance and regularly monitored — flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. Mountain airports are unpredictable, so always have a Plan B.
Road (Most Popular — 10–14 hrs)
The most common route is Delhi → Ambala → Chandigarh → Kiratpur → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu. Total distance is approximately 550 km, taking 12–14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Bus:
- HRTC operates regular and Volvo buses from Delhi. Private operators also offer AC and non-AC buses.
- Buses depart from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
- Volvo AC sleeper: ₹1,200–₹1,800 (overnight, departs evening)
- Ordinary/semi-deluxe: ₹600–₹900
- Book on HRTC website or RedBus
Self-drive:
- Delhi to Kullu distance is ~470 km and takes about 10 hours by road.
- Route: Delhi → Karnal → Chandigarh → Kiratpur → Mandi → Kullu
- Highway tolls: ~₹800–₹1,200
- Road quality is good till Mandi, then it gets hilly and winding
By Cab:
- One-way cab from Delhi: ₹5,000–₹7,000 (Innova/Ertiga)
- Best if splitting cost with 3–4 people
Train + Road (Budget — 12–15 hrs total)
Kullu does not have a railway station. The nearest is Joginder Nagar (~125 km away), but Chandigarh is the most practical railhead.
Best combo route:
- Delhi → Chandigarh by train (Shatabdi Express, 3.5 hrs, ₹600–₹1,200)
- Chandigarh → Kullu by Volvo bus or cab (~7–8 hrs, ₹500–₹1,000 by bus)
If you're looking for a budget option, a combination of train and road travel is the best mode of transportation.
Quick Comparison
| Mode | Time | Cost (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~2 hrs | ₹3,500–₹9,000 | Speed (but unreliable weather) |
| Volvo bus (overnight) | 12–14 hrs | ₹1,200–₹1,800 | Budget + convenience |
| Train + bus | 12–15 hrs | ₹1,100–₹2,200 | Budget with comfort |
| Self-drive | 10–12 hrs | ₹3,000–₹4,000 (fuel+toll) | Flexibility + scenic drive |
| Cab | 10–12 hrs | ₹5,000–₹7,000 | Comfort, group travel |
Pro Tips
- Overnight Volvo from Delhi is the most popular choice — you save a hotel night and wake up in the mountains
- Roads can get blocked during heavy snowfall, and rains cause landslides making roads muddy and unsafe — check road conditions before driving in monsoon (Jul–Sep)
- If going to Manali too, Kullu is just 40 km before Manali on the same route — most buses pass through Kullu anyway
- Carry motion sickness pills for the hilly stretch after Mandi
Want me to also cover best places/food in Kullu, or are you building out a Kullu travel guide for AskYatri?
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