Table of Contents
⚡ Quick Answer
Chikmagalur is 245 km from Bangalore — roughly 6 to 7 hours by road on weekends. The best way to reach Chikmagalur is by self-drive car via NH75 through Hassan. There is no direct train to Chikmagalur town; the nearest stations are Kadur (40 km), Birur (37 km), and Hassan (51 km). The nearest airport is Mangalore International (113 km away).
📋 Already know how you’re getting there? Jump to our 4-day Chikmagalur itinerary to plan what happens once you arrive — where to stay, what to do each day, and how to get around once you’re there.
Getting to Chikmagalur is straightforward from Bangalore. Getting there efficiently — without arriving exhausted, without missing the best morning departure window, and with a clear plan for the last 50 km — is where most trips either start well or start badly.
This guide covers every route, every mode of transport, and the honest trade-offs between them. It also covers something most “how to reach” guides skip entirely: what to do once you arrive in Chikmagalur town, where most of the attractions are still 30 to 100 km away.
How to Reach Chikmagalur — At a Glance
| Mode | From | Distance | Travel Time | Cost (approx.) | Best For |
| Self-drive car | Bangalore | 245 km | 6–7 hrs (weekend) | ₹1,200–₹1,800 fuel | Most travellers |
| KSRTC Bus | Bangalore | 245 km | 6–7 hrs | ₹400–₹700 | Solo / budget |
| Private cab | Bangalore | 245 km | 6–7 hrs | ₹3,500–₹5,000 | Comfort, no driving |
| Train + taxi | Bangalore → Hassan | 185 km + 51 km | 4 hrs + 1.5 hrs | ₹300–₹600 + ₹800 taxi | Rarely worth it |
| Flight + drive | Any city → Mangalore | 113 km drive | 2.5–3 hrs drive | Varies by flight | Out-of-state visitors |
| Self-drive car | Mangalore | 113 km | 2.5–3 hrs | ₹600–₹900 fuel | Flying in visitors |
| Self-drive car | Mysore | 165 km | 3.5 hrs | ₹800–₹1,100 fuel | Multi-city trips |
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Road
Road is by far the best way to reach Chikmagalur — not just for convenience, but because it’s the only mode that gives you full freedom once you arrive. Nearly every major attraction requires your own vehicle or a hired jeep. Arriving by bus and trying to arrange transport on the spot works, but adds friction to every day of your trip.
Bangalore to Chikmagalur by Road
Distance: 245 km Realistic travel time: 5 hours on a weekday, 6 to 7 hours on a Friday evening or Saturday morning
The most important decision on this route is when you leave Bangalore, not which road you take. Leaving after 7 AM on a Saturday means sitting through Bangalore’s outer ring road traffic before you’ve even started the highway. A 5 AM or 5:30 AM departure clears the city in under 40 minutes and gets you into the Western Ghats in time for a proper morning.
The two route options:
Route 1 — NH75 via Hassan (Recommended) Bangalore → Nelamangala → Kunigal → Hassan → Chikmagalur
This is the standard route and the right choice for most travellers. NH75 is a four-lane highway for most of the distance to Hassan, well-maintained, with fuel stations and food stops at regular intervals. From Hassan to Chikmagalur, the road narrows but remains smooth. Total driving comfort: high.
Route 2 — Sakleshpur Ghat Road Bangalore → Nelamangala → Channarayapatna → Sakleshpur → Chikmagalur
This route is undeniably more scenic — the Sakleshpur ghat section winds through dense forest with coffee and cardamom estates on both sides. But it adds 45 to 60 minutes compared to NH75, the hairpin sections are genuinely difficult after dark or in monsoon, and it is not suitable for small hatchbacks with low ground clearance on the inner ghat portions.
Use the Sakleshpur route only if: you are driving a capable vehicle, travelling in daylight, and treating the drive itself as part of the experience. Never take this road on a wet monsoon night.
Fuel and rest stops on NH75:
- Nelamangala (35 km from Bangalore): last major fuel stop before the highway opens up; good for a quick chai break
- Kunigal (85 km): decent highway dhabas for breakfast if you left very early
- Hassan (185 km): best stop for a proper South Indian breakfast — idli, vada, filter coffee at a local restaurant rather than a highway chain
- No fuel anxiety after Hassan: stations available all the way to Chikmagalur town
One practical note: mobile data connectivity drops in the ghat sections between Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur. Download Google Maps offline for the Chikmagalur district before leaving Bangalore.
Road Trip Stops — Bangalore to Chikmagalur
The NH75 route passes within striking distance of some genuinely worthwhile stops. Adding one of these turns a functional drive into a proper first day of the trip.
Shravanabelagola — 50 km south of Hassan (30-minute detour off NH75) Home to the 18-metre monolithic statue of Gommateshwara, one of the largest freestanding stone sculptures in the world. The site is significant in Jain pilgrimage and takes about 90 minutes to visit properly. Worth doing if you’re travelling in the morning and don’t mind arriving in Chikmagalur by afternoon.
Hassan — 185 km from Bangalore (on-route, no detour) Hassan town has little to hold you long, but it’s the natural breakfast stop on the route and the junction point for Belur and Halebidu. If you want to add the Hoysala temples as a Day 1 cultural entry into your trip, turn off at Hassan and approach Chikmagalur from the west through Belur — it adds two hours but makes Day 1 feel genuinely full.
Belur and Halebidu — 38 km west of Hassan Two of the finest Hoysala temples in Karnataka, both within 16 km of each other. If your trip doesn’t include a dedicated temple day, stopping here on the way in is the practical solution. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours across both sites.
Mangalore to Chikmagalur by Road
Distance: 113 km Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours via Mudigere
This is the most relevant route for travellers flying into Mangalore from other Indian cities. The road from Mangalore passes through Mudigere — a small town in the heart of Karnataka’s coffee belt — and the drive through the Ghats from the coast into the hills is one of the better approach roads in the region. The landscape shifts from coastal palm to dense coffee estate within about 40 km of leaving Mangalore.
The road is mostly single-lane after Mudigere with some ghat sections — manageable for any vehicle, but slower than NH75. Plan for 3 hours rather than the optimistic 2.5 shown on maps.
Mysore to Chikmagalur by Road
Distance: 165 km Travel time: 3.5 hours via Hassan
A natural route for travellers combining Mysore and Chikmagalur in one trip. The Mysore–Hassan stretch is well-connected via SH17 and NH275, and Hassan functions as the natural midpoint stop. This combination — two to three days in Mysore followed by three to four days in Chikmagalur — is one of the most satisfying Karnataka road trip circuits, covering palace architecture, Hoysala temples, coffee hills, and western ghats trekking in a single trip.
Hassan to Chikmagalur
Distance: 51 km Travel time: 1 hour
The final leg for anyone arriving by train to Hassan railway station, or coming from Belur and Halebidu. The road is straightforward — SH57 connects Hassan to Chikmagalur town directly. One lane for most of the stretch but well-signed and in good condition.
From Other Major Cities
From Hyderabad Distance: approximately 630 km. Driving straight through is a 10 to 11-hour journey — not practical for a weekend trip. The better routing is to fly Hyderabad to Bangalore (1 hour) and drive from there, or fly Hyderabad to Mangalore (1.5 hours, limited frequency) and drive the 113 km. The overnight KSRTC or private bus from Hyderabad to Bangalore followed by a morning departure to Chikmagalur works for budget travellers.
From Chennai Distance: approximately 545 km. Again, a direct drive is not practical for most trips. Fly Chennai to Bangalore (1 hour, very frequent) and drive, or take the overnight Shatabdi or Intercity train to Bangalore and depart from there. The Chennai to Bangalore overnight bus followed by a same-day drive to Chikmagalur works but makes for a very long first day.
From Mumbai Flying to Mangalore (1.5 hours, daily flights) and driving the 113 km is the cleanest routing. Flying to Bangalore and driving is also practical. A direct drive from Mumbai (1,000+ km) is not viable for a Chikmagalur holiday.
From Goa Distance: approximately 350 km via NH66 and NH169. About 6 to 7 hours by road. A viable drive, passing through coastal Karnataka on the way. This is the only major city where a direct drive is genuinely practical without flying.
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Bus
KSRTC Buses from Bangalore
KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) operates daily services from Bangalore to Chikmagalur — the most reliable and affordable public transport option on this route.
Services available:
- Airavat Club Class (Volvo): The premium option. Recliner seats, AC, operates overnight and early morning. Recommended for anyone who wants to arrive rested.
- Rajahamsa (Semi-Sleeper AC): Mid-tier, comfortable for the journey length.
- Ordinary / Express: Significantly cheaper but slower, with more stops. Not recommended for a 245 km trip if you have options.
Departure points in Bangalore:
- Kempegowda Bus Terminal (Majestic) — main hub, most departures
- Shivajinagar Bus Stand — more convenient for east Bangalore residents
- Satellite Bus Stand (Mysore Road) — useful for those in west Bangalore
Journey time: 6 to 7 hours Ticket price: ₹400–₹700 depending on service class Booking: KSRTC website (ksrtc.in) or the KSRTC mobile app. Book at least 3 to 4 days ahead for weekends between October and January — seats fill quickly.
One honest note: The bus drops you at the Chikmagalur town bus stand. Almost no major attraction is within walking distance or auto-rickshaw range of the town. Factor in jeep hire costs from Day 1 — this is not a destination where arriving by bus and winging it works well without pre-planning.
Private Bus Operators from Bangalore
Several private operators run Bangalore to Chikmagalur services, particularly overnight sleeper buses that are popular with weekend travellers.
Reliable operators on this route include SRS Travels, VRL Travels, and Kallada Travels. Most private buses depart from pickup points along the Majestic–Marathahalli corridor and from designated stops in Koramangala, Indiranagar, and Whitefield — more convenient than going all the way to Majestic.
Price range: ₹500–₹900 for sleeper, ₹350–₹600 for seating. Booking: redBus is the most complete aggregator for this route
Private operators generally offer more pickup points than KSRTC but have less predictable punctuality. For overnight travel, KSRTC Airavat is often the safer choice.
Buses from Mangalore, Mysore, and Hassan
From Mangalore: Regular KSRTC and private buses operate to Chikmagalur. Journey time approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Multiple daily departures.
From Mysore: Buses operate via Hassan. Journey time approximately 4 to 4.5 hours with the Hassan connection. Less frequent than the Bangalore route — check the KSRTC schedule for current timings.
From Hassan: The most frequent connection to Chikmagalur town. Local buses run throughout the day, journey time about 1 to 1.5 hours. Useful if arriving by train to Hassan and continuing by public bus.
From Chennai and Hyderabad by Bus
There are no direct buses from Chennai or Hyderabad to Chikmagalur. The practical routing in both cases is an overnight bus to Bangalore (Majestic), then an onward KSRTC or private bus to Chikmagalur the next morning. Given the total travel time involved, flying to Bangalore and driving is almost always faster and only marginally more expensive.
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Train
This section needs an honest opening: there is no direct train to Chikmagalur town. The town does not have its own railway station. Every “train to Chikmagalur” option actually involves a train to a nearby junction followed by a taxi or bus for the last 37 to 51 km.
That said, the train is a legitimate option from certain cities — particularly for travellers who enjoy train journeys or are coming from cities with limited direct bus connectivity.
Nearest Railway Stations to Chikmagalur
| Station | Distance from Chikmagalur | Trains from Bangalore | Onward Transport |
| Birur Junction | 37 km | Yes (limited) | Taxi ₹700–₹900 |
| Kadur Junction | 40 km | Yes | Taxi ₹800–₹1,000 |
| Hassan Railway Station | 51 km | Yes (more options) | Taxi ₹1,200–₹1,500 or bus |
| Mangalore Central | 113 km | Yes (via Hassan) | Taxi ₹2,200–₹2,800 or bus |
Hassan is the most practical train station for reaching Chikmagalur. It has the most trains from Bangalore, better onward taxi availability, and if you’re willing to take a local bus, the Hassan–Chikmagalur connection is frequent and cheap.
Trains from Bangalore to Hassan / Kadur / Birur
Key trains on the Bangalore–Hassan–Mangalore route:
- Kaveri Express (16021): Bangalore City to Mangalore via Hassan and Kadur. Departs early morning, arrives Hassan mid-morning. Good timing for a day trip base.
- Basava Express (16535): Bangalore to Mangalore, stops at Hassan and Birur.
- Malabar Express (16605): Bangalore to Mangalore via Hassan. Evening departure from Bangalore.
- Island Express (16331): Connects to the Mangalore line with Hassan stops.
Train journey from Bangalore to Hassan: approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. From Hassan, add 1 to 1.5 hours taxi to Chikmagalur. Total door-to-door: 5 to 6 hours — similar to the bus, but with an extra coordination step.
For current schedules and seat availability, use the IRCTC website or the RailYatri or NTES apps.
Is the Train Worth It?
For most Bangalore-based travellers, the honest answer is no — the bus is faster (door to door), cheaper overall when you factor in the taxi from Hassan or Kadur, and drops you directly in Chikmagalur town without a transfer.
The train makes sense when:
- You’re travelling from a city with a direct train to Hassan or the Mangalore line (Mysore, Mangalore, some connections from Chennai or Mumbai)
- You genuinely prefer train travel and the taxi connection doesn’t bother you
- You’re combining Chikmagalur with a train trip to Mangalore or the Karnataka coast
The train does not make sense when:
- You’re coming from Bangalore and have the option of a direct KSRTC Airavat bus
- You’re travelling as a group — the per-person taxi cost from Hassan or Kadur eliminates the train’s cost advantage
- You’re on a tight schedule where the transfer adds unpredictability
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Flight
Nearest Airport to Chikmagalur
Mangalore International Airport (IXE) Distance from Chikmagalur: 113 km Drive time: 2.5 to 3 hours This is the closest airport to Chikmagalur and the best option for travellers flying in from outside Karnataka.
Mangalore has direct connections from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, and several Gulf cities. Flight frequency has increased significantly in recent years, making it a genuinely practical entry point for out-of-state visitors.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR) Distance from Chikmagalur: 265 km (airport to Chikmagalur town) Drive time: 5 to 6 hours from the airport More flight options from more cities, but a significantly longer onward drive. Best used when Mangalore has no suitable connection from your origin city.
Mysore Airport (MYQ) Limited to a handful of routes, primarily Bangalore and Chennai connections. Not a practical option for most Chikmagalur travellers.
Flying into Mangalore — What to Do Next
Mangalore airport is 12 km from the city centre and well-connected by taxi. From the airport to Chikmagalur, the options are:
Car rental from the airport: Several national operators (Zoomcar, Revv, Myles) have presence in Mangalore. Self-driving from Mangalore to Chikmagalur is an excellent option — the route through Mudigere is genuinely scenic and you arrive in Chikmagalur with your own vehicle for the duration of the trip. Book in advance; availability at the airport itself can be limited.
Pre-booked outstation cab: ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 for a one-way Mangalore airport to Chikmagalur cab. Operators like Savaari, MakeMyTrip cabs, and local Mangalore taxi services all run this route. Book at least a day ahead.
Ola/Uber from Mangalore: Available in the city but unreliable for outstation trips of this distance. Not recommended for a planned arrival.
The Mangalore to Chikmagalur drive via Mudigere passes through the heart of Karnataka’s coffee and cardamom belt — it’s a worthwhile approach in its own right, particularly in the early morning.
Flying into Bangalore — When It Makes Sense
If your origin city has no Mangalore connection, Bangalore is the practical alternative. From Kempegowda International Airport:
- Self-drive rental: Zoomcar, Revv, and Drivezy operate at BLR. Picking up a rental at the airport and driving straight to Chikmagalur avoids the city entirely if you leave before 7 AM via the NH75 western corridor.
- KSRTC bus from Bangalore city: Take a cab or metro from the airport to Majestic, then the KSRTC Airavat to Chikmagalur. Budget about 2 to 2.5 hours from BLR to Majestic depending on traffic.
Private cab from BLR to Chikmagalur: ₹4,500 to ₹6,500 for a direct airport-to-Chikmagalur cab. Convenient if you’re travelling as a group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct train from Bangalore to Chikmagalur?
A: No direct train runs to Chikmagalur town. The nearest stations are Birur Junction (37 km), Kadur Junction (40 km), and Hassan Railway Station (51 km). Trains from Bangalore reach Hassan in about 3.5 to 4 hours; from there, a taxi to Chikmagalur adds another 1 to 1.5 hours and ₹1,200–₹1,500. For most travellers, the direct KSRTC bus is faster and simpler overall.
Q: What is the best way to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore?
A: Self-driving via NH75 through Hassan is the best option for most travellers — it gives you full flexibility once you arrive, where almost every attraction requires a vehicle. Leave Bangalore by 5 to 6 AM on weekends. For those without a car, the KSRTC Airavat Volvo bus from Majestic is the next best option — book 3 to 4 days ahead for weekends.
Q: How far is Chikmagalur from Bangalore?
A: Chikmagalur is 245 km from Bangalore by the NH75 route via Hassan. The drive takes approximately 5 hours on a weekday and 6 to 7 hours on a Saturday or long weekend morning when Bangalore’s outgoing traffic is heavy. An early departure (5 to 6 AM) eliminates most of the city traffic delay.
Q: Which is the nearest airport to Chikmagalur?
A: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport, approximately 113 km from Chikmagalur town — about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore (BLR) is 265 km away, with more flight connections from more cities but a significantly longer onward drive.
Q: Can I reach Chikmagalur without a car?
A: Yes — the KSRTC Airavat bus from Bangalore is comfortable and reliable. However, once you arrive in Chikmagalur town, you will need a jeep or hired vehicle for almost every attraction. Arrange jeep hire in advance through your homestay, or negotiate with drivers at the town bus stand. Do not rely on Ola or Uber beyond the town limits.
Q: How long does the drive from Bangalore to Chikmagalur take?
A: On a weekday with an early start: approximately 5 hours. On a Friday evening or Saturday morning: 6 to 7 hours due to Bangalore exit traffic and weekend vehicle volume on NH75. The journey from Hassan to Chikmagalur (the last 60 km) typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours regardless of the day.
Q: Is the Sakleshpur route to Chikmagalur safe?
A: During daylight hours, in a capable vehicle, and in dry weather — yes, the Sakleshpur ghat route is safe and genuinely scenic. It is not recommended at night, during monsoon, or in a small low-clearance car. The hairpin sections require careful driving. For most travellers, NH75 via Hassan is the faster and more reliable choice.
Q: How do I get from Mangalore airport to Chikmagalur?
A: The best options are a pre-booked outstation cab (₹2,500–₹3,500, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours) or a self-drive rental car from the airport. Ola and Uber are available in Mangalore city but unreliable for the full airport-to-Chikmagalur distance. Book a cab in advance — on-the-spot arrangements at Mangalore airport are possible but limited on busy travel days.
Final Thoughts
The logistics of reaching Chikmagalur are genuinely straightforward once you understand one central fact: this is a destination that works best with your own wheels. Every other decision — which route, which departure time, which mode of transport — flows from whether you’re arriving in your own vehicle or not.
If you are: leave early, take NH75, stop in Hassan for breakfast, and consider the Hoysala temples as your entry point into the trip.
If you aren’t: book the KSRTC Airavat in advance, pre-arrange jeep hire through your accommodation, and build transport flexibility into each day’s plan.
Either way, the hills are worth the getting there.
Now that you know how to reach Chikmagalur, plan what happens next:
- Not sure when to go? Read our month-by-month guide on the best time to visit Chikmagalur — covering every season honestly, with crowd levels and what closes when.
- Ready to plan your days? Our 4-day Chikmagalur itinerary covers where to stay, how to get around once you’re there, and what each day should look like.
Coming for a weekend only? See our 3-day Chikmagalur guide with entry fees, jeep costs, and timings for every major attraction.