Getting to Mysore, Karnataka’s cultural capital, is straightforward regardless of where you’re traveling from. How to reach Mysore depends on your starting point, budget, and time preferences – you can fly into Mysore Airport (10 km from city), take direct trains to Mysuru Junction, or catch frequent KSRTC buses that arrive every 15 minutes from major cities like Bangalore.
Quick Transportation Overview for Mysore
By Air: Mysore Airport (MYQ) – 10 km from city center
By Train: Mysuru Junction (MYS) – 2 km from city center
By Bus: KSRTC Bus Stand – 1 km from city center
By Car: NH 275 (Bangalore), NH 766, NH 150A
Nearest International Airport: Bangalore (170 km, 3-4 hours)
Major Railway Junction: Mysuru Junction with 47 originating trains
Bus Connectivity: 105+ daily buses from Bangalore alone
How to Reach Mysore by Flight
Mysore Airport (Mandakalli Airport): Located 10 km from city center, operates domestic flights to Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Kochi. Airlines: Alliance Air, IndiGo, TruJet. Flight frequency: 3-4 flights daily to major cities.
From Mysore Airport to City: Taxi (300-400, 20 minutes), KSRTC buses (25, 30 minutes), auto-rickshaws (250-300). Airport shuttle service available during flight timings.
Via Bangalore International Airport: Most international and domestic travelers use Kempegowda Airport, Bangalore (170 km from Mysore). From Bangalore Airport: Direct buses (150-200, 4 hours), taxis (2500-3500, 3-4 hours), or fly to Bangalore then train/bus to Mysore.
How to Reach Mysore by Train
Mysuru Junction (MYS): Main railway station 2 km from city center. Well-connected to all major Indian cities. Station has 6 platforms with modern facilities including WiFi, escalators, and 24/7 medical center.
From Bangalore: Multiple daily trains including Shatabdi Express (2.5 hours, 280-450), Tippu Express (3 hours, 75-250), Chamundi Express (3 hours, 75-250). Frequency: 8-10 trains daily.
From Chennai: Kaveri Express (7-8 hours, 200-600), MGR Chennai-Mysuru Express (8 hours), Mysuru-Chennai day train. New Vande Bharat Express service introduced 2024.
From Mumbai: No direct trains. Travel via Bangalore with connecting trains. Total journey: 20-24 hours including connections. Alternative: Fly to Bangalore, then train to Mysore.
From Delhi: Mysuru-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (30+ hours, 500-2000). Weekly service. Most travelers prefer flight to Bangalore + train to Mysore for faster journey.
How to Reach Mysore by Bus
KSRTC Services: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates extensive bus network to Mysore. Main bus stand located 1 km from city center with excellent connectivity.
From Bangalore: 105+ daily buses, frequency every 10-15 minutes. Journey time: 2.5-3 hours, distance: 144 km via NH 275. Fare: 130-500 depending on bus type (ordinary to Volvo AC).
Bus Types Available: Ordinary (130), Express (180), Deluxe (220), AC Deluxe (280), Volvo AC (350-500), Sleeper buses for overnight journeys (400-800).
From Chennai: Overnight buses available (8-9 hours, 400-800). Tamil Nadu State Transport and private operators like SRS Travels, Kallada Travels operate on this route.
From Hyderabad: Direct overnight buses (12-14 hours, 600-1200). Multiple private operators including Rajahamsa, Orange Travels, Sea Bird Tourist.
From Goa: Direct buses via Hubli route (13-14 hours, 700-1400). Scenic journey through Western Ghats. Advance booking recommended during peak season.
How to Reach Mysore by Car/Road
From Bangalore (148 km): Take Mysore Road (SH 17) via Ramanagara, Channapatna, Maddur, Mandya, Srirangapatna. Well-maintained 4-lane highway. Drive time: 2.5-3 hours. Toll charges: 190-250.
Alternative Bangalore Route: Kanakpura Road (NH 209) via Kanakpura, Malavalli, Bannur. Slightly longer but scenic route through rural Karnataka. Total distance: 160 km, time: 3-3.5 hours.
From Chennai (480 km): Via NH 48 through Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode. Drive time: 8-9 hours with stops. Good highway conditions. Fuel cost: 3000-4000.
From Coimbatore (204 km): Via Mettupalayam, Gudalur, Bandipur. Beautiful route through Nilgiri hills. Drive time: 4-5 hours. Entry fees for Bandipur National Park: 30 per person.
From Ooty (125 km): Scenic drive through Bandipur forest. Route: Ooty-Gudalur-Gundlupet-Mysore. Time: 3-4 hours. Perfect for weekend trips combining hill station and heritage city.
Transportation Costs Comparison
From Bangalore: Train 75-450, Bus 130-500, Taxi 2000-3000, Flight to Mysore 3000-6000, Own car 600-900 (fuel + toll).
From Chennai: Train 200-600, Bus 400-800, Flight via Bangalore 4000-8000, Own car 2500-3500 (fuel only).
From Mumbai: Flight via Bangalore 5000-12000, Train via Bangalore 800-1500, Bus 1200-2500, Own car 6000-9000.
Best Transportation Options by Purpose
Business Travel: Flight to Bangalore + Shatabdi Express to Mysore (total 4-5 hours) or direct flight to Mysore. Most time-efficient for same-day meetings.
Tourist Groups: KSRTC Volvo buses from Bangalore. Comfortable, economical, and drops directly at city center. Book group tickets for discounts.
Budget Travelers: KSRTC ordinary/express buses. Cheapest option with good connectivity. Book 2-3 days advance during festivals and weekends.
Family Travel: Train journey comfortable for families with children. AC coaches available. Self-drive option good for flexibility in sightseeing.
Seasonal Travel Considerations
Dasara Festival (September-October): Book transport 1-2 months in advance. All modes heavily booked. Special buses and trains operated. Expect 50-100% fare increases during festival days.
Peak Tourist Season (October-March): Higher demand for all transport. Weekend bookings fill up fast. Advance reservations recommended for comfortable travel.
Monsoon Season (June-September): Flight delays possible due to weather. Road conditions good but heavy traffic. Train services generally punctual during monsoons.
Distance Chart from Major Cities
Nearby Cities: Bangalore 148 km, Mandya 45 km, Chamarajanagar 60 km, Hassan 118 km, Coorg 120 km, Ooty 125 km.
Major Cities: Chennai 480 km, Hyderabad 725 km, Mumbai 1000 km, Delhi 2200 km, Kolkata 2100 km, Pune 750 km.
Tourist Destinations: Hampi 340 km, Gokarna 320 km, Chikmagalur 150 km, Wayanad 140 km, Kodaikanal 250 km.
Local Transportation in Mysore
City Buses: Comprehensive network covering all areas. Fare: 8-25 depending on distance. Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes on main routes. Service: 6 AM to 10 PM.
Auto-rickshaws: Available throughout city. Meter rates during day. After 10 PM: 50% extra, after midnight: double rates. Minimum fare: 25 for short distances.
App-based Cabs: Ola, Uber available. Fare: 8-12 per km. More expensive than autos but convenient for app users. Good for airport/railway station transfers.
Bike Rentals: Available near railway station and tourist areas. Rates: 200-400 per day. Valid driving license required. Good for exploring nearby attractions independently.
Accommodation Near Transport Hubs
Near Railway Station: Budget hotels 800-2000, mid-range 2000-4000, luxury 4000+. Walking distance to station. Easy access to city attractions.
Near KSRTC Bus Stand: Several budget accommodations 600-1500. Convenient for early morning departures. Close to commercial areas and restaurants.
Near Airport: Limited options. Most travelers prefer city center hotels. Airport shuttle services available to main hotel areas.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
Advance Booking: Book train tickets 120 days in advance, especially for AC classes. Bus advance booking available 7-30 days. Flight booking best 2-3 weeks ahead for better prices.
Festival Travel: Avoid travel on main festival days unless necessary. Consider traveling a day before or after. Keep buffer time for delayed transport during festival season.
Luggage Guidelines: Trains allow more luggage than buses. For road travel, pack light. Check airline baggage restrictions for flights.
Emergency Contact Information
Railway Enquiry: 139 (National), +91-821-2521751 (Mysuru Junction)
KSRTC Enquiry: +91-821-2443602
Airport: +91-821-2527007
Tourist Helpline: +91-821-2421051
Police: 100, +91-821-2444100
Medical Emergency: 108
Future Transportation Developments
Satellite Town Ring Road: Under construction to ease traffic congestion. Will improve connectivity between transport hubs and reduce travel time within city.
Airport Expansion: Plans for international terminal and additional domestic routes. Direct international flights planned from Gulf countries for NRI travelers.
Railway Modernization: Platform extensions, additional escalators, and passenger amenities being upgraded. New Ashokapuram station operational to reduce main junction load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to reach Mysore from Bangalore?
Shatabdi Express train (2.5 hours) or car via Mysore Road (2.5-3 hours). Train more comfortable; car offers flexibility for stops and sightseeing.
Which is cheaper – bus or train from Chennai to Mysore?
Bus is generally cheaper (400-600) compared to train (500-800), but train offers more comfort for the 7-8 hour journey. Overnight buses save hotel costs.
Is there direct flight connectivity to Mysore?
Yes, Mysore Airport has direct flights to Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Kochi. For other cities, fly to Bangalore (170 km) then take bus/train to Mysore.
How much time needed to reach Mysore from Bangalore by different modes?
Train: 2.5-3 hours, Bus: 2.5-3 hours, Car: 2.5-3 hours, Flight (Bangalore to Mysore): 45 minutes. Road traffic affects bus and car timings during peak hours.
What’s the best transport during Dasara festival?
Book train tickets well in advance (AC preferred). Special Dasara buses operated but heavily crowded. Avoid road travel on main festival days due to heavy traffic.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Before Dasara festival 2025