How to Reach Bidar from Bangalore
Bidar lies 600 kilometres northeast of Bangalore—a frontier fort town in north Karnataka where the Deccan plateau flattens into weathered battlements and terracotta-tiled bazaars. Most travellers reach it in 10 to 11 hours by road, though overnight trains and long-distance buses offer alternatives. The journey itself is straightforward; the choice depends on your schedule, comfort preference, and whether you want to break the drive.
What's the quickest way to reach Bidar?
Driving yourself (or hiring a cab) is fastest: 600 km via the NH44 and NH63, roughly 10–11 hours non-stop. A private taxi from Bangalore costs ₹4,500–6,000; shared cabs from Bangalore's bus stations cost ₹800–1,200 per person. If you prefer not to drive, the overnight train from Bangalore to Parli Vaijnath (8–9 hours) connects to Bidar via a 90-minute road trip, though timings are irregular.
Driving from Bangalore to Bidar
The road route is your most flexible option. Head north on NH44 toward Hyderabad for roughly 180 km, then branch east on NH63 toward Parli Vaijnath and Bidar. The landscape shifts from the coffee estates and granite hills around Bangalore into flatter, drier terrain dotted with sugarcane fields—a gentle visual transition that signals you're leaving the Western Ghats.
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Stops worth considering: Kolar (60 km), a historic mining town where you can grab breakfast or coffee; Tandur (90 km), quieter and less crowded; and Parli Vaijnath (480 km), a pilgrimage town with temples and decent restaurants. Most travellers break the journey here for lunch and a brief rest before the final 120 km push into Bidar.
The road itself is well-maintained but often busy with trucks. Travel early morning if possible—departing Bangalore by 5–6 a.m. means you'll arrive in Bidar by mid-afternoon, avoiding nighttime driving fatigue. During monsoon (June–September), occasional waterlogging in low-lying areas can add 30–45 minutes; the dry season (October–May) is clearer, though summer (March–May) brings heat haze on the plains.
Train from Bangalore to Bidar
The train journey is slower but quieter. The South Western Railway runs overnight services from Bangalore City or Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Station to Parli Vaijnath (the nearest major station to Bidar, 120 km away). The journey takes 8–9 hours; from Parli Vaijnath, you'll need a taxi or shared auto to Bidar (₹300–500 per person, roughly 90 minutes).
Train timings are erratic—check Indian Railways' live booking portal for current schedules, as services are often rerouted or delayed. Comfort varies; sleeper-class fares are economical (₹350–600), but you'll share bunks. Air-conditioned compartments (₹900–1,400) are quieter for sleeping. The real advantage: you arrive refreshed and avoid the monotony of a long road journey, though the final leg by road to Bidar adds time and expense.
Long-distance buses from Bangalore
Banglore's central bus stations (Majestic and Shivajinagar) run daily coaches to Bidar, operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators like VRL and Kallada. Fares range from ₹600–1,100 depending on comfort; journey time is 11–13 hours with 2–3 brief stops. Buses depart late evening (8–10 p.m.) and arrive early morning (7–9 a.m.), which suits some but means sacrificing a night's proper sleep.
Buses are crowded and often smoky; seats are narrow and legroom minimal on budget services. Better-appointed private buses (Volvo, semi-sleeper) cost more but include blankets and snacks. The upside: lowest cost and no hassle booking; the downside: you'll feel every pothole and horn honk.
Comparison: Which option suits you?
| Mode | Duration | Cost (approx) | Comfort | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi/self-drive | 10–11 hours | ₹4,500–6,000 | High (control pace, breaks) | Highest |
| Train + taxi | 9–10 hours total | ₹900–2,000 | Moderate (sleeper is narrow) | Low (fixed schedule) |
| Shared cab | 11–13 hours | ₹800–1,200 | Low (crowded) | Moderate |
| Private bus (Volvo) | 11–13 hours | ₹1,000–1,200 | Moderate (wider seats) | Low (fixed schedule) |
| KSRTC bus | 11–13 hours | ₹600–800 | Low (basic) | Low (fixed schedule) |
Our recommendation: If you're travelling solo or with one other person and want to arrive alert, hire a private taxi and break the journey at Parli Vaijnath for lunch (costs more upfront but saves frustration). If you're on a tight budget and don't mind an early morning arrival, take a Volvo bus—it's cheaper than a taxi and more comfortable than KSRTC. Avoid the train unless timings align perfectly; the 120 km road transfer negates most time savings.
What to expect on arrival in Bidar
Bidar town sprawls around its magnificent 15th-century fort. Hotels cluster near the bus station and bazaar area. Book ahead if you're arriving in peak season (October–February). Highly-rated options include Mastiff Select Bidar (9.1/10, excellent midrange choice) and Hotel The Crown Town (9.7/10, small and charming). Budget travellers should consider BlackBuck Resort-Jungle Lodges (8.9/10), though it's 35 km outside town in forest—good for a night or two if you want quiet and nature.
Autorickshaws are abundant at the bus station; expect ₹40–80 to reach most hotels. The town's narrow lanes and steep bazaar make walking enjoyable once you've settled in.
Seasonal driving notes
Monsooon (June–September) brings slippery roads and occasional waterlogging; visibility drops. Roads remain navigable, but journey times stretch to 12+ hours. Dry season (October–May) is ideal: clear visibility, shorter journey times, and cooler mornings. Summer (March–May) is dusty and hot on the plains; air-conditioned taxis or trains are more comfortable.
FAQ
Can I reach Bidar in one day from Bangalore? Yes, easily. Departing early (5–6 a.m.) by taxi or car, you'll arrive by 4–5 p.m. Buses and trains take longer and are less convenient for daytime arrival unless you depart the previous evening.
Which is cheaper: taxi or bus? Buses are cheapest (₹600–1,200 per person), but taxis can be competitive if you're travelling with two or three people and split the fare. A taxi costs ₹4,500–6,000 total; shared cabs fall between at ₹800–1,200 per seat.
Is the road safe to drive at night? The NH44 and NH63 are generally safe and well-lit, but nighttime driving increases fatigue and accident risk. If travelling by road, aim to depart early morning and arrive before dusk. Truck traffic is heavy at night, making overtaking hazardous.
What's the best time of year to travel to Bidar? October to February: clear skies, mild temperatures, and the shortest journey times. Avoid June–September (monsoon slows traffic) and March–May (heat and dust). See our best time to visit Bidar guide for more seasonal detail.