Bangalore to Mysore: Complete 2026 Guide -- Train, Bus and Driving
📅 Last updated: September 2026
✍️By PlanRouteAI Editorial Team — Researched, written and verified by our travel editors • About us
Bangalore (Bengaluru) to Mysore (Mysuru) is one of Karnataka's most popular day-trip and weekend routes, covering approximately 142 km in around 2.5-3 hours by train or bus. The KSRTC Airavat Volvo bus is the most popular option at Rs 260-300, while trains from Bangalore City Junction start from just Rs 95 in second class. The Bangalore-Mysore Expressway (NH275) has made driving one of the smoothest intercity road journeys in South India. This guide covers every transport option with verified September 2026 prices and practical tips for Mysore once you arrive.
All Ways to Travel Bangalore to Mysore
Transport
Duration
Cost
Best for
KSRTC Airavat Volvo bus
2.5-3.5 hours
Rs 260-300
Comfortable, frequent, no booking needed
Train (29 trains daily)
2.5-3 hours
Rs 95-600
Scenic, comfortable, budget option
Private bus (AC Sleeper/Seater)
3-4 hours
Rs 219-1,000
Door-to-door comfort, night travel
Driving (NH275 Expressway)
2.5-3 hours
Fuel + toll ~Rs 600-900
Flexibility, family trips, stops en route
Cab / rideshare
2.5-3 hours
Rs 2,500-5,000
Comfort, door-to-door for groups
Quick answer: For most travellers, the KSRTC Airavat Volvo bus (Rs 260-300) from Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Stand) is the best combination of price, comfort, and convenience -- departures every 10-15 minutes during the day, no advance booking needed, clean AC coaches. Trains are slightly slower but more scenic. The Expressway drive is excellent for those with a car.
KSRTC Bus: The Most Popular Option
Karnataka's state transport corporation (KSRTC) operates a very high-frequency service between Bangalore and Mysore with several bus types:
Airavat (Volvo/Mercedes AC): The premium KSRTC service -- Rs 260-300, comfortable reclining seats, air-conditioned, reliable. Departs from Majestic (Kempegowda) Bus Stand and sometimes Satellite Bus Stand in Bangalore. Arrives at KSRTC Bus Stand, Mysore (near city centre). Frequency: every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.
Rajahamsa (Non-AC): Budget option at Rs 130. Non-AC coaches with push-back seats. Slower but significantly cheaper.
Karnataka Sarige (Express): Mid-range express service at Rs 180-200.
Booking: KSRTC Airavat buses rarely need advance booking for weekday travel -- just show up at the bus stand and board. For weekends and public holidays, especially around Mysore's Dasara festival (October), advance booking is strongly recommended via the KSRTC website (ksrtc.in) or app to avoid missing sold-out services.
Journey time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3.5 hours depending on traffic. The Mysore Road NH275 Expressway is generally smooth but Bangalore city traffic on the approach to and from the bus stand can add 30-45 minutes at rush hour.
Private Buses
Over 71 private operators run Bangalore to Mysore services, with fares starting from Rs 219 (Goibibo data, September 2026). Bus types range from basic non-AC seaters to AC Volvo multi-axle sleepers. Book via Redbus, MakeMyTrip, or Goibibo for the full range of operators. Popular boarding points in Bangalore include Silk Board, Madiwala, and Electronic City (convenient for those coming from the IT corridor in South Bangalore). Drop-off in Mysore at KSRTC Bus Stand or Columbia Asia Hospital area.
Train: Scenic and Comfortable
29 trains run daily between Bangalore City Junction (SBC) and Mysore Junction (MYS), covering the 142 km in approximately 2.5-3 hours. Key train options:
Chamundi Express (16215/16216): One of the most popular daily trains. Comfortable, good timings.
Kaveri Express (16021/16022): Another popular daily service with good AC availability.
Mysore-Bangalore Shatabdi Express (12007/12008): Fast, fully AC chair car service. Premium price but quickest and most comfortable option.
Passenger trains: Budget options from Rs 95 in 2nd class unreserved. Journey time can be longer (3+ hours) but very cheap for short day trips.
Ticket prices: From Rs 95 (2nd class unreserved), Rs 340 (Sleeper reserved), Rs 600 (3AC). Shatabdi Chair Car around Rs 465-520. Booking: Book via IRCTC. For popular morning trains, book 1-2 weeks ahead. Unreserved 2nd class tickets can be bought at the station on the day.
The Mysore train experience: The Bangalore-Mysore rail route passes through the fertile Mandya district with views of sugarcane fields and the Cauvery River valley -- considerably more scenic than the highway. The railway station in Mysore is one of India's most attractive -- a striking colonial-era building in neoclassical style, worth a photo even if you are heading straight out.
Driving the NH275 Expressway
The Bangalore-Mysore Expressway (National Highway 275) is a 6-lane access-controlled expressway, one of the best highways in South India. Distance: 142 km. Journey time: 2.5-3 hours door-to-door. Key details:
Toll: Approximately Rs 180-240 for a car (multiple toll plazas). FASTag (electronic toll) is effectively mandatory -- cash lanes are slow.
Rest stop: Kamath Bugle Rock and Kamath Dhaba near Maddur are the most popular highway stops -- excellent South Indian meals and clean restrooms.
Scenic alternate route: The old Mysore Road (via Kanakapura and Malavalli) is slower but more scenic if you want to explore Cauvery wildlife sanctuary and river viewpoints en route.
Traffic: Bangalore city exit can be slow on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. Once on the expressway, traffic is generally light.
Top Things to Do in Mysore
Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace): The third most visited monument in India after the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, and arguably India's most spectacular palace exterior. The Indo-Saracenic style palace gleams gold and green. Open daily 10 AM - 5:30 PM; Rs 200 adult entry. Every Sunday evening and on public holidays, the palace is illuminated by 97,000 light bulbs -- arrive after 7 PM for this extraordinary spectacle.
Chamundi Hill and Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: The sacred hill overlooking Mysore, topped by the Chamundeshwari temple dedicated to the patron goddess of Mysore royalty. The famous 1,000-step climb (free, 30-45 minutes) passes the giant Nandi bull statue midway. Alternatively, drive up in 20 minutes. Best at sunrise or sunset for views over the city.
Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens): One of India's oldest and best-maintained zoos, spread over 157 acres with excellent enclosures. Admission Rs 100 adult. Allow 2-3 hours. Famous for its tigers, white tigers, and giraffes.
Devaraja Market: Mysore's bustling century-old covered market, famous for fragrant jasmine garlands, silk, sandalwood products, and incense. The flower section is extraordinary in the morning. Free to wander.
Brindavan Gardens (KRS Dam): The illuminated terraced gardens at Krishnarajasagara Dam, 12 km from Mysore. The dancing fountains show runs in the evenings. Musical fountain shows timings: weekdays 6:30-7:30 PM, weekends 6:30-8 PM. Entry Rs 70 adults. Easily combined with a Mysore day trip by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
By train or KSRTC bus: 2.5-3.5 hours depending on service and traffic. By car on the NH275 Expressway: 2.5-3 hours door-to-door. The train is typically the most reliable time-wise as it avoids highway traffic variability.
Yes -- Mysore is one of South India's most rewarding day trips. Leaving Bangalore at 7-8 AM gives you a full day to see the Palace, Chamundi Hill, the Zoo, and Devaraja Market, returning by 8-9 PM. Mysore also deserves an overnight stay if you want to visit Brindavan Gardens, Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan's island fortress), and explore the city more slowly.
October (Dasara festival) is the most spectacular time -- the 10-day festival culminates in a grand procession with a decorated elephant carrying the golden throne, watched by millions. The Palace is especially magnificently lit during Dasara. Book accommodation months ahead for this period. Year-round, October to February offers the most pleasant weather (22-28 degrees C).
The main KSRTC buses depart from Kempegowda (Majestic) Bus Stand in central Bangalore -- Metro lines Purple and Green both stop at Majestic station. Some services also use Satellite Bus Stand (Kengeri area) and Bommasandra for South Bangalore pickup. Private buses board at various points including Madiwala, Silk Board, and Electronic City -- check your specific operator's boarding point when booking.
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