How to Reach Karnataka: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach Karnataka by flying into Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, then driving or taking the train to Mysuru, Coorg, Chikkamagaluru or Hampi. Mangaluru's airport suits the coast and western approach to Coorg, and Hosapete is the railway station for Hampi.

Karnataka is large and varied: palaces in Mysuru, coffee hills in Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, ruins at Hampi and beaches on the coast. Each region has its own best gateway. This guide explains the options by air, rail and road, and the drive times from Bengaluru to the main destinations.

The short answer

By air

Bengaluru (Kempegowda International Airport) is one of India's busiest, with flights from every major city and many international ones. It is north of the city, so allow time for traffic when heading south to Mysuru or Coorg.

Mangaluru serves the coast and is the closest major airport for western Coorg. Smaller airports at Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Shivamogga have limited flights, and a small airport near Hampi has occasional services.

From other cities

Non-stop flights connect Bengaluru with Delhi in under three hours, Mumbai in about one and a half hours, and Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata in one to two and a half hours. From Chennai, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains reach Bengaluru in about five hours and continue to Mysuru. From Goa, the coast and Hampi are both within a day's drive.

By train

Fast trains link Bengaluru and Mysuru in about two hours. Overnight trains from Bengaluru reach Hosapete for Hampi, and Hubballi connects north Karnataka with Goa and Pune. On the coast, the Konkan Railway stops at Udupi, Murudeshwar and Gokarna Road. Mangaluru has trains from Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai.

By road

The Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway has cut the journey to about two to two and a half hours. From Mysuru, Coorg is about three hours. Bengaluru to Chikkamagaluru takes about five hours, and Bengaluru to Hampi about six to seven hours. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses, including comfortable overnight services, connect most towns. Some routes through the Bandipur and Nagarhole forests towards Kerala and Ooty restrict night traffic.

Reaching the Karnataka coast

The coast from Mangaluru to Gokarna is best reached by the Konkan Railway or by flying into Mangaluru or Goa. Udupi, known for its Krishna temple and vegetarian food, is about an hour from Mangaluru. Murudeshwar and Gokarna lie further north, closer to Goa than to Bengaluru, so many travellers combine them with a Goa trip.

Drive times between key places

Matching the route to the trip

Getting around

A private car with a driver is the most comfortable option for the coffee hills and wildlife areas, where public transport is limited. In Mysuru, autorickshaws and app cabs work well. In Hampi, the ruins spread over a large area, so hire a car, autorickshaw or bicycle for the day. Our Coorg's Enchanted Getaway includes transfers from Bengaluru or Mysuru.

Your first day

If you land in Bengaluru in the morning, you can reach Mysuru by lunch and see the palace illuminated on Sunday evenings and public holidays. Coorg is better reached on a second day after a night in Bengaluru or Mysuru. After an overnight train to Hampi, start early at the Virupaksha Temple before the day warms up.

Season and booking

October to March is the most comfortable time, especially for Hampi, which gets very hot from April. Mysuru Dasara in autumn draws large crowds, so book early. The monsoon from June to September makes Coorg and Chikkamagaluru green and misty, with leeches on forest trails and occasional landslides. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

Travelling with parents

Choose the expressway to Mysuru and break the Coorg drive. Hampi involves walking on uneven ground in the heat, so plan early mornings and late afternoons and hire a vehicle between sites. For a calm wellness stay near Bengaluru, see Nature Nurture babymoon at Shreyas.

For couples

Couples often fly into Bengaluru, spend a night in Mysuru and continue to a plantation stay in Coorg or Chikkamagaluru, where mornings are misty and evenings quiet. A wildlife lodge at Kabini, about two hours from Mysuru, adds safaris by jeep and boat. Return via Mangaluru to fly home if you want to avoid the long drive back to Bengaluru.

Combining with neighbouring states

Karnataka borders Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, so overland combinations are easy. Gokarna and Murudeshwar pair well with Goa by road or the Konkan Railway. Coorg and Kabini link with Wayanad in Kerala, and Mysuru with Ooty in Tamil Nadu through the Bandipur and Mudumalai forests, where travel is restricted at night. Hampi pairs with Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, or with Goa via Hubballi.

Weekend trips from Bengaluru

Mysuru, Coorg, Chikkamagaluru and Kabini are all popular weekend escapes from Bengaluru, which means Friday evening traffic and full hotels. Leave early on Friday or on Saturday morning, book stays ahead and return before Sunday evening's rush.

Budget options

Trains and Karnataka State buses are inexpensive and comfortable, including overnight sleeper services to Hampi, Coorg and the coast. Book early for weekends, when Bengaluru residents travel. Sharing a car and driver keeps costs down in the hills.

Practical tips

Carry cash for small shops in Coorg and Hampi, though UPI is widely used. Dress modestly for temples and remove footwear. Read our 7-day Karnataka itinerary and Karnataka planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

A BagPackerMe planner can arrange the whole journey privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

Which airport is best for Coorg?

Coorg has no airport. Mysuru is about three hours away, Mangaluru about three and a half to four hours, and Bengaluru about five to six hours. Bengaluru has by far the most flights, so many travellers fly there and drive.

How do I reach Hampi?

Hosapete is the nearest railway station, about 30 minutes from Hampi, with overnight trains from Bengaluru. By road, Hampi is about six to seven hours from Bengaluru. A small airport near Hampi has limited flights.

How long is the drive from Bengaluru to Mysuru?

About two to two and a half hours on the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway, depending on traffic leaving Bengaluru. Fast trains take about two hours.

Can I combine Karnataka with Goa or Kerala?

Yes. Gokarna and the coast connect with Goa by road and the Konkan Railway, and Coorg and Mysuru connect with Wayanad and north Kerala by road, with daytime driving through the forest reserves.