How to Reach Mysore from Bangalore: Transport Routes & Travel Guide

Mysore is just 140 kilometres south of Bangalore, making it one of Karnataka's most accessible weekend destinations. You have four primary transport options: self-drive, hired cab, train, or long-distance bus. Each offers different advantages depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style. The journey reveals stunning landscapes—from urban Bangalore through the rolling coffee and spice estates of the Western Ghats foothills.

Which Transport Mode Suits You Best?

Self-drive or hired cab offers flexibility and comfort, ideal if you want to stop at viewpoints or take backroads through estate villages. Train travel is reliable and scenic, perfect for those who dislike highway driving. Buses are the most economical and operate frequent services, though journeys can be slower depending on stops.

Road Travel: The NH 44 Route

The Bangalore-Mysore Highway (National Highway 44) is the backbone of this route, a well-maintained four-lane expressway that covers most of the 140-kilometre journey. Driving time is typically 2.5 to 3 hours in normal traffic, though it can stretch to 4 hours during monsoon (June to September) when wet roads and occasional landslides near Nandi Hills slow traffic.

Petrol prices in August 2026 hover around ₹100–105 per litre depending on fuel type. For a sedan, expect fuel costs of roughly ₹300–400 each way. Toll charges on the expressway add ₹200–300. Hiring a car with driver costs ₹2,500–4,500 for a one-way trip, depending on vehicle type and operator.

The drive passes through Whitefield, skirts Nandi Hills (a possible detour for a quick temple visit or dawn hike if you leave Bangalore early), then descends into plantation country around Kanakapura. The road quality remains excellent, with regular fuel stations and wayside eateries. Night driving is safe on the highway, though watch for heavy trucks after 10 p.m.

Train Services: Scenic and Stress-Free

Three daily trains connect Bangalore City station to Mysore Junction:

• Mysore Express (16234/16233): Departs Bangalore around 7:15 a.m., arrives Mysore 9:40 a.m. Return service leaves Mysore 4:55 p.m., reaches Bangalore 7:15 p.m. Journey time: approximately 2.5 hours. Second-class fares run ₹80–120; air-conditioned chair car, ₹350–450.
• Shatabdi-style services: Evening departures offer comfort and dining, though timings vary seasonally.

Train travel is ideal if you want to avoid the monotony of road driving, enjoy watching estates roll past your window, and arrive refreshed. The route climbs through coffee plantations and descends into Mysore's plateau. Book via IRCTC (Indian Railways website) at least 2–3 days ahead during weekends; walk-ups are possible but seats may be limited.

Bus Services: Frequent and Economical

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run buses every 15–30 minutes between Bangalore's Central Bus Stand and Mysore Central Bus Station. Journey time ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and number of stops.

Fares: Ordinary buses, ₹150–180; semi-deluxe, ₹220–280; Volvo/AC services, ₹350–500. Private operators like VRL, SRS, and Suguna also offer competitive pricing and marginally better comfort. Buses leave throughout the day; early morning (5–7 a.m.) and evening (4–7 p.m.) slots are busiest.

Bus travel is best for groups or solo budget travellers. Trade-offs: you're at the mercy of stops (some services pause for lunch or chai breaks) and occasional traffic congestion in Bangalore's outskirts. Night buses are available but less comfortable than day services.

Seasonal Considerations

Monsoon months (June–September) bring slower travel times. The route between Mysore and Nandi Hills can become congested if landslips occur, and wet roads extend journey duration by 30–45 minutes. However, the landscape is lush and green—waterfalls pour down cliff faces, and the air smells of wet earth and coffee blossoms.

Dry season (October–May) offers faster, clearer travel, especially early morning when traffic is light and visibility is excellent.

Arriving in Mysore: What to Expect

Mysore Junction railway station and the Central Bus Stand are both centrally located, within 2–3 kilometres of the palace, main bazaars, and accommodation. Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous (expect ₹80–150 to central hotels) and can be hailed outside stations. If you've driven yourself, parking is available at most hotels; centralised underground parking near Devaraja Market is also available.

Once settled, consider booking a room at one of Mysore's excellent hotels. The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore offers luxury and convenient location with a 9.1/10 rating. For mid-range comfort, Livaana (3-star, 7.6/10) provides good value close to the palace. If you're seeking heritage ambiance, the iconic Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel (8.0/10, 5-star) overlooks Mysore from a hilltop and is unforgettable, though pricier.

Planning Your Onward Journey

Mysore warrants at least one full day—the palace, gardens, and old town bazaars merit 6–8 hours. If you drive, consider a loop: Bangalore → Mysore → Ooty or Coorg (Kodagu), returning via Bangalore. If you take the train, book your return journey immediately upon arrival, as weekend trains fill quickly.

For more context on what to do once you arrive, explore our Mysore city guide and best time to visit Mysore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the journey from Bangalore to Mysore take? Road travel: 2.5–3 hours by car or taxi; 2.5–3.5 hours by bus. Train: approximately 2.5 hours. Times increase 30–45 minutes during monsoon or peak traffic hours (7–10 a.m., 5–8 p.m.).

Is the Bangalore-Mysore Highway safe at night? Yes, the NH 44 is well-lit and regularly patrolled. Accident rates are low. Avoid solo travel very late at night if you're unfamiliar with the route; buses and hired cabs with drivers are safer options then.

Can I reach Mysore and return to Bangalore in one day? Yes, easily. Depart Bangalore by 6–7 a.m. by car or first bus, spend 6–8 hours in Mysore, and return by evening bus or 4:55 p.m. train. A day trip works well for the palace and gardens; overnight stays allow exploration of surrounding estates and quieter areas.

Which is cheaper: bus, train, or taxi? Bus is most economical (₹150–500 depending on class). Train costs slightly more (₹80–450) but is faster and more comfortable. Self-drive or hired taxi is priciest per person (₹300–500+ in fuel or hire) unless you're sharing among four or more passengers.